This is an edited version of the second part of an interview with Dave and Lynn Waller, owners of Graves Lighthouse in outer Boston Harbor, a classic wave-swept granite tower on a barren, rocky ledge. The interview was first heard in May 2020 in episode 61.
One of the subjects discussed is the “Franklens” created by Dave Waller and friends — a first-order Fresnel lens made of spare panels from various Chance Brothers lenses. Also discussed are the observation of wildlife near Graves Ledge, the experience of changing weather and storms at such a dramatic location, the conversion of the oil house into living space, the many challenges of restoration in a place that’s often inaccessible, and the Wallers’ partnership with well-known Boston philanthropist Bobby Sager. Taking part in the interview along with Light Hearted host Jeremy D’Entremont is Bob Trapani, Jr., executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
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U.S. Lighthouse Society Historian Jeremy D’Entremont is the author of 24 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He is a past president of the American Lighthouse Foundation and founder of Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouses, and he has lectured and narrated cruises throughout the Northeast and in other regions. He is also the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s weekly podcast, “Light Hearted.” He can be emailed at Jeremy@uslhs.org