The Beam Journal of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Inc. www.njlhs.org IN QUEST OF THE KEEPERS Rich & Elinor Veit The restoration of Absecon Lighthouse started house Service shortly after Absecon Lighthouse with a Historic Structure Report. This massive was established as an aide to navigation. John document listed six men who served as light- Nixon stayed on and became the third principal house keepers. However, it also said that there keeper at Absecon. Later Daniel Albertson and were always three keepers at the light station. It Frank Adams, who were brothers-in-law, served was this information, or rather a lack of complete at the same time as assistant keepers. Our re- information, that stirred our curiosity. It set us search found that 26 men and one woman served out on a quest to rebuild the history of the light- as keepers of the lighthouse. The lone woman house keepers to go along with the history of lighthouse keeper was the wife of Abraham Wolf, the lighthouse. principal keeper at that time. Our pursuit took us to quite a number of research At the Heritage Center we also found a treasure facilities. We started with the National Archives trove of photographs of Absecon lighthouse, in Washington, D.C. On microfilm we found the but pictures of only four keepers and none of assignments of the keepers and the dates they their family members. There seems to be an end- served at Absecon, where they came from if they less supply of photographs of the lighthouse, were previously in the Lighthouse Service and but very few of the keepers and their families. where they went when they were transferred. Some died while employed as keepers. Others Our next stop was the Atlantic City Library. There we used the Atlantic City Directories to back up were removed from their posts. All of this is docu- mented. At the National Archives in College Park, what we had researched earlier. We also found Maryland we found what may be the oldest pho- old newspapers on microfilm and located the tograph of Absecon Lighthouse. It was taken obituaries of the some of the keepers and their family members. Also, at the library there is a file before the lighthouse was painted. of newspaper clippings about the lighthouse, its At the New Jersey State Archives we used both keepers and happenings at the lighthouse over the Federal Census records and the New Jersey the years. The library also has some photographs Census records. These records provided infor- of the lighthouse, but none of the keepers or mation not only on the keepers, but on their fam- their families. ily members as well. Judging by the ages of the Rewarding as this research is, our greatest plea- children in the census records, we were able to determine if they were born at the lighthouse. sure comes when descendants of the keepers The State Archives also has the birth certificates, contact us. A number of them have visited the lighthouse. A few have sent e-mails. Sometimes marriage records and death registrations for people living in New Jersey. These records, they are seeking information. Sometimes they though often incomplete, are very helpful. We give us information that we do not have. Several years ago the granddaughter and great grand- learned that at least 11 children were born at the lighthouse. Seven keepers or their wives and one daughter of Frank Adams stopped at the light- premature baby died there. One keeper was mar- house seeking information. We were happy to share what documents ried during his time of service and at least three children of keepers were married while living at we had with them. They the lighthouse. in return gave us infor- mation and a photo- The earliest keepers were local men. In the Atlan- graph of Frank Adam’s tic Heritage Center (our local historical society) daughter, Lois, stand- we located family genealogies and learned that ing in front of the the first three keepers were related. Daniel Scull, keeper’s house. the first principal keeper, was married to Leah Ann Somers. Her brother James Somers was an Lois Adams, daughter of Frank Adams in assistant keeper and the other assistant keeper, front of the keeper’s John Nixon, was married to Caroline Somers, sis- house - 1915 ter to James and Leah Ann. James left the Light- Continued on Page 2

