The Lighthouse at Volusia

Volume XXXIII • Issue iii • July, 2009

4931 South Peninsula Drive • Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127 www.ponceinlet.org • www.poncelighthousestore.org (386) 761-1821 • lighthouse@ponceinlet.org

From the 2 Executive Director 3 Events Calendar Regional History 4 Lighthouse Iron Feature Article The 6 Lighthouse at Volusia Bar Education 12 News Object of the Quarter Crosley radio 13 Volunteer News Lighthouses of the World 14 Metal Man Lighthouse Gift Shop 16 Features

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Ponce de Leon Inlet LighthousePonce de Preservation Leon Inlet Light StationAssociation, • July 2009 Inc. From the Executive Director The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association is dedicated to he Preservation Association held deteriorated much of the walls’ historic the preservation and dissemination of the T its third annual Volunteer Awards mortar joints. The team will address maritime and social history of the Ponce Banquet in March to honor the men this issue by removing the failed de Leon Inlet Light Station. and women who donated their time mortar, re-facing any damaged bricks, 2009 Board of Trustees and energy to the Lighthouse this past and re-pointing the walls with a special Robyn Hurd year. All of us at the Lighthouse are mortar formulated specifically for the President appreciative of knowledge, passion, Light Station. The replacement mortar Tami Lewis and excitement that our volunteers is designed to protect the bricks by Vice President Bill Merrell share with staff, students, and visitors. allowing moisture and salts to travel 2nd Vice President Their dedicated service is an invaluable naturally through its composition. Bob Riggio contribution to our ongoing effort to Special application techniques allow Treasurer Tony Girolami preserve and disseminate the maritime the new mortar to be artificially aged Secretary and social history of the Ponce de to the extent that is nearly impossible Wilda Hampton Leon Inlet Light Station. to distinguish original wall sections Trustee Emerita Cheryl Cunningham The Awards Banquet gave from newly re-pointed ones. Earl Davis staff the opportunity to thank the We are pleased to announce that Gladys Davis volunteers for all their hard work and the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Tara Lamb to recognize each of these dedicated has received the fourth and final Barbara LaVelle individuals for their many hours of installment of the Cycle 20 General Budd Solano selfless service. Their combined efforts Operating Support Grand awarded Advisory Committee contributed greatly to the Association’s for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The Ginger Bayer many successes this past year. We Association would like to convey Judy DiCarlo could not have done it without them. its sincere thanks to the Florida Edson Graham I encourage our readers to contact Department of State, and Division Judy Huggins Bob Callister at (386) 761-1821 ext. 18 of Historical Resources for their Diane LaMontagne Ellen Pagliarulo regarding present and future volunteer continued support of the Light Station Alan Redinger opportunities at the Lighthouse. through the Historic Museums Grants- The Light Station is published quarterly by the Ponce de Leon Restoration of the exterior brick in-Aid Program. This State funded Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. walls of the Gladys Meyer Davis program provided general operating Subscription is a benefit of membership in the Association. The Keeper’s dwelling was begun by the support funds to historic and cultural Light Station welcomes letters and comments from our readers. Association’s masonry restoration sites throughout Florida. Member: team in May. All members of the highly Thank you for your continued American Association of Museums skilled team were trained by Cathedral support and have a wonderful American Assoc. for State and Local History Stone and are fully certified in historic Florida Association of Museums summer. Florida Lighthouse Association masonry repair. The team includes Florida Trust for Historic Preservation maintenance department employees National Trust Forum Respectfully, U.S. Lighthouse Society Lonnie Arnold, Mike Bowen, and Ed Port Orange & South Daytona Chamber of Commerce Milano. Daytona Beach/Halifax Area 120 years of continuous exposure Chamber of Commerce Daytona Beach Area Attractions Association to Florida’s harsh coastal climate have ExecutiveEd Gunnlaugsson Director

Museum Staff Maintenance Gift Shop Upcoming Meetings: Ed Gunnlaugsson Lonnie Arnold Connie Bach Jul. 8, 2009 Budget Finance/Endowment Executive Director Al Barunas Gift Shop Manager Wednesday Fund Committee Meetings Mike Bennett David Bowen Scott Szeker Director of Operations Mike Bowen Assistant Gift Shop Manager Ann Caneer Jim Foley Donna Doan Jul. 20, 2009 Board of Trustees and Monday Executive Director Emerita Sam Hawthorne Eileen Gallagher Quarterly Membership Meeting Ellen Henry Bob McLean Fran Greene Curator Ed Milano Gail Harvey Aug 17, 2009 Board of Trustees Meeting Bob Callister Angelo Vigorito Charlene McLaughlin Monday Program Manager Valair Mitchell Taylor Van Auken L.H. Beaconette: Nelly Janet McSharry Sep. 21, 2009 Board of Trustees Meeting Administrative Asst. Jeanine Tatum Monday Tom Zane Bill Teasley Registrar Board of Trustees and membership meetings Janice Teasley are held in the Gift Shop Conference Room. Bethel Blais Members are encouraged to attend. HR/Bookkeeping

2 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Keeper Listing Events Calendar

