Lighthouse News

Morris Island Lighthouse To Benefit

At last some nice news from the Banking Industry. Well, at least for lighthouse preservationists anyway. (James Island, SC) Branch Bank & Trust, which used to operate the sole island bank out of a grocery store, has built a new office to serve its customers. At the grand opening last week, the bank gave $500 to Save the Light, Inc., and pledged as much as $10,000 or more to help in phase two of the Morris Island Lighthouse restoration. Morris Island Lighthouse has been ravaged by waves and shipworms over the years and risked sinking into the Atlantic until Save the Light Inc. stepped up to save the tower, shown at left as it looked in 2006 before work began on the base.

Fight To Save Angel’s Gate Lighthouse

Years of storms and earthquakes have compromised the structural soundness of one of California’s most unusual lighthouse, Angel’s Gate at the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor. The Romanesque styled lighthouse, built in 1913, is at the end of a 9,250 foot long rock breakwater and is built on a 40 foot concrete foundation. Underneath its lovely exterior is a framework of steel, designed to withstand nature’s forces. And it has, up until now.

It’s always good to read of restoration efforts in these trying economic times, and the latest good news comes out of Florida. Carrabelle, Florida in fact. A replica of the lighthouse keepers quarters that used to grace the land next to the tall (103 ft.) iron and steel beacon will house a museum for lighthouse artifacts and other area memorabilia. The money for the project has been funded partly by the Franklin County Tourist Development Council.

Reviewing Its Navigational Necessity

Wow. Just in time for Halloween comes this scary news out of Coast Guard District Thirteen. They are currently soliciting comments and input from local mariners around Puget Sound, Washington, to determine the navigational necessity of Mukilteo Lighthouse, with an eye to possibly replacing its light with another beacon on the tower, the seawall, or nearby on the water. Or even shut it down completely. Mukilteo is one of the few lighthouses in the United States that beams its light on a 24 hour basis.

From the News Release dated October 30, 2008:

Plans Found in Vacated Former Commonwealth Building

Along with the Friends of Maatsuyker Island and Wildcare, Inc., Lighthouses of Australia has acquired at auction plans and drawings of several Australian lighthouses. The online auction, held by Leski Auctions in Melbourne, had a winning bid of $3750 AUD for the lot of early and important plans, maps and design featuring many of Australia’s earliest lighthouses. Many of the plans were designed, signed and drawn by James Johnstone Barnet (1827-1904), noted Australian architect who was also responsible for many of Australia’s Public Buildings. His biography (linked to his name) is an interesting read in itself.

Inspirational Story of Hope, Hard Work Makes New Canal Lighthouse A Winner

Louisiana lighthouse destroyed by Hurricane Katrina touches the public’s heart; earns top spot in JELD-WEN Windows & Doors’ restoration initiative

Released October 29, 2008 —

• New Canal Lighthouse, the winner of the JELD-WEN Reliable Lighthouse Restoration Initiative, was selected from a field of 12 worthy finalists and half a million votes.
• New Canal is widely considered the nation’s most endangered lighthouse.*
• The lighthouse will receive a major window and door donation as part of its inspirational rebuilding effort.

Long Running Dispute Over Access

Point San Luis Lighthouse is one of the most inaccessible lighthouses in the US. But not because of its isolation. The trail that leads to it crosses private property owned by Pacific Gas and Electric, and visitors to the site and the utility company have been at odds about access for years. Well, that may change in the near future, as plans are underway to realign 1,000 feet of the Pecho Coast Trail to avoid going near the secured nuclear power plant. All hikes must currently be led by docents to prevent people from going on the site. Lighthouse News has previously written about this issue originally in July 2007 and again in August 2007.