East Brother Island Lighthouse (CA) is in jeopardy The still active East Brother Island Lighthouse, between San Francisco and San Pablo Bays, is Richmond’s oldest structure and has been operating for 147 years, since 1874. It’s also home to a truly unique non-profit bed and breakfast inn open to the public for overnighting and to… Continue reading Lighthouse News of the Week – April 16, 2021
Both of the lighthouses featured in this episode are celebrating their 150th anniversaries in 2021. Souter Lighthouse is on the northeast coast of England, in South Shields, Tyne and Wear. A lighthouse was much needed here because of dangerous reefs offshore. When the light went into operation on January 11, 1871, it was one of… Continue reading Light Hearted ep 113 – Kate Devlin, Souter Lighthouse, England; Judianne Point, Pomham Rocks, RI
Vent ball at top of St. Simons Island Lighthouse (GA) undergoes repair To the casual observer, the ball at the top of the 104-foot-tall St. Simons Island lighthouse appears ornamental, but it once vented a kerosene lamp. After 149 years, aged and weathered, the vent required the skills of some specially skilled repairmen. Click here… Continue reading Lighthouse News of the Week – April 9, 2021
The U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Board of Directors has selected 35 lighthouse organizations to receive $1,000 grants to assist them with their business operations in 2021, given the continued impact of the pandemic on visitation and traditional revenue sources. The Society received 82 applications, which was a significant increase from the 51 we received in 2020.… Continue reading 2021 USLHS grants go to 35 lighthouse organizations
Where was the southernmost light station operated by the United States? Most people would guess the Florida Keys or Hawaii. Lighthouse buffs might guess Navassa Island. Harbour Lights collectors might have the edge in guessing the Panama Canal, if they’re aware that the Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard were responsible for aids to navigation there… Continue reading Bright Ideas #13: Little Known Cape Mala Light Station
Angeli Perrow was born in Rockland on the Maine coast. Her grandfather was a lobsterman and her uncle fished the Grand Banks. As a child, Angeli delighted in exploring the beach with her grandmother, collecting shells and sea glass. She also started writing poems and stories when she was a child. Angeli taught elementary school… Continue reading Light Hearted ep 112 – Children’s book author Angeli Perrow
Cape Lookout Lighthouse (NC) closed for two years for repairs Cape Lookout Lighthouse in North Carolina will be closed for two years while repairs are made to the iconic structure, the National Park Service announced Friday. An inspection in February revealed serious safety concerns, including cracks in iron landing plates and separations between the iron… Continue reading Lighthouse News of the Week – April 2, 2021
The Mariners’ Museum and Park, home to the United States Lighthouse Society’s Wayne Wheeler Library, is pleased to present author Shona Riddell’s lecture, “Guiding Lights: The Extraordinary Lives of Lighthouse Women.” Shona will take you on a fascinating journey to some of the world’s most remote lighthouses, as well as to some not so far… Continue reading “Guiding Lights: The Extraordinary Lives of Lighthouse Women” – presentation by Shona Riddell on April 8
This new book begins with the plight of Edward Ward, a BBC correspondent, who, with his sound technician, was stranded in the Bishop Rock Lighthouse following a Christmas Day broadcast in 1946. Their departure was delayed for a month by raging storms. After being rescued, he wondered, “How on earth did they manage to build… Continue reading New book: “The Douglass Lighthouse Engineers: How Did They Build Them?”
A question that comes up now and then is, “Why were most lighthouses built round (conical or cylindrical) rather than square?” Here are some thoughts on that subject. The U.S. Lighthouse Society held a virtual tour event the other day, and the “why are most lighthouse round” question was asked by one of the participants.… Continue reading Why are most lighthouse round?