Patrick & Debbie Pawling Corporate Hamilton, OH Lighthouse Events April–June 2009 Ernest C. & Margaret Rieth Lampists Ponce Inlet, FL Jul 3, 10, Canaveral Lens Demonstration Bahama House Bill VanHouten Learn about the Cape Canaveral 1st order Fresnel Daytona Beach, FL Warwick, NY lens and talk with the Old Lighthouse Keepers as Battelle Institute 17, 24 & 31 they perform weekly maintenance on the historic 2nd Assistant lens. All activities included with regular admission. Columbus, OH (Fri) 1:00 – 2:00 pm Berlin and Denys, Inc. Keepers No advance registration required. New Smyrna Beach, FL Bennett Brothers Construction John, Liston, & Virginia Great American Lighthouse Boondocks Restaurant Daytona Beach, FL Jul 15 (Wed) Wilbur by the Sea, FL Richard, Diane, & Sarah Boynton 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Artist Donna Elias to Visit Bright House Networks Exeter, NH Orlando, FL Kristine & John Bradley Ponce Inlet Lighthouse South Orange, NJ The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum Brochure Displays, Inc. Andrew, Heide, Celia, & Andy Carbone will host a special meet and greet with nationally Daytona Beach, FL Lynnfield, MA recognized watercolor artist Donna Elias. Ms. Elias Chad, Kelly, Teri, & Taylor Crumley is currently touring the country in celebration Brown & Brown, Inc. Long Grove, IL Daytona Beach, FL Robert & Mary Darge of the 20th anniversary of her renowned Great Caring Cleaners New Hudson, MI American Lighthouse Collection which includes Daytona Beach, FL Carolyn Day over 300 of America’s most beautiful beacons, Ponce Inlet, FL including the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. Darkhorse Design, Inc. Dr. G. Scott & Kristi Drumheller Nationally considered a top lighthouse DeLand & Longwood, FL; Boston, MA Ponce Inlet, FL artist, Ms. Elias has received numerous awards Frederick & Shirley Eckersen Daytona Beach Alexandria, VA for her paintings and tireless efforts to promote News Journal Dennis & Zackary Engel lighthouse preservation. She frequently donates Daytona Beach, FL Owatonna, MN her time and resources to lighthouse preservation Down the Hatch, Inc. Dr. C.W. & Gail C. Fain groups around the country and has officially been Holly Hill, FL Ponce Inlet, FL endorsed by U.S. Lighthouse Society for her work. Tammy Gentry Ms. Elias’ appearance at the Ponce Inlet Inlet Harbor, Inc. Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Art & Barbara Giles Donna Elias in her studio Lighthouse will include a select showing of her Daytona Beach, FL Great American Lighthouses Collection, including Racing’s North Turn Cliff & Kim Greene prints and original paintings. All work shown Ponce Inlet, FL Minnetonka, MN during the event will be available for purchase. The Raymond James Laurel Grotzinger net profits generated by this event will be donated Kalamazoo, MI & Associates Inc. Inlet Harbor Realty to the museum by the artist. We invite all our Ponce Inlet, FL Robyn, Mike, & Dusty Hurd readers to attend this very special event. Ponce Inlet, FL Principal Al, Paula, Michael, & Emily Jenkins Daytona Beach, FL (Fri) National Lighthouse Day Aug 7 Enjoy family-oriented workshops, activities and Keepers Dr. Herbert & Ruth Kerman 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Daytona Beach, FL demonstrations. See new lighthouse exhibits, and CasaGrande – L. Keith Steven Kover participate in turn of the century kid’s activities. Silver Spring, MD Daytona Beach Shores, FL Included with regular admission. No advance Bob & Diane LaMontagne PILH Volunteer Ponce Inlet, FL reservations required. Tony Girolami Jacquelyn Law Ponce Inlet, FL Oak Lawn, IL Lester & Tami Lewis (Fri) 9/11 Memorial Service Louise Nippert Sep 11 The public is invited to attend a memorial service Ponce Inlet, FL 8:30 am – 9:30 am Cincinnati, OH Donna Lough for the victims of 9-11 with a moment of silence Alan & Mary Ann Redinger Depew, NY at 8:46 a.m. Lighthouse grounds will remain open Ponce Inlet, FL Raymond & Stacey Mayernik until 9:30 to allow guests the opportunity to climb Ponce Inlet, FL Peggie & Victor E. McClellan the tower and tour the station at no charge. 1st Assistant Ponce Inlet, FL John McGowan Keepers Rockaway Park, NY 2009 Summer & Fall Lighthouse Hours Harvey & Connie Bach Ward & Terry Mead Ponce Inlet, FL Ormond Beach, FL Riverside Bank Normal Hours of Operation Charles, Michelle, Joey, Austin, & Sue Pesce John Cameron Port Orange, FL May 25, 2009– Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Daytona Beach, FL Philip A. Rhodes September 7, 2009 (last admission at 8:00 p.m.) Cheryl, Jim, & Shamus Ponce Inlet, FL Cunningham Robert, Margie, Robert, & Tony Riggio September 8, 2009– Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL (last admission at 5:00 p.m.) Diane Schamay May 30, 2010 Joe & Judy DiCarlo Ponce Inlet, FL Port Orange, FL Bob & Jan Shaw Michael, Lauren, & Lisa Elsberry Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Robert, Mary Ann, & Katie Shrum Janice, Dana, & Alain Fredey Gahanna, OH Newsletter Contributing Writers Oviedo, FL Robert & Mary Ruth Trump John L. & Patricia Ann La Belle Plymouth, IN Mike Bennett Bob Callister Ed Gunn Ponce Inlet, FL Lt. Col. William & Sandra Wester Ponce Inlet, FL Ellen Henry Tom Zane

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 3 Regional History Lighthouse Iron lthough available for centuries prior to for the sake of a few dollars. Cast iron offered A the Industrial Revolution, the widescale the Establishment the unique opportunity to use and commercial production of cast iron purchase a superior product at an economical did not occur until the late 18th century when price. the coke fired cupola blast furnace made mass Prefabricated offsite and easily assembled production of the ferrous metal possible for the by a small crew of workers, modular iron towers first time. Composed primarily offered a cheaper alternative of iron, carbon, and silicon, the to costlier masonry structures. manufacturing process of cast iron Additional benefits included ease has changed little over the years. of disassembly if the tower needed Iron ore is heated in a blast furnace to be moved and relocated due to with coke and limestone to a erosion or site closure. Standing 163 feet tall, the Cape Henry Lighthouse is temperature in excess of 1500°C. In 1844, Pleasanton the tallest cast iron lighthouse in the United States The process deoxidizes the iron authorized the construction and separates it from contaminates of the Nation’s first cast iron commonly referred to as slag. The lighthouse. Manufactured by the purified iron is poured into molds South Boston Iron Company, the made of sand or clay and allowed Long Island Head Lighthouse at to cool. Iron ore is mixed with coke the entrance to Boston Harbor Capable of being molded to and lime to produce cast iron was forged in three seven-foot almost any shape or size, cast iron in a cupola blast furnace sections. Tapering from twelve to offered both an economic and six feet in diameter and topped superior alternative to traditional with a thirteen foot lantern room, building materials of the time. the squat tower stood thirty-four The Phoenix Iron Works in Philadelphia, PA Used as building facades, cast- feet tall when fully assembled. iron was cheaper than stone or Future cast iron lighthouses Company in 1884, the lighthouse’s lantern room, brick and allowed ornate features would include the Brandywine watch room, and gallery deck are accessible via to be prefabricated from molds Shoals screw-pile Lighthouse a 204 step spiral staircase cast by Phoenix Iron in foundries. Cast iron beams, in 1850, Florida’s Reef Lights, Works at the time of construction. supports, and columns provided the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse All lighthouse components, be they greater strength and stability than in 1868, and the nation’s tallest masonry, glass, bronze, or iron, are subject to either wood or stone and were cast iron tower, the Cape Henry a host of destructive forces associated with a employed in a variety of structures Lighthouse, in 1881. marine coastal environment. How resistant a including factories, bridges, and Despite the many lighthouse was to these harsh caustic conditions towers. By the mid-1800s cast iron advantages of cast iron, masonry was dependent upon its overall design and had become a preferred material tower construction continued quality of maintenance. Reports filed through of architects the world over. throughout the 19th and early the years indicated that the facility remained The benefits of cast iron did Cast by the Philadelphia 20th centuries. Ranging from a few in good condition, with damaged woodwork not escape the notice of 19th based I.P. Morris Company dozen to over 160 feet in height, constituting the majority of repair requests. The in 1858, the Ship Shoal century engineers who recognized Lighthouse is a cast iron most masonry towers constructed tower’s railings, decking, stairs, and other cast its many advantages over traditional screw pile lighthouse located after 1840 featured a wide iron members experienced little deterioration masonry construction. It was off the coast of Louisiana variety of cast and wrought iron under the conscientious care of the lighthouse strong, light weight, corrosion components including gallery keepers. resistant, and when properly deck brackets, entryway The lighthouse remained in stable assembled, watertight. These pilasters, pediments, doors, condition until 1952, when automation of the were important factors to railings, beams, deck plates, light eliminated the need for resident keepers. consider when designing cornices, and prefabricated No longer manned on a full-time basis, the Light structures destined for the wet, lantern rooms. Station quickly fell into a state of disrepair. In corrosive, and geographically Completed in 1887, the 1970 the beacon itself was extinguished. Two isolated locations that typified Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is a years later the Light Station was declared surplus most light station sites. red brick tower capped with a property by the Coast Guard and rumors began The low cost of cast black lantern room. Described to circulate regarding demolition of the facility iron also appealed to Chief as the most beautiful and best itself. Superintendant of Lights proportioned tower in the Alarmed by the Light Station’s deteriorating Stephen Pleasanton. As the Sixth Lighthouse District, the condition, a group of concerned residents formed Fifth Auditor of the Treasury majestic lighthouse soars 175 the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation and holder of the Light House feet above the Florida coast Association in an effort to save the historic site. Establishment’s purse strings, and contains tons of cast and Acting on the Association’s behest, the Town of Pleasanton was notorious for wrought iron components. Ponce Inlet petitioned the Department of the

his restrictive fiscal policies The Long Island Head Lighthouse Forged by the Interior for ownership of the property with that routinely sacrificed quality was America’s first cast iron tower Philadelphia based I.P. Morris the understanding that the Association would

4 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station The Gallery Deck before corrosion is removed