Number 74 The Beam December 2008 Wow…another year has flown right by!!! LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT From Soon we will be changing the calendar from 2008 Well the month of October was another busy month for Lighthouse to 2009, and with that comes many changes in the events. NJLHS. And I believe that change is good, Editor’’’ s change is refreshing...change is exciting! On Saturday October 11, the Barnegat Lighthouse celebrated 150 years and NJLHS was invited to assist and participate in the celebra- One change (near and dear to my heart) is that I Desk... tion. Several of NJLHS members volunteered to assist in the celebra- will be handing the reigns of Editor of The Beam Mary Beth tion. Besides Bill Volpe and Brett Franks giving two of the key lec- over to Mike Boucher. Mike’s done an outstand- Doherty tures, we had Bob Gleason and Cindy Mitzen in the tower, Mary ing job the past few years as Beam Designer— Catherine Kennedy, Linda Gleason, Sheila Hines, Debbie Megonigal his dedication, ideas, and creativity were evi- and Marty Hudspeth covering our Outreach exhibit and handing dent in every issue. I know the newsletter will be in good hands. out membership and Challenge brochures. NJLHS was very visible I’ve had a wonderful experience as Editor and look forward to serv- at this event. It was an honor to be associated with them all. ing NJLHS in other capacities. The following weekend of course was the Challenge, and the num- Have a wonderful, healthy holiday season…and see you in 2009! bers are featrued later in the newsletter. Another reason to be proud of this organization and its volunteers. What a way to finish my tenure as a member of the Board, Programs Chair and President! I am The Beam, the official journal of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Inc., very proud to be a part of it. is published quarterly, March, June, September and December. Membership dues are $20.00 single and $25.00 family, and are for the calendar year. Back To all the members of the NJLHS, I want to thank you for 15 years of issues are available free for members joining mid-year. All materials are wonderful people and beautiful lighthouses. Good luck to the new copyrighted and cannot be borrowed or reproduced without permission of Board of Directors and may I wish all of you, members and Board a the New Jersey Lighthouse Society. The NJLHS - New Jersey Lighthouse very Happy Holiday Season and New Year. Society, Inc., is a non-profit educational corporation (501c3).

OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS Yvonne M. Thies, President President Yvonne Miller Thies (609) 654-2585 1st Vice President Mary Beth Doherty (973) 966-5573 In Quest of the Keeper 2nd Vice President Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 Continued from Page 1 Recording Secty. Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 Corresponding Secty. Jayne Swope (856) 468-2561 Recently the great-grandson of Knud Treasurer Debbie Megonigal (609) 268-0779 Hanson, the last principal keeper at Absecon, Board Member Tom Laverty (732) 872-2966 was doing family research at his home in Cali- Board Member Doreen Berson (732) 202-7420 fornia. He sent his stepmother, who lives in Board Member Cindy Mitzen (908) 281-6879 Florida, a copy of some family pictures and Board Member Jim Cope (609) 587-6266 asked what she knew about his family. She Board Member Marion Hudspeth (609) 877-1393 found the New Jersey Lighthouse Society’s COMMITTEES website and forwarded the photographs to The Society. The Society sent them to us. Archivist Elinor Veit (609) 652-1876 The photograph of Hanson at the top of the Challenge Co-Chair Doreen Berson (732) 202-7420 lighthouse is dated 1925.We continue to be Challenge Co-Chair Laura Portée (908) 222-0107 in contact with the Hanson family. Comm. Outreach Chair Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 Knud Hanson on the Educational Outreach Bill Volpe (732) 846-2196 watch gallery of Absecon Lighthouse - We sometimes compare our research efforts Historian Jack Slavin (856) 251-0174 1925 to putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle. Hospitality Chair Martha Brown (609) 877-0134 However, not all of the pieces are in the same Membership Chair Mary Beth Doherty (973) 966-5573 box. The answers we are seeking are spread throughout the country. Preservation Chair Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 Program Chair Vacant We may never complete this puzzle, but we are getting closer. Publicity Chair Betty Smith (856) 546-7810 Sandy Hook Coord. Al Smith (856) 546-7810 LIGHTSHIP STORY The Beam Editor Mary Beth Doherty (973) 966-5573 Mike Boucher’s story on lightships in the last Beam has attracted The Beam Designer Mike Boucher (845) 787-4807 Ways & Means Marion Hudspeth (609) 877-1393 attention outside of the NJLHS. First the U. S. Lighthouse Society Webmaster Howard Wright (908) 725-9782 asked permission to put the story and photos on their web page in the lightship section. Their website is http://www.uslhs.org/. Sec- NJLHS Web Site: http://www.njlhs.org ondly, the Chesapeake Chapter of the U. S. Lighthouse Society, at NJLHS Email address: [email protected] the suggestion of Ron Mulligan, has donated the book: United States The BEAM Email address: [email protected] Lighthouse Service Tenders 1840-1939, written by Douglas Peterson, NJLHS Announcements: (856) 546-0514 USCG (Ret) to the New Jersey Lighthouse Society. The book came from the collection of the late Carole Reily. The 169 page book is Society Address: packed with the history and photos of just about every lighthouse NJLHS, Inc. service tender. These tenders were responsible for supplying the P O Box 332 lighthouses of America and maintaining all the aids to navigation. Navesink, NJ 07752-0332

