By Sue Clark on Jul 31, 2007 in News | Comments Off 
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News release from the American Lighthouse Foundation:
History is not always easy to see, touch or find. In fact, some of the most fascinating vestiges of our historic past manage to remain obscured by circumstances and time itself until one day they are discovered, often times in unsuspecting fashion.
A recent discovery at Maine’s Pemaquid Point Lighthouse by the contracting firm working with the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) this summer to restore the iconic beacon uncovered an item of historic interest previously unknown, a lost window on the east (or ocean) side of the tower’s base.
By Sue Clark on Jul 30, 2007 in Opinion | 2 Comments Print This Post
Well, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals) is at it again. As Matt Prescott of PETA indicated last week to Lighthouse-News, the intention on their part was to keep on trying for a lighthouse until they got one. Using a lighthouse as the base for their “Fish Empathy” project was a spur of the moment decision for their group. This time, PETA has sent letters of interest regarding New York Bay Lighthouses Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse, roughly 2.5 miles offshore from Great Kills Harbor on Staten Island and West Bank Lighthouse, which is 4.7 miles south of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, to serve as their base of operations for fishinghurts.com, and to put their “Fish Empathy” quilt on display. Both of these lighthouses are active aids to navigation.
By Sue Clark on Jul 29, 2007 in Lighthouses For Sale | Comments Off Print This Post
Lubec Channel Lighthouse, near the northeasternmost point of the United States in Maine, went on the auction block on July 20, with no bids so far. Opening bid is $10,000 dollars, and unlike Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse, where the current offer stands at $35,000, there appears to be no one bidding after nine days of the auction.
By Sue Clark on Jul 28, 2007 in Lighthouse Keeper Jobs | Comments Off Print This Post
Lighthouses in Vietnam are still manned by Lighthouse Guards and Vietnam News has a nice story about their keepers. The lighthouses in Vietnam were all built during the French colonization of the country, from the mid 1800s to 1941, and although a few have been replaces, most are now kept up by the government as historical monuments. Lighthouses were not seen as targets during the Vietnam War, and were thus spared major damage. On Hon Dau Island, fourteen lightkeepers take turns guarding the tower, and making sure the light operates rain or shine.
By Sue Clark on Jul 27, 2007 in Restoration | Comments Off Print This Post
St. Mary’s Lighthouse, in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, UK will be getting a fresh coat of paint on its 109 year old exterior, according to a story on the BBC News. Also included in the planned work is replacement of the glazing in the lantern room and electrical work. The North Tyneside Council is also looking at a master plan for St. Mary’s Island and its popular light in the future.
In September 2005, the Council took steps to protect this iconic lighthouse and island from unauthorized development and reaffirmed the island’s status as a conservation area. St Mary’s Island is renowned for its lighthouse, rocky landscape, causeway and wildlife. In early 2006, public access to the island was improved by the addition of a ramp.
By Sue Clark on Jul 24, 2007 in Opinion | Comments Off Print This Post
Lighthouse-News spoke with Matt Prescott, PETA representative, today regarding PETA’s letter of interest in Penfield Reef Lighthouse. It was confirmed by him, that the lighthouse has definitely been applied for, just under the wire for the deadline. According to Prescott, the decision to apply for a lighthouse was a spur of the moment thing, based on the fact that it would be perfect to spread the word on their fish empathy project. Why a lighthouse? “It would be perfect, with a lighthouse’s history of saving lives, to use it in honor of the billions of fish that have been harmed by man.”
History is not always easy to see, touch or find. In fact, some of the most fascinating vestiges of our historic past manage to remain obscured by circumstances and time itself until one day they are discovered, often times in unsuspecting fashion.