The tower receives a new gallery deck in 1982 assume all fiscal and management responsibilities for the site. Officially transferred to the Town of Ponce Inlet on June 2, 1972, plans were quickly developed to address the worst areas of deterioration throughout the Light Station. This All iron work within the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse was The gallery deck and support brackets are cleaned and included the tower’s corroded iron work. fully restored in 2001 painted All ferrous metals corrode. However, due cast iron when its protective oxide film or applied The Preservation Association contracted to its high concentration of free graphite (3% coating is worn away. Additional causes of cast with H.I.S. Painting, Inc. in April, 2009, to to 4% by weight) and other unique compounds, iron failure include metal fatigue, overloading, complete the much needed work. Headquartered cast iron is far more resistant to corrosion than weathering, and faulty connection hardware. As in Titusville, FL, the company’s impressive resume steel or wrought iron. Commonly referred with all forms of deterioration, good preventive included launch facility work at Kennedy Space to as rust, corrosion is considered one of the maintenance practices coupled with routine Center and the exterior painting of the Cape most aggressive and damaging contributors to inspections can significantly limit the damaging Canaveral Lighthouse. lighthouse deterioration. Thoroughly addressed effects of corrosion to lighthouse iron work. The exposed metal was treated and a coat in the National Park Service’s Historic Lighthouse Deprived of proper maintenance for nearly of MCU Mio filled zinc primer was applied Preservation Handbook, the three most common twenty years, the Ponce Inlet Light Station was in followed by two coats of Alphatic finish. types of corrosion generally associated with cast a state of extreme disrepair when the Association Manufactured by Coroguard, MCU AlphaticFinish iron lighthouse components are: first took charge of the site. In 1982, nearly 100 is a single component water cured urethane Oxidation — A chemical process in which years after its completion, the designed specifically for areas oxygen atoms bond to iron forming a new Association conducted a partial where maximum color and compound called iron oxide. As with all forms restoration of the tower. The cast gloss retention or abrasion of corrosion, iron oxide weakens the chemical iron gallery deck, widow’s walk, resistance is required. It is the bonds within the metal itself, thus compromising and railings were replaced and same product used to treat and its physical integrity. much of the original interior iron protect the remainder of the Galvanic Corrosion — A form of work was cleaned and repainted. tower’s ironwork. electrochemical oxidation that occurs when In 2001 the tower Scheduling their activities electrons are shared between two dissimilar underwent a second, but far with Lighthouse staff to metals in the presence of an electrolyte. more extensive restoration that minimize the project’s impact Graphitization — The least common form included replacement of the on tower accessibility and of cast iron corrosion, graphitization occurs when widow’s walk, gallery support lighthouse visitation, H.I.S. the iron atoms within the cast iron oxidize with brackets, deck, railings and lantern employees worked around the little effect to the material’s graphite crystalline room glass. Additional work perimeter of the tower. Working structure. Graphitization leaves the component included the cleaning, repair, and H.I.S. employees paint the final two deck sections at a time, looking unchanged although it is structurally repainting of the tower’s interior deck section the entire operation required compromised by the loss of iron. and exterior walls, spiral staircase, repositioning of the stage on Corrosion can manifest itself in several windows, and upper rooms. eight separate occasions. Using a stage suspended ways. The most common forms include: uniform Nearly a decade later the tower still remained from the top of the tower, H.I.S. employees attack, pitting, selective attack, stress corrosion in excellent condition. Eight years of exposure examined the underside of the gallery deck cracking, and erosion. Uniform attack corrosion however had taken its toll on the tower’s exterior and its support brackets and began the tedious differs from selective attack in that the corrosion iron work. Attacked by rain, salt, and wind-blown task of grinding, sanding, and needling the iron spreads evenly over the surface of the former but sand, the cast iron’s protective finish had slowly back to non-corroded metal. The project took a unevenly over the surface of the latter. Pitting is a eroded away. Minor pitting, flaking, and surface little over three weeks to complete. The newly localized form of corrosion that appears as holes rust began to appear on the underside of the painted ironwork should be well protected from in the surface of the iron itself. Stress corrosion gallery deck and support brackets. Although the damaging effects of the salt air for many years cracking can occur when sections of iron work normally addressed with a little cleaning and a to come. that have been subjected to external stress are fresh coat of paint, the underside of the gallery Please visit the National Park Service online at exposed to a corrosive environment. deck could not be treated without specialized www.nps.gov/history/maritime/handbook.htm Erosion is a form of rust commonly found on equipment and training. to learn more about lighthouse preservation.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 5 Feature Article The Lighthouse at Volusia Bar he story of the lighthouse at Volusia was returned to Brock and began once again founded in 1883 and soon became a tourist Bar begins and ends with Florida’s to carry passengers, freight, and mail between favorite. DeBary-Baya boats included the T St. Johns River. Originating in the Jacksonville and Enterprise. Such mail routes George M. Bird, Fannie Dugan, Florence, Fellsmere Swamp southwest of Vero Beach, were extremely lucrative, and for semi- Rosa, the Anita, Frederick K. DeBary, the City the St. Johns is one of only a few weekly trips between of Sanford, Welaka, Volusia, and Magnolia. United States rivers that flow Palatka and Enterprise, The Magnolia was a large boat which carried north. The St. Johns is unique Brock was charging 250 people and slept 22. In 1889, the huge in that it flows north to empty the government $3,500 steamship company Clyde Line purchased into an ocean, the Atlantic at per year. The Dictator, the DeBary Line and expanded its services Jacksonville. Over 300 miles an impressively large even more. As tourists came to crave luxury, long, the St. Johns has been a cru- steamer owned by the DeBary Clyde Line built the passenger cial transportation route since Louis Coxetter, was also steamer City of Jacksonville which featured prehistoric times when native making regular trips electricity for the first time on the St. Johns. peoples used dugout canoes to along the same route, Also at the same time, iron hull construction travel its length. As Florida’s lon- and by 1875 the Brock began to replace wooden hull vessels. gest river, it was, and continues and Coxetter Lines had The Hubbard Hart Steamer Line carried to be, instrumental in the devel- merged in order to cover passengers on the St. Johns and made a tourist opment of the state. more territory. attraction out of the winter home of Harriet Steamboats came to During the post- Beecher Stowe in Mandarin. Her home was Jacksonville, Florida, for the first St. Johns River at Green Cove Civil War reconstruction easily visible to passing boats, and tourists time in 1827 and initially became Springs, State Archives of Florida period, magazines and were eager to catch a glimpse of the famous important as military vessels for newspapers began writer. Hubbard Hart also carried passengers exploration and for transporting reporting heavily on up the Ocklawaha River to Silver Springs, and troops and supplies during the the wonderful Florida Second Seminole War. Later, climate, the state’s these boats were used to fulfill abundance of open the conditions of the Indian grazing land and other Removal Act, carrying many agricultural resources, of Florida’s Native American plus the exotic sights population on the first part of awaiting winter their forced journey to lands tourists. Jacob Brock set aside in the West. In 1837, had constructed a large the United States Army ordered hotel at Enterprise, and nine steamboats to the St. hotels were developed Johns River to tow barges and Map of Florida, 1822 by other like-minded stimulate trade. citizens at Sanford and other landings along By 1840, the Sarah Spaulding was the St. Johns and its lakes. traveling from Jacksonville south to the The Debary-Baya Merchant Line was The City of Jacksonville, State Archives of Florida settlement of Enterprise on Lake Monroe. She was owned by an entrepreneur named Jacob Brock who provided the first large commercial steamboat service on the St. Johns. Brock developed Enterprise, turning it into both a tourist destination and the county seat. Brock’s service was interrupted when his steamer Darlington was captured by Union forces during the Civil War, and Brock was imprisoned, even though he was actually a Northerner. After the war, the Darlington Brock House Dock, State Archives of Florida

Military Post on the St. Johns, 1837, State Archives of Florida The Frederick DeBary, State Archives of Florida Clyde Line poster, State Archives of Florida

6 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Clyde Line Docks at Palatka, Florida, State Archives of Florida