Page 2 The Beam OCTOBER FLAGPOLE REDEDICATION 1893 Event Marked Official Start of Pledge of Allegiance in the U.S. Margaret Carlsen, Curator Twin Lights State Historic Site (Highlands, NJ — September 20, 2008) “I In his two-year effort to achieve this goal, “This was the pledge allegiance to the flag...” On April 25th, he joined forces with a highly respected and most elaborate 1893, these words were uttered as the nation’s popular magazine called The Youth’s Com- patriotic event official Pledge of Allegiance for the very first panion. The magazine first published the on the East time. The site was the Navesink Light Sta- pledge, which was authored by Francis Coast during tion—better known today as the Twin Bellamy, in July of 1892. Using The the 1890s, and Lights—and the occasion was the most ea- Companion’s considerable influence with probably the gerly anticipated Flag Raising Ceremony in the nation’s public schools—and capitaliz- largest prior to American history. ing on the rising tide of patriotism in the run- the tall ships in up to the Chicago World’s Fair—the 1976,” says On an overcast day overlooking the Atlan- publisher’s nephew, James Bailey Upham, Carlsen, who tic, a robust crowd peppered with national was able to introduce the American flag adds that a new and local dignitaries watched the stars and

along with the pledge itself into countless video being Photo by Betty Ulicki stripes ascend to the classrooms. produced for top of the “Liberty The battle flag from the USS the Twin Lights New Jersey flutters proudly Pole,” an impossibly At the Twin Lights event in the Spring of will focus on its from the Twin Lights’ massive 135-foot flag- 1893, Upham was one of the featured speak- role in the his- refurbished flagpole pole that seemed to ers. An organization he had recently started, tory and popular culture of America. dwarf the flanking the Lyceum League, furnished the Twin light towers by a fac- Lights with flags of many nations, which were tor of two. A review of displayed around the grounds during the TOMS RIVER COMMUNITY naval vessels from all event. Another speaker, John Winfield Scott, Photo by twin-lights.org OUTREACH Success! After more over the world, in- used the dramatic location of the Twin Lights Marty Hudspeth than 2 months away vited by President to add gravity to the proceedings. On August 30, 2008, Community Outreach from its home, the Grover Cleveland, Twin Lights flagpole and Ways & Means attended an outreach filled the horizon as it “Our fathers,” proclaimed Scott, “following is back in business put on by the Ocean County Historical joined the U.S. Navy in the great procession which Hudson led into yonder gateway, saw this hill—big with Society’s “Old Time Antiques and in providing a glori- Collectables Faire.” It took place in the ous backdrop to the proceedings. promise, smiling with hope—rise from the waters.” Hadley Ave. Parking Garage in downtown On October 18, 2008, a somewhat more mod- Toms River, NJ— which was a unique place The first flag to climb the Liberty Pole was est gathering is scheduled for the rededicat- for a fair. In at- ion of another historic flagpole with a long considered one of the nation’s greatest trea- tendance were history at the Twin Lights. After several sures. It was a replica of the flag shot off of Marty John Paul Jones’s ship, the Bon Homme Ri- months of refurbishing and restoration, the Hudspeth, Twin Lights flagpole will return to the spot chard, during a critical battle with the Royal Sheila Hines, where it has stood for more than a century. Navy on the other side of the Atlantic in and Faith 1779. Amidst the flying cannonballs a Lieu- Work on the Twin Lights flagpole was re- Giamboi (see cently completed by the Hans Pederson & tenant Stafford leaped into the sea and re- photo on right). Sons Boatyard in Keyport. It was returned covered the flag. The flag run up the Liberty Pole in 1893 was the one presented to Stafford A lady came to to its home atop the Twin Lights Museum our table wearing a lighthouse sweater. Sheila central structure on September 11, 2008. by Congress for his heroic action. A descen- dant of Stafford’s was present at the Twin told her she liked her it and we started talk- “The 1893 event was dreamed up two years Lights ceremony, as was the wife of Vice ing to her—she was 84 years young Marjorie earlier by a Newark businessman named Wil- President Stevenson. She raised the cher- Rider Currie and her grandson Roy Rider. liam Osborne McDowell,” explains Twin ished artifact. Mrs. Currie went on to tell about her father, Lights Curator Margaret Carlsen. “In antici- Paul Rider, and the family’s association with Offshore, the Miantonomoh saluted this mo- pation of the 400th anniversary of the dis- Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. He photo- covery of America by Christopher Colum- ment with a thundering report of its guns. graphed the pictures of Tucker’s Island bus and the Columbian Exposition in Chi- The monitor-class ship was the last of its Lighthouse falling into the sea. Mrs. Currie kind, a piece of floating history dating back cago, McDowell wanted to erect a flagpole and her grandson had a wealth of informa- of unusual height at the highest point of land to the Civil War. The Jones flag was then tion about Tucker’s Island Lighthouse and on the Atlantic coast in the continental lowered and replaced by a large American they were very interesting to talk to, as are flag. The Pledge of Allegiance recitation fol- United States. That’s where the Twin Lights many people we meet at the outreaches. entered the equation.” lowed. Come, join us in these outreaches for a very McDowell, the founder of Sons of the Ameri- At the end of the day, the flotilla of ships rewarding experience and help us spread the swung around Sandy Hook and anchored in can Revolution, wanted the Liberty Pole to works pf the NJLHS. Contact Anthony be the first sight to greet immigrants and trav- the bay. The multinational fleet exchanged Albence at [email protected] elers as they approached New York harbor. shots with the big guns at Ft. Hancock on Sandy Hook.

The Beam Page 3 BARNEGAT LIGHTHOUSE KICKS OFF 150th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Brett Franks - Photos by Marty Hudspeth Saturday October 11th was a busy day for ing to know about could there really be that many people who the ‘Grand Old Man of the Breakers’. A NJLHS and the Chal- wanted to hear about lighthouse lenses? It multitude of people from all over the region lenge event taking had to be another sign that our Outreach headed to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park place next week. I’m and Speaker’s Community Programs were for a day of celebration commemorating the not sure how many truly stirring the interest of lighthouse ad- sesquicentennial of the state’s most recog- brochures she hand- mirers across the area. They were respon- nized lighthouse. On a beautiful Indian sum- ed out that day, but I sible for filling the house; I was just the grate- mer afternoon, people stood in lines waiting guarantee the Repub- ful performer. Those in attendance were at- to hear lectures and climb the lighthouse. Bill Volpe delivering lican and Democratic tentive and asked a lot of questions upon The real anniversary is January 1st 2009, but speech on Light- Parties in the area were conclusion of the lecture. Being my back- houses of New Jersey let’s be serious, weather wise you couldn’t awfully jealous. ground is technical and I tend to get wrapped top this Columbus Day weekend. The offi- up in the details of things, I was really con- Another area where NJLHS helped fill the cial anniversary celebration will take place cerned I’d let NJLHS down as a speaker. My on New Year’s Day Eve when the lighthouse day was with members of the Speaker’s Com- wife constantly tells me to get to the point will be relit as an active add to navigation mittee. The consummate master of public when I relate a story to her. But be it gra- speaking, Bill Volpe gave a lecture on the once again. cious manners or complete mystification, the lights of New Jersey which filled the venue audience was wonderful to me. I enjoyed A new light- to overflowing. Many were turned away at speaking to them about something of inter- house bea- the door by a smiling, but firm, group of Park est to me and loved being part of the won- con will take volunteers who kept the distraction from the derful day’s ceremony for Barnegat Light- residence in presentation at a minimum. Bill spoke for house. the tower about 45 minutes using a variety of light- 165 feet house items, photos and replicas from his above the personal collection. Everyone seemed to be OLD BARNEY CELEBRATION water and drawn to Bill’s photography which, if any- Dixie Amento produce a 10 one hasn’t had the privilege of seeing, usu- On October 11, 2008 over 6,000 people Yvonne Thies presenting second dura- ally takes a Master’s Prize during our annual showed up at Barnegat State Park to cel- Angelo Rinaldi a check for tion pencil photo contest. Being relatively new to the $1,000 from the NJLHS ebrate Old Barney’s 150th birthday. The beam visible speaking circuit, I was amazed to see how weather was an ideal autumn day with com- 18-20 miles out to sea. The Friends of Bill’s calm and gentle speaking style kept fortable ocean breezes. The lighthouse was Barnegat Lighthouse have worked very hard everyone’s attention and how he varied the open for all who wanted to climb and there to bring about this event and the commu- items used, from a Challenge shirt to a were approximately 1,600 people who did just nity recognized this in greater than expected Harbour Lights replica and even a Challenge that. Throughout the park there were many numbers. Angelo Rinaldi, the president of souvenir puzzle. activities: lectures, contests, raffles, free food the Friends group remarked that the event The audience appreciated the time with Bill supplied by Barnegat Light PBA and a Coast was a real testament to the hard work by the and gave him a wonderful response to his Guard fly-over. The celebration started at volunteers to maintain and promote the light- 10:00am and a final concert at 5:00pm until house. The Friends group raised over effort. For anyone who hasn’t had the op- portunity to see and hear Bill speak, or view sundown. The official birthday of Old Barney $30,000 from the community for relighting Anthony’s display, you’re missing excellent will be January 1, 2009 when a new beacon Old Barney, with $15,000 of that coming from will re-light the lighthouse. The beam will be the Long Beach Island Fraternal Order of presentations. No wonder that under Bill’s and Anthony’s guidance the request for pre- seen 18-20 miles out to sea. It will be a mod- Police Lodge 5. Most of the funds will be sentations by the Speaker’s Committee and ern day version of a Fresnel lens. This won- used to buy the new lighting fixture autho- derful celebration was given by the newly rized by the Coast Guard and to replace the for the Outreach group to participate con- tinue to grow and the ideals of NJLHS reach formed volunteer group called “Friends of Plexiglas windows of the lantern room. more and more people every year. Later in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.” NJLHS played a substantial role in the day’s the day it was my turn to try entertaining the events as well. Anthony Albence and the audience and hopefully not crippling the Community Outreach volunteers had set up earlier efforts of these two social experts. I their display along the walkway entering the gave a lecture on the history of classical park. Many people fascinated with the light- Fresnel lenses. I work from slides and analo- house took great interest in the Society and gies to convey information, so those who our goals. There wasn’t a five minute period attended both lectures got to see two very during the whole event where someone different styles and methods for presenting. wasn’t talking with one of our members about NJLHS. And for those who thought they The Park volunteers told me the room was might skirt by without being ‘enlightened’, again filled to capacity and they received some complaints from people who were weren’t getting past Mary Catherine Kennedy. That day she set up her beach turned away. I’m amazed by this and figure chair right in the middle of a human river those people were probably just looking for a place to sit down out of the sun. I mean destined for the lighthouse. They were go-

Page 4 The Beam WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Mike Boucher Lighthouse bed and breakfasts are a fun way of reliving the light- house keeper’s life in a small way. This issue we look at the B & B’s in this country. Worldwide there are more than 170 lighthouses in which one can stay. Some of the places are true B & B’s with gourmet meals and fine linens, while others are on the more rustic side—bring your own food, linens and paper towels. At most you have to pay to stay, while some of the stays are free and you must commit to a week or more of running the lighthouse—such as greeting the public, running the gift shop and giving tours. To find out more on lighthouse accommodations worldwide go to Jeremy D’Entremont’s website: New England Lighthouses, A Vir- tual Guide at http://lighthouse.cc/links/ overnight.html#anchor602306. Only the Bold letters are in the puzzle.

Rose IslandBig Sable Wings Neck Saugerties East Brother Is. Pemaquid Point

Au Sable Point Light - Grand Marais, MI New Dungeness Light - Sequim, WA Sand Hills Light - Ahmeek, MI Bass River Inn - W. Dennis, MA North Head Light – Ilwaco, WA Saugerties Light - Saugerties, NY Big Bay Point Light - Big Bay Point, MI Pemaquid Point Light - Bristol, ME Selkirk Light - Pulaski, NY Big Sable Point Light - Ludington, MI Pigeon Point Light - Pescadero, CA Sentinel Island Light - north of Juneau, AK Browns Point Light – Tacoma, WA Pipe Island Light - De Tour Reef Village, MI Thacher Island Light- Rockport, MA DeTour Reef Light - De Tour Reef Village, MI Plymouth (Gurnet) Light - Plymouth, MA Thirty Mile Point Light - Barker, NY East Brother Light - Richmond, CA Point Arena Light - Point Arena, CA Tibbetts Point Light - Cape Vincent, NY Grand Traverse Light - Northport, MI Point Cabrillo Light - Mendocino, CA Two Harbors Light - Two Harbors, MN Heceta Head Light – Florence, OR Point Montara Light - Half Moon Bay, CA Whitefish Point Light - Paradise, MI Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn - Lake Linden, MI Point Robinson Light - Vashon Island, WA Wings Neck Light - Falmouth, MA Little River Light - Cutler, ME Race Point Light - Provincetown, MA Monomoy Point Light - Chatham, MA Rose Island Light - Newport, RI Answers on Page 10

HECETA HEAD BED & BREAKFAST Judy Boucher If you ever get an opportunity to stay at names on it. Inside were a welcome and in- We then went Heceta Head lighthouse bed and breakfast- structions. There was a lock box with a key into Florence DO IT! It is not cheap and you need to book to the house, and inside the key to our room for dinner and months in advance, but it is a grand experi- was in a fruit bowl in the kitchen. We climbed returned to the ence – and parking at the keeper’s house the stairs to Victoria’s Room and realized that lighthouse for saves a long climb up to the light. I would need to use the step stool provided night-time pho- to get into the waist-HIGH four poster bed. tos. The rotat- We arrived after the specified check-in time Our room with private bath, was on the back Dining room at Heceta ing beacon got (we should’ve read the instructions more Head side of the house facing the dense forest. more spectacu- carefully) and found an envelope with our lar as it got darker. First you could only see This B&B originally was two houses for the two beams of light, then four and then eight! assisant keekers. It now has six rooms with The beams went far out into the night sky queen-sized beds (two with trundle beds) and lit up the star-studded sky beautifully! that accommodate 14 people and attracts After a dark walk back to the keeper’s house, newlyweds, family reunions, lighthouse en- a cup of tea in front of the fireplace and a thusiasts and anyone looking for a scenic little conversation with other guests, we were setting. off to climb up on that bed and get some After settling in, we walked up to the light- sleep. house, which was already closed for the day. Continued on Page 14 The Beam Page 5 PHAROS PHILATELIC REHABILITATION UNDERWAY FOR LIGHTSHIP OVERFALLS

CORNER Anthony Albence Jim Cope The Royal Mail (British Post Office) issued For more than 30 years, the brilliant red hull of the a set of five lighthouse stamps on March Overfalls Lightship has been a Lewes landmark, sitting 24, 1998. The unique feature of these stamps in a berth on the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal. The ship, an is the flash frequency of that particular essential piece of the nation’s nautical history, is listed lighthouse which is indicated at the very on the National Register of Historic Places. bottom of each stamp. The center of the While this landmark is quite attractive, the reality is that design of each stamp is a picture of the the ship has been there so long, it’s stuck in the mud, lighthouse superimposed over a map of the listing to one side. area where the lighthouse is located and shows the name of the lighthouse as Fans of the historic craft can take comfort in the fact that indicated on the map. The actual longitude in mid-September the first steps in the rehabilitation and and latitude of each light cannot be made restoration of the historic ship began. An effort to stabi- out due to the small size. The 20 pence stamp lize the ship was the initial step to prepare it to be towed (Scott 1804) depicts the St. John’s Point 275 miles to Colona Shipyard in Norfolk, VA, for major repairs. These latest developments Lighthouse; the 26 pence stamp (Scott 1805) have taken place at a time when the 70th anniversary of the lightship has been marked by the shows The Smalls; Needles Rock non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of this key piece of nautical history— Lighthouse is on the 37p stamp (Scott 1806); the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation. the 43p stamp (Scott 1807) has the Bell Rock Local Delaware companies have come together to provide support and materials for the Lighthouse on it; and the final one in the project. The Wilmington (DE) Tug Company will provide the tug boat and crew for the trip set is the 63p stamp (Scott 1808) which has at no cost. The cost for the fuel needed for the journey will be paid for by the Foundation. the famous Eddystone Lighthouse on it. Claymont, DE-based Claymont Steel will donate the steel sheets to be used to repair the Eddystone is located ten miles southwest ship’s hull. of Plymouth in the English Channel. The original light at Eddystone was lit for the Lightship Overfalls was launched in 1938 and during its active duty life was assigned to two first time on November 14, 1698. stations in New England, Cornfield Point and Cross Rip. The lightship remained in active use until 1972, finally serving in Boston Harbor. The next year, the ship was transferred to Lewes and named for the lightship station that was located near the Lewes, DE, harbor. When the ship came to Lewes in 1973, it was named Overfalls for the lightship station that had been closest to Lewes Harbor. The Lewes Historical Society converted the ship to a museum that operated until 1999—when costs to do so became prohibitive. The Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation took over the maintenance and operations for the craft in 2001. Over the past eight years, they have undertaken significant maintenance and restora- tion activities, and have raised more than the $1 million cost of these efforts. St. John’s Point The Smalls Keep informed of the progress on this project at the Overfalls Foundation website: www.overfalls.org.

THEN & NOW IN POSTCARDS The entrance to room completed San Francisco Bay the structure in has some wave- 1905, and it was Neddles Rock Bell Rocks swept rocks, first lit in the win- known as “Mile ter of 1906. It was Rock”, and is one a “stag station,” mile from the ship- that included two ping channel— small bedrooms thus their name. In along with a bath- 1889, a bell buoy room on the third was placed near level. The second the rocks but was proved to be in- level had the kitchen/dayroom/of- Eddystone adequate. The “City of Rio de fice, and the first level had the en- Janeiro” ran aground with a loss gines for the fog horn. It was au- of 128 souls. In 1904 a contract was tomated in the early 1960’s. The awarded and work began on level- Coast Guard dismantled the tower ing Mile Rock. A 35-foot high, re- in 1966, down to the first level and inforced cement wall and a three- built a helicopter pad on the roof, level steel tower was built on the and added a post light—for a cost four-foot thick walls. The lantern of $110,000.

Page 6 The Beam LUDLAM’S BEACH LIGHT RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE Phil Bur Work is progressing on the Ludlam’s Beach Jersey for Harbour Lights collectors. Using ago her brief search through the National Light project. The most significant activi- photos for the late 1880s and early 1900s as Archives turned up empty. We are now in ties since last spring are as follows. Harbor well as current photos of the building the process of obtaining reproductions of Lights introduced lighthouse #362 “Ludlam’s Harbour Lights has produced an accurate the most important drawings. Beach, New Jersey” in their June 2008 re- and a truly beautiful reproduction. Friends Fundraising & Support - Friend of the lease and it is gorgeous. Through the dili- of the Ludlam’s Beach Light are selling these gent efforts of Ellen Byrne, the Friends of reproductions to help raise funds (contact Ludlam’s Beach Light have started a mail the Ludlam’s Beach Light Inc. received Bob Uhrmann at 609-390-9238 if you are in- campaign targeted at persons who have ex- pressed interest in saving the lighthouse at 501(c)3 incorporation status in July. In Oc- terested). tober the original plans of Ludlam’s Beach the various community activities we have Lighthouse (from November 1884) were lo- Original plans - In order to reconstruct the attended. We are also mailing to several mail light tower on the present building we need lists of persons in Sea Isle City. Each dona- cated in the National Archives thanks to the work of Candace Clifford. Friends of the the original plans. A recent request to tion receives a thank you card which also Ludlam’s Beach Light Inc. have started mail Candace Clifford of Alexandria VA, a well indicates the tax deductable status of the known researcher of lighthouse information, donation. As a result of our participation in campaign fundraising, and the Sea Isle City Revitalization Group is now supporting our to try to find the original plans of the the NJLHS Challenge (we were at Hereford saving the lighthouse. Ludlam’s Beach Light yielded a list of 26 Inlet Light) and our letters, the Sea Isle City drawings pertaining to the lighthouse, four Revitalization Committee, a group of Sea Isle Harbour Lights - Ludlam’s Beach Light #362 of which appear to be the original plans and business men with the goal of increasing foot now completes the nine coastal lights of New section drawings of the structure. Two years Continued on Page 14 BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL !!! 2008 LIGHTHOUSE The 10th Anniversary New