St. Johns River near Hontoon Island, State Archives of The Santa Lucia stranded at Jupiter Inlet, Florida, State Florida Archives of Florida In its journey north from the headwaters Johns, new channels were dug to eliminate to Jacksonville, the St. Johns River undergoes passage through winding and narrow parts very little change in elevation. This, combined of the river. Work done on the St Johns began with a low velocity and low volume of water in 1883 and was completed in 1912. (This flow, caused the river to widen and even project was later continued, developing Hart Line’s Hiawatha, State Archives of Florida spread out into “lakes.” The river can be into today’s Intracoastal Waterway.) By 1885 influenced by ocean tides as far south as Lake these improvements, along with advances George and Lake Monroe, nearly 160 miles in steamer design, had shortened the travel from the river’s opening to the sea. Not only time considerably, and in October of that year are there numerous wide stretches in the a Clyde Line boat was reported to have gone river, but the river’s narrower channels are from Sanford to Jacksonville in an astounding filled with twists and turns. Narrow channels, twelve hours. narrow entrances to the lakes, changing tides, In the 1880s, approximately 85 and shifting sand bars all combined to make government navigational aids existed along the river a dangerous place to navigate. the river between Jacksonville and Lake The typical steamer of the day was a Monroe. The highest concentration of shallow draft vessel, often having two or these aids was near Jacksonville. At other three decks above the water line, making the locations along the river, the steamboat men boats very top-heavy and difficult to control had banded together to provide aids for in windy or stormy weather. It was easy themselves. enough for steamers to turn sideways and One particularly dangerous spot for the become grounded on bars or along the banks steamers was the Volusia Bar. Located on the of narrow, twisting channels. Once a boat ran river at the south end of Lake George near aground, the solution to the problem was to the settlement of Astor, the Volusia Bar was simply wait until the waters rose enough to described as being such a narrow spot that it refloat the boat. If this took too long, cargo was nearly impossible for steamboat men to and passengers would have to be removed navigate the entrance in the daytime, much until the boat was light enough to float out less after dark. of trouble. In one famous incident, the private yacht One passenger on the steamer Osceola Ambassadress found itself stuck on the Bar. reported that a wind caught the boat and The Ambassadress was the largest private turned it sideways in the river near Blue yacht afloat and was owned by William Astor, Springs. The boat had its bow stuck on the grandson of the first John Jacob Astor. one bank and its stern on the other so that William was one of the founders of the town “nothing got by but catfish.” In the early days that was originally called Manhattan and of steamboating, the trip from Jacksonville today bears the Astor name. Local tugs were down through Lake George to Lake Monroe hired to pull the yacht off the Bar, and when could take as much as six weeks due to these the bill arrived, William Astor believed he had navigational difficulties. been seriously overcharged. Hart Line Advertisement, State Archives of Florida Some navigational aids on the river Bitter about having to pay such a large bill, by 1873, 50,000 visitors per year were making were provided by the federal government, Astor had his own tug, the Seth Low, moved the trip. In the 1880s, about 50 steamers including jetties, range lights, and post lights to Lake George and ordered the captain to regularly made the Jacksonville-Sanford run, with kerosene lanterns. The Florida Coastline pull all vessels stuck on the Bar to freedom and many small boats were using the river Canal project began in 1881 with the at no charge. Dr. L’Engle, the owner of the as well. Important landings existed at Green intention of linking Jacksonville to Miami via local tug service, responded to this business Cove Springs, Palatka, Beresford, Deland, Blue an inland water route that would include most crisis by offering to purchase the Seth Low. Springs, Enterprise, Sanford, and Rockledge. of the St. Johns River. In some areas of the St. Mr. Astor is reported to have charged him an

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 7 Feature Article

exorbitant price for the tug and written “Dog that any beacons are required other than that The government did, however, erect Eat Dog” across the bottom of his bill. now there and therefore do not recommend a jetty at Volusia Bar in 1880. The top of For a number of years, the DeBary Line them. Should the Board determine upon this jetty was two feet below the water’s had paid a man to maintain a lighted beacon their erection, two dumb beacons to replace surface, and Peter C. Hains, the Engineer of at the Bar. In 1872, a petition by St. Johns the stake and beacon mentioned above and the Sixth District, suggested that a light at the steamer pilots was received in Washington one range dumb beacon would be all that end of the jetty be constructed as soon as requesting that the Lighthouse Establishment would be required.” the project was completed. His suggestion erect suitable beacons at Volusia Bar. The steamboat pilots’ petition had described a keeper’s dwelling with a light on A report concerning this petition was requested four suitable beacons on the west top to be constructed on wooden piles with made by the Light House Board’s Sixth side and one on the east side, a number outside fenders at a cost of about $6,000. The District Inspector, S. Norton, who apparently which seemed excessive to the Light House Inspector of the Sixth District wrote to the underestimated both the needs of the local Board and the request was denied. In a letter Light House Board in Washington in support population and the increasing amount of of May 18, 1872, the Light House Engineer of this suggestion, but once again the request traffic passing the through Lake George. His commented: was denied. letter to the Board stated: “The commerce of the St. Johns River In 1883, General Orville Babcock was in “Volusia Bar is about 90 miles by is not extensive above Lake George. From the Volusia Bar area preparing to construct water south of Jacksonville at the southern the best information I could gather from a first order light station at nearby Mosquito extremity of Lake George, latitude 29 degrees persons who are familiar with the subject, (modern-day Ponce) Inlet. Babcock met 05 min North, longitude 80 degrees 45 min there are only a few steamers that navigate with W.B. Watson of the DeBary Line West, and is formed at the entrance of the the river above Volusia Bar and those depend and encouraged Watson to write to his river to the lake at its head. The Bar which almost entirely for their support on local congressional representatives urging them extends entirely across the mouth of the traffic. This is mainly carried on in daytime to build a light at the Bar. Babcock had river is about 600 feet wide with a narrow and steamers on that part of the river seldom confided to Watson that this, rather than channel of about 100 feet wide across it, with run at night. For those that do, a light at this petitioning, would be the best way to achieve four feet of water at an average - often less place would be of some use, but I do not a light. Watson took the hint and wrote to - on it. This channel is marked by a stake on think the interests involved would justify the Senator Wilkinson Call. His letter included the west side of its entrance and a beacon government in establishing one. Moreover as the most recent petition from the steamboat on the east side, placed there by the pilots of there is only four feet of water on the bar, the pilots, and he stressed General Babcock’s the St. Johns River, and which seem to answer river at this point and above cannot properly agreement that not only a light but also a fog every present purpose. be considered navigable for ordinary vessels, bell should be installed on Volusia Bar. Call, From the most trustworthy information I and I do not conceive it to be the policy of who was always receptive to the needs of his could gather, there are but six small steamers the government to place lights in unnavigable constituents, wrote a letter in support of the navigating the River at this point and are very inland waters.” petition. seldom required to run at night, even when On May 25, 1876, another petition arrived. Shortly thereafter, a letter then went out the trade is at its best in winter. The very This petition thanked the government for from the Naval Secretary to the Secretary of small towns and settlements above this point some dredging of the channel and requested the Treasury concerning the Volusia Bar: depend almost altogether on local passenger that the entrance to Lake George at Volusia “For improvement of this channel trade which is not large at the best of times. In Bar be defined with stakes and the main the government has already expended consideration of the above facts I cannot see passage through the Bar be clearly marked. $10,500, and it is estimated by the Engineer the necessity of lighted beacons nor, as yet, This request was also denied. Department that $10,000 more will be needed to complete the work. The shores of the lake in this vicinity, being low, afford no prominent marks rendering it impossible in dark or foggy weather to make the entrance of the Saint Johns River with certainty or safety. It is estimated that the greater part of five counties, having a population of from 35,000-40,000, is mainly dependent upon the navigation of Volusia Bar for supplies. In view of these facts, the Board is of the opinion that a light should be established on Volusia Bar, the estimated cost of which is $5,000, and the recommendation is respectfully made that Congress be asked to make the necessary appropriation.” In March of 1883, the Light House Board’s Committee on Location finally agreed that a light station should be built on Volusia Bar, and Congress was duly petitioned for the needed funds. At about the same time, rumors began to circulate in Florida’s Volusia County about a possible official government light station. In a fairly remote area such as Steamboat landing at Green Cove Springs, Florida, State Archives of Florida Lake George, good employment was hard to

8 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Bar in advance of building the lighthouse. lanterns were on pilings and were so often In circumstances such as these, it was not pushed over by steamers that it was obvious unusual for local residents, such as E. E. Ropes, the light attendant’s home was truly in danger. to begin making claims to any land that the Smith had been told that the light attendant Light House Establishment might want. Over actually kept a gun and threatened to shoot the next few months, Ropes’ story began any captain who knocked down a light or to change, and he eventually wrote that he the house, since these were provided at the was actually acting as the agent for the true attendant’s own expense. (although unnamed) owner of the land in The report continued with a description question. of the surrounding land as a “malarious Research was conducted and the State of swamp of so bad a character that offensive Florida informed the federal government that odors from its stagnant waters and decaying the land was actually part of an old Spanish matter are often carried out over the water land grant and that claims to the land had been of the lake, and to live on or near the shore satisfied by the State in the past. Furthermore, would be considered little less than suicidal.” since the site in question was submerged at These conditions all contributed to the all stages of water, it was judged to be part of difficulty of finding a proper site for the new a navigable waterway and therefore already lighthouse, which Smith suggested should the property of the federal government. All be located as far from the main channel as other claims to the land were denied, and possible to avoid contact with out-of-control Letter reporting transfer of deed for site of Volusia Bar the Light House Board was granted title. As a steamboats and as far as possible from the Lighthouse, May 18, 1885 final statement on the Ropes claim, an 1885 nearby swampland to avoid the danger of come by, and local residents recognized that letter from Jared A. Smith, Engineer of the malaria. the Light House Establishment could provide Sixth Lighthouse District, to the Light House Jared Smith suggested that in addition a highly desirable situation for the right man. Board, pointed out that the land Ropes was to the main light which would guide vessels E.E. Ropes was a Union Army veteran claiming was actually on the east side, the over the bar, ordinary stake lights would from Massachusetts who settled in Astor, opposite side of the channel from where the also be necessary to guide the steamers. At Florida, after the Civil War. A real estate proposed lighthouse would be located. the very least, a pair of range lights would and loan broker, he had also served as As the title investigation was being be needed along with a light attendant to the local postmaster for a number of carried out, Major Jared Smith submitted maintain them, someone other than the years and was familiar with government plans for a screw pile lighthouse to be placed lighthouse keeper who would be too busy matters. In September of 1883, he began a on Volusia Bar. The lighthouse would consist with his own duties. correspondence concerning some property of a keeper’s dwelling with a lantern room In early February of 1885, B. P. Lamberton, he claimed to own near Volusia Bar in Lake on the roof. A machine driven fog bell would Inspector of the Sixth District, wrote to the George. also be included. Price for the lighthouse Chairman of the Light House Board sending Ropes claimed that his land had been and its construction, minus the fog bell and blueprints for the new lighthouse. He had occupied by one Benjamin Falaney. Falaney mechanism, would be $8,635. Money for the visited Volusia Bar and agreed that a main was being paid by the steamboat men to fog signal was to be drawn from a different light was needed there and suggested that tend post lanterns at the Bar. According appropriation specifically dedicated to the the range lights were also needed. Some of to Ropes, another light keeper named J. A. establishment of fog signals. the river steamers had 48-foot beams and McDonald had suggested that Falaney should On January 7, 1885, a letter from Jared would be trying to maneuver through a 75- construct a little house near the Volusia Bar Smith to the Chairman of the Light House foot opening. Lamberton wrote that the jetty in order to better tend the post lights. Board in Washington outlined the situation main light should have a visibility of at least This little house, Ropes wrote, was now on at Volusia Bar. By this time, the channel 12 miles in clear weather. Besides range his property and he considered Falaney to be between Lake George and the St. Johns River lights, he also suggested stake lights and the a squatter. He questioned why a Light House had been flanked by not one but two jetties construction of a narrow walkway out to Establishment employee had suggested that of riprap stone sunk into the sand and each the stake lights from the keeper’s dwelling. Falaney build the house on Ropes’ land. covered by about two feet of water. The He believed that the waters of Lake George Ropes’ letter was not well-received channel over the bar was between the two were too rough in a gale for a lone keeper to by the Light House Sixth District Inspector, parallel portions of the jetties, giving a clear maintain the stake lights by boat. since McDonald was not a Light House space of only 225 feet. Rows of pilings in In May, Jared Smith again wrote the Establishment employee, but rather worked groups of 3s had been placed between the for the DeBary Line. J. A. McDonald was jetties to confine steamers to a 75-foot-wide identified as also being an attorney. Ropes central channel. Steamers had slammed into stated that McDonald had threatened him these pilings so many times that most of the by saying that the government would get a pilings had disappeared and were currently court order for Benjamin Falaney to remain being replaced. on Ropes’ land in order to maintain the Smith also reported that five small Volusia Bar lights. Ropes demanded to know lights were maintained at the Bar by the what the government was planning to do at steamboat companies. A tiny keeper’s house Volusia Bar and asked for help in removing was located over the east jetty (the house Falaney from his property. built by Falaney?), and the keeper was in At the same time, the government was constant alarm that his living quarters would investigating titles to the land around Volusia be overturned by a runaway steamer. The Lake George on Florida’s St. Johns River, John Kunkel Small, State Archives of Florida

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 9 Feature Article

was replaced with a 5th order Fresnel lens in petition claimed that Barney Dillard was 1899. The nearby range lights were fixed red recommended by the general population lanterns. of the area and that Jeremiah Kelly was a Not only were men competing to drunk and not to be trusted. There were ten become the lighthouse keeper, but people signatures on the document. It was quickly were also attempting to get a portion of the countered by another petition, signed by money that was being paid to Jeremiah Kelly many more residents denying the claims that who had been appointed in 1889 to tend Kelly was a drunk and recommending him as the minor lights at Volusia Bar. Kelly, perhaps the best and most experienced man for the following the example of Benjamin Falaney, job. Kelly was able to regain his position and had built a small house for himself at Volusia served as the post light attendant until 1912. Bar for the sum of $150. Kelly’s real home The identities of all the men who served was in Emporia, a town five miles away, and a at Volusia Bar are not known. J. A. McDonald distance that was too far to be traveled twice was paid by the DeBary Line to keep at least each day to tend the lamps. some of the lights in 1883. Correspondence A man named L. N. Giddens arrived at the dating from 1886 identifies Benjamin Falaney door to Kelly’s little shack one day in 1892 as having kept the post lights for 20 years. In and ordered him out. Giddens had filed an May of 1889, Jeremiah Kelly became the light application for the land on which the house attendant for the post lights until 1912 when stood. Kelly responded by filing a protest in Frank B. Lansing took over to serve as both Volusia Bar Lighthouse in 1913, State Archives of Florida the court at Gainesville. Giddens knew that the post light and fog signal attendant until Kelly would find it nearly impossible to leave 1935. Light House Board urging them to put off his post as light tender to go to court, and The first keeper at the Volusia Bar shipment of the pre-fabricated lighthouse Giddens tried to get the county sheriff to Lighthouse was the unrecommended John components to Volusia Bar. Since Smith was arrest Kelly. In a letter from T. F. Drudy to the Kane, who served from 1886 to 1901. In also overseeing the construction of the light Light House Board, Giddens was identified 1902, John Lindquist, who had served at the station at Mosquito (Ponce) Inlet, he was as a con man who had engineered similar St. Augustine Light Station, became the keeper. quite familiar with the insects and the Florida schemes to claim land in the past, stating, He was transferred to the Mosquito (Ponce) heat. He suggested waiting until the cooler “The man Giddens is –I hear- a shyster which Inlet Light Station in 1905. In 1906, Charles fall months to begin construction. is always looking for swaps of this kind. I am W. Grimm became the keeper at Volusia Bar, As the fall of 1885 approached, Benjamin told this is the third case of this kind he has and he is known to have served until 1908. Falaney, the light attendant who had been been involved in.” Drudy asked the Board to In 1908, both the lantern and the fog accused of squatting on E. E. Ropes’ land, got intervene, pointing out that Kelly could not signal at the Volusia Bar Lighthouse were news that the Light House Establishment was leave his post to defend himself in court and deactivated. Several severe freezes had indeed going to construct a lighthouse on might also lose his job if he were arrested reduced agricultural shipping to a minimum, Volusia Bar. He wrote to an old friend asking and locked up by the sheriff. Unfortunately, and the expanding railroad system was him to intervene with Senator Wilkinson Call the resolution of this case is unknown. taking over most of the passenger and freight to help get him the position of lighthouse More upheaval arose in 1894 when needs in the area. Steamboat traffic on the St. keeper. His friend duly contacted Senator Jeremiah Kelly was replaced as the light Johns had greatly decreased and the Golden Call in what would be the opening of a attendant at Volusia Bar by a certain Mr. Age of Steamboating in Florida was over. The jousting match between men who wanted Dillard. Letters and petitions to the Light Clyde Line’s Osceola and City of Jacksonville the position. The keeper’s salary was House Board were exchanged. One were the last large passenger steamers recommended by B. P. Lamberton to be a handsome $600 per year. The range beacons, he wrote, should be considered as River Lights and be kept by a separate attendant at a rate of $30 per month, providing another attractive employment opportunity. Benjamin Falaney’s efforts to become the official lighthouse keeper at Volusia Bar did not fare well. Falaney was over 50 years of age and on that basis the Lighthouse Board wanted to reject him. Senator Call wrote another letter to the Secretary of the Treasury claiming that Falaney was as agile as a man of 25 and had many years of experience tending lights for the steamer lines. In 1886, Falaney was passed over in favor of a man named John Kane, who, according to another (and somewhat irate) letter from the Senator, had “never been recommended by anybody.” Originally housing a fixed 4th order Fresnel lens, the Volusia Bar Lighthouse was officially activated in 1886. The 4th order lens Volusia Bar Lighthouse, 1930s, State Archives of Florida

10 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station making the trip between Jacksonville and willing to talk about the incident also died the post and range lights which had been Sanford. The strength of the rear range light under mysterious circumstances and was converted from kerosene to electricity in at Volusia Bar was increased to compensate found floating in the river like Anderson. The 1935. for the discontinuation of the lighthouse, Anderson case was never solved. The Coast Guard finally deactivated the and at some point between 1908 and 1930, After Anderson’s death, the minor lights fog signal in 1943, and the old lighthouse was the lantern room was removed from the and fog signal were kept by J. Harnum Lucas. abandoned. The building served as a refuge lighthouse building. During the following summer, the fog for hunters, fishermen, and vagrants until it The loss of the fog signal was bell striker mechanism wore out and the was finally burned by vandals in 1974. The troublesome. After the discontinuation of the old thousand pound bell was replaced by pilings can still be seen above the lake’s light, Jeremiah Kelly was asked to move with two Wallace and Tiernan Type FA-55 trumpet surface. The range lights, now flashing white his family into the old lighthouse building, horns. One horn served as a backup. These rather than fixed red, and some of the other to better care for the range and post lights horns were powered by a battery system minor lights, still remain to guide pleasure at Volusia Bar. Kelly was concerned about identical to the one that was in use with boaters at Volusia Bar. the heavy fog on the lake, particularly in the winter months, and he voluntarily manned the thousand pound fog bell whenever possible. In 1912 and 1913, a series of letters went back and forth between W. M. Tupper, an official of the Clyde Steamship Line, and the Lighthouse Inspector of the Sixth District. Tupper described the amount of shipping still on the lake and the dangers experienced by captains in foggy weather. At first, the Light House Board was unresponsive to requests that the government reestablish the fog signal. The Clyde Line had been paying Jeremiah Kelly a small wage to keep the fog signal, a plan which the government saw no reason to change. Finally, a letter from Tupper listed the shipping lines and lumber businesses who were attempting to navigate Lake George without a fog signal, and the government agreed that the Volusia Bar fog signal should be officially reestablished with Jeremiah Kelly as the fog signal attendant. Kelly served as the light and fog signal attendant until at least 1935. By 1938, A. J. Anderson, 55, known to his neighbors as “Old Man Anderson”, was the fog signal attendant and the attendant for the minor lights as well. In the winter of 1938, local residents and boat pilots alike noticed that the lamps were not being lit. When they went to investigate the situation, Anderson’s body was found floating in the water. The lighthouse had been ransacked. Signs of a struggle were everywhere, and a trail of blood led from the bedroom to the porch and to the dock. According to newspaper reports, local residents had their suspicions about the death. A federal investigator was sent to help with the case. Since no family had come forward to claim the body, Anderson had been buried in a pauper’s grave in the nearby town of Deland. State Attorney Pat Sams obtained a court order to exhume the body which was examined at the grave by Dr. Theo Hahn. Anderson had not been shot or stabbed, but his neck was broken, by “causes unknown.” The lack of clear evidence ended the murder investigation. According to local residents, the one person in the community who was Ruins of the Volusia Bar Lighthouse

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 11 Object of the Quarter

broadcast a sporting event Crosley Radio in color. The team was, of Powel Crosley, Jr., was born in Cincinnati, course, the Cincinnati Reds. Ohio, on September 18, 1886. The very At the same time definition of the inventor-entrepreneur, he was venturing into Crosley was responsible for many firsts in radio manufacture and consumer products and in broadcasting. He broadcasting, Crosley was was the builder of Crosley automobiles, and also building his fortune eventually came to own the Cincinnati Reds by using another of his baseball team. inventions, direct mail Crosley was a late-bloomer. Never making marketing, to sell auto more than $50 per week, Crosley seemed an parts. He used his skills and unlikely candidate for success until his son growing fortune to create asked for a wireless radio that he the first compact could not afford. Inspired by his economy car, son’s request, Crosley built a radio the first auto radio, night baseball, Crosley models. It is called a regenerative of his own. soap operas, the fax machine, four receiver since whatever signal it picks up is Crosley perfected the low- different types of aircraft, and amplified by running through its two tubes cost crystal radio set and began to much, much more. again and again until the signal reaches its manufacture it for sale. Marketed In 1929, Powel Crosley built maximum strength. Light Station archives as the “Harko”, Crosley’s affordable a winter home for his family in contain a 1921 photograph in which a radio radio was a huge success that Bradenton, Florida, adjacent to the antenna tower can be seen near the north brought entertainment to the John Ringling estate. This home, side of the Principal Keeper’s dwelling. This masses. called Seagate, is on the National is an excellent indication that the keeper’s Venturing into broadcasting, Registry of Historic Places and is office, which had been added to the porch of Crosley founded his own radio operated as a conference center the dwelling in 1921, contained a radio similar station, WLW. At 500,000 watts, WLW -the and event venue by Manatee County. to this latest addition to our collection. The “Nation’s Station”- was the most powerful The Crosley radio in our collection Crosley radio can be seen in our new Keeper’s in the world. It would eventually become was donated by museum volunteer Allen Office exhibit in the Principal Keeper’s the first NBC affiliate and the first station to Bestwick. This little radio is one of the early Dwelling.

Education News

lanting a garden and nourishing a family “I met with him (Joel) about involving gardeners could not. with its harvest was a way of life for my students in a community outreach project. According to Lighthouse Museum curator P generations past. His group is at the groundbreaking stage for Ellen Henry, the soil at the Lighthouse was too Now it’s a learning experience for fourth- a community garden to help our community, salty and sandy for much to grow. It is her guess graders at Longstreet Elementary School. Only mainly providing vegetables to be donated that some herbs, squash, beans, and potatoes this garden will sprout in the shadow of the to single moms along with their other food did grow there. And in her archaeological Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. staples,” Lamb said. excavations she has come across evidence for A heritage garden - with crops lightkeeper Lamb’s original idea was to have her squash having been grown. families would have planted - will be tended students help Tippens raise money for an Most of the food consumed here came to as a collective effort by the students and irrigation system and the installation of a well at out of the river or from hunting expeditions or community gardener Joel Tippens, and will one of his community garden locations. When from canned goods (and sacks of necessaries become part of the Lighthouse educational Ed Gunn, executive director of the Ponce like flour, sugar, coffee, tea, beans) sent by the outreach program. Inlet Lighthouse, heard about the project, he Lighthouse Establishment. Students recently learned how to use immediately made available garden space at garden tools and strategize the planting and the Lighthouse to Lamb and all the fourth- tending of the Lighthouse garden. Most of the graders. students were unfamiliar with the tools and “It is really a win/win situation. The what a garden actually was. garden beds already exist here and we have an The incentive for the garden came after irrigation system. We will have the opportunity Tara Lamb, a fourth-grade teacher at Longstreet to interpret the history of the gardens here at Elementary, and a Board Member of the the Lighthouse,” Gunn said. Lighthouse Association got in touch with A consummate gardener, Tippens views Tippens, a good friend from high school. For planting a garden at the Lighthouse with a more than five years, Tippens, and his nonprofit sense of reverence, and even concedes he is a organization, Salt of the Earth Inc., have been little nervous. gathering volunteers and funding and scouring “There is so much history here at the local vacant lots to plant gardens to help feed Lighthouse. I view this as a model garden where the hungry. He has teamed with Halifax Urban we can all learn something,” Tippens said. Ministries, an organization that feeds the poor Tippens will have the advantage of and hungry locally. enriching the soil in ways that the original

12 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Volunteer News for 50 hours and more of service. Three volunteers reached new heights in hours eems as though the Ponce Inlet donated to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. S Lighthouse Volunteers have a motto,... John Mann and Allen Bestwick both be it ever so humble, there’s no place like reached 1,000 volunteer hours, and home...At least that was the impression Art Hahn led all volunteers with 1,253 everyone came away with on March 21 hours. In addition to their certificates, when the Preservation Association hosted all three gentlemen received a memorial its third annual Volunteer Awards Banquet brick to commemorate this impressive at the Lighthouse. achievement. The Gift Shop conference room was Replace paragraph 2 with this: “We (L to R) – Gerry Harris (417), Tommy Campbell (384), transformed into an Italian Bistro for the would like to thank all of our volunteers Jackie Mann (322), BC dinner with the help of Advisory Board for donating so much Volunteers also played an Member and Volunteer Judy DiCarlo, her of their personal time integral part in three recent husband Joe, and Administrative Assistant to the Lighthouse. Your events, Florida Lighthouse Taylor Van Auken. knowledge and enthusiasm Day on April 25, the visitation The highlight of the evening, besides for lighthouse history of the Nina and Pinta ships the delectable buffet catered by 100% benefits both the museum to Ponce Inlet during the Italian of Port Orange, was a night climb and its many visitors. The same week, and Girl Scout to the top of the Lighthouse. Taking in the Association would be Day on May 9. sweeping panoramic views, volunteers unable to achieve the level On Florida Lighthouse were given the opportunity to take a of success that it currently Day, sixteen multi-tasked closer look at the third order Fresnel lens enjoys without your volunteers ran ten different directing its beam 20 miles out to sea. invaluable assistance. Thank activities on the grounds Programs Manager Bob Callister (BC) you for your continued while also introducing the presented the volunteers with their awards service. new “the Keeper is In”, of certificates, pins, and other mementos Art Hahn exhibit to the public. The 1921 era office located on the porch of the Principal Keeper’s House contains period items that the keeper would have used. Be sure to stop by his office during your next Light Station visit. You may find him sitting behind his desk and looking for someone to talk with. Inlet Harbor Restaurant hosted two exciting vessels this past spring. Replicas of the historic Spanish ships the Nina (L to R) – Carroll Hamilton (250), Art White (259) and the Pinta, were moored alongside the restaurant’s riverside dock during the Top Row (L to R) - Joe DiCarlo (78), Tana White (70), last week of April. Lighthouse volunteers Joan Griffith (50), Tom Hellem (58), Judy DiCarlo talked with thousands of visitors during (70), Programs Mgr. Bob Callister; 2nd Row - Bonnie the week-long event including over 3,000 Egerton ( 84), Dawn White (63), Al Sepa (81) students and more than a hundred teachers. Volunteers manning the Lighthouse booth handed out brochures and talked with local students and area educators about the Light Station’s history and the Association’s many educational offerings. The 4th Annual Girl Scout Day brought 150 girl scouts to the Lighthouse to work on earning their lighthouse badges. Volunteers presented a fascinating Allen Bestwick and BC depiction of the history of the Lighthouse (L to R) – Hal Cokash (169), Mariann Elkowitz (145), Service, the families who kept it running, BC, Charlene McLaughlin (110), Theresa Helfrey (108) and their day to day activities. In many respects, this event is only made possible because of the volunteer effort. Much like the keepers of old who kept the Lighthouse beacon burning, our volunteers keep the light shining on the history of the Lighthouse. If you would like to join our family of volunteers, please contact Bob Callister: 386 761-1821, ext. 18 for more information. Full and part-time residents welcome. (L to R) – Jo Anne Hamilton (200), Sena Zane (228), BC, John Mann and BC Helen Magale (224), Jan Reece (200)

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 13 Thank You & Wish List

hanks to docent Allen Bestwick for his T continuing donations of expertise and objects. His latest donations are a 1920s Crosley commercial radio and a typewriter. Additional donations made this past quarter include an antique Monroe adding machine from Virginia Bennett and a battery telephone system from Jeanne Taylor. All four items can now be seen on display in the new Keeper’s Office Exhibit. Our thanks go also to Executive Director Emerita Ann Caneer, who has generously donated a number of antiques to help furnish the Keeper’s Office. These include a kitchen table which has become the keeper’s desk, a lawyer’s file cabinet from the early 1900s, and a Seth Thomas wall clock. To Michael Weeks of Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, goes a special thank you for the Aaron Wolk oversees repointing on building 5 donation of a log book and other documents and clippings belonging to his great Daytona Beach while under the command wide for their pioneering work in historic grandfather, “Dynamite Johnny” O’Brien. of another captain, Edward Murphy. masonry restoration, Cathedral Stone is one Dynamite Johnny, also known as Daredevil The Association would also like to of the leaders in the field. Newly certified Johnny, was a famous filibustering captain, thank Cathedral Stone of Hanover, Maryland staff included Lonnie Arnold and Mike taking arms and ammunition to Cuba prior for sending Aaron Wolk to the Light Station Bowen. Previously certified staff members to the Spanish American War. At various on May 11, 2009. Mr. Wolk trained and Ed Gunn, Mike Bennett, Ed Milano, and times he was captain of the Three Friends, certified many of the Association’s newest Ellen Henry also benefited from Mr. Wolk’s the Dauntless, and the Commodore. The maintenance employees in the use of the additional experience and tutelage. All Commodore was lost off the coast of company’s many products. Known world- training was provided free of charge.

Lighthouses of the World harbor and warned sailors of Ocean to Sligo Bay. The Oyster dangerous nearby rocks since Island Lighthouse, located a 1821. Commissioned by the quarter mile to the southeast widowed wife of a ship captain of the Metal Man serves as the Metal Man who perished nearby, the Metal second of these aids. Both lights Man Lighthouse was designed continue to operate as active Lighthouse by sculptor John Kirk. Another aids to navigation managed statue cast from the same mold by the Commissioners of Irish County Sligo, Ireland stands watch as a day beacon in Lights. the seaside town of Tramore on Tracing its roots to the ranslated from the Gaelic word Sligeach Ireland’s southeast coast. Vikings in the Ninth Century T or “Shelly River”, County Sligo on the Standing with an A.D., the County Sligo is the final northwest coast of Ireland is home to one of outstretched arm next to a resting place of the Twentieth the world’s most unique lighthouses. post mounted lantern, the Century poet and dramatist Located near the seaside village of Metal Man Lighthouse is one W.B. Yeats. Known as a driving Rosses Point, a twelve foot tall iron sailor of two range lights used by force behind the Irish Literary dressed in a blue hat, white pants, and dark mariners to navigate the narrow Revival, Yeats was also the blue jacket has marked the entrance to the channel connecting the Atlantic first Irishmen to be award the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. Although born in Dublin, Yeats spent most of his childhood in Sligo which he considered his “country of the heart”. Although once a major debarkation port for immigrants bound for the “New World” County Sligo has since become a favorite destination of pleasure boaters. The seaside town of Rosses Point still retains its strong fishing roots and is home to many vessels weighing up to 2,000 metric tons. Just as he has for nearly two centuries, the Metal Man Lighthouse will continue to guide those ships in and out of port for many years to come.

14 July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station 2nd Assistant Keeper ...... $100 Join the Ponce de Leon Inlet • All privileges of General or Family Membership • Recognition of your membership in the quarterly Lighthouse Preservation newsletters' 2nd Assistant Keeper List Association 1st Assistant Keeper ...... $200 • All privileges of 2nd Assistant Membership A general annual membership includes: • Two gift General Memberships • Free admission to the museum and lighthouse during • Recognition of your support in the quarterly regular hours of operation newsletters' 1st Assistant Keeper List • 10 percent discount in the museum gift shop and online store Principal Keeper ...... $500 • One subscription to The Light Station quarterly newsletter • All privileges of 1st Assistant Membership • Invitations to special events • A personalized guided tour of the Light Station • Volunteer opportunities • Recognition of your support in the quarterly newsletters' Principal Keeper List Membership categories: Corporate Lampist ...... $500 General ...... $20 • All privileges of General or Family Membership for up to five • The benefits listed above for one individual company principals • A personalized guided tour of the Light Station Senior ...... $10 • Use of the Light Station's conference room for one meeting. • All privileges of General Membership for one individual • Recognition of your companies support in the quarterly 62 years or older newsletters' Corporate Lampist List Student ...... $10 • All privileges of General Membership for one individual 12 years or older with a valid student identification Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charitable Organization Number and Disclaimer: Family ...... $40 • All privileges of General Membership for the immediate family Registration #: CH137 • Immediate family is limited to one or two adults and your children A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL under age 18. Grandchildren are not eligible. INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER • You will be issued one membership card for each parent, SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. and each card will list the names of your children. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR • Child under 12 must be accompanied by an adult RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ✁ Please complete the entire form to enroll, or join online at www poncelighthousestore. org. . For family memberships, list spouse/partner and all immediate children under eighteen years of age: Select type of membership: Spouse/Partner: ❑ General ...... $20 ❑ Senior ...... $10 Children: ❑ Student (submit copy of ID) ...... $10 ❑ Family ...... $40 (List any additional names on a separate sheet.) We will contact 1st Assistant Keeper, Principal Keeper or Corporate Lampist ❑ Gift Membership From: ______members to obtain gift membership and company principal information. ❑ Renewal Membership enclosed: $ ❑ 2nd Assistant Keeper ...... $100 Donation enclosed: $ ❑ 1st Assistant Keeper ...... $200 Total enclosed: $ ❑ Principal Keeper ...... $500 ❑ Corporate Lampist ...... $500 Please charge my: (check one)

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City: State: ZIP: Signature: Phone: ( ) – Or, make check payable to: E-mail: Ponce Inlet Lighthouse 4931 S. Peninsula Dr., Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 Office use only Begins______Ends______Thank You for Your Generous Support!

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • July 2009 15 Gift Shop

Long Sleeve Ponce Inlet Lighthouse T-Shirt

This wonderful long sleeve t-shirt features the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse printed on the left chest and a large 10.5” diameter oval logo of the historic lighthouse with the phrase “established eighteen eighty seven” on the back. This light comfortable shirt is perfect for the warm summer days when you want to go outside without getting burnt. Ladies Available in sizes small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large in either white or grey. Meridian Striped Item#: 4988 Tote Bag Price: $15.99 (small – x-large) $16.99 (xx-large) This beautiful striped tote with magnetic closure is perfect for travel, beach, or boat. Made of natural straw and lined with matching striped fabric. Zippered inner compartment Donna Elias Lighthouse Watercolor Print keeps your cell phone, cosmetics, and car keys secure. Measures 15” x 5” x 11”. Available in red/natural, black/ This beautiful watercolor painting of Florida Lighthouses by natural, & navy/natural. Please specify desired color when Donna Elias measures 19” x 26”. Each print is individual signed ordering. and numbered by the artist. Featured lighthouses include the Item #: 0685 Price: $19.99 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Meet the artist in the Gift Shop on July 15th from 10:00 to 4:00 Item #: 2186 Price: $60.99 Lighthouses of the East Coast Beach Bansemer’s Book of Florida Lighthouse Towel Written and illustrated by Roger Bansemer, this The perfect towel for lighthouse full-color, 144 page hardcover book features enthusiasts. Proudly proclaim your Florida’s thirty remaining lighthouses love for our Nation’s rich maritime depicted in over 200 paintings and history with this beautiful towel sketches. The perfect gift for measuring 30” x 60”. Image depicts lighthouse lovers everywhere. the lighthouses of the America’s Copyright 1999. East Coast including Ponce Inlet, Item #: 0562 Price: $29.95 Cape Canaveral, and many more. Item #: 2932 Price: $9.99

Cotton Aussie-Style Hat Framed Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Men and women will love this 100% cotton Aussie Hat with adjustable Water color chinstrap. This light comfortable hat will keep the sun out of your eyes and Declare your love stay on during even the windiest of of the Ponce Inlet days. Front of hat is Embroidered with Lighthouse with this the phrase “Property of Ponce Inlet 400 Permit beautiful framed print Lighthouse” and “1887”. Available in by renowned artist either blue/khaki, khaki/blue, or olive/ U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Donna Elias. The blue. Once size fits all. FL Daytona Beach, original 7” x 9” artwork Item #: 4138 Price: $13.99 Non-Profit Organization was produced in 1994 and depicts the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and First Assistant Keepers Dwelling in a blue and white driftwood frame measuring 11” x 13”. Item #: 2184 Price: $23.99

Pirate’s Adventure Bingo with Sound

Any pirate would love to own this entertaining version of an old favorite with sound. Fun for ages 3 – 103. Game includes an electronic Captain who calls out the orders, four bingo cards, and marker tokens. Includes two AAA batteries. Item #: 2187 Price: $15.99

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Gift Shop www.PonceLighthouseStore.org, and place orders by specializes in unique lighthouse and nautical themed phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 21. gifts for people of all ages. Our wide selection includes Please contact the Gift Shop at (386) 761-1821 clothing, house wares, toys, and collectibles including a or via email at [email protected] for more wide selection of Harbour Lights and other miniatures. information. Usual UPS shipping charges and a $4.00 Customers may also shop online at handling fee apply to all orders.

July 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Ponce Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Inc. Association, Preservation 4931 South Peninsula Drive Inlet, Florida Ponce 32127 (386) 761-1821 www.ponceinlet.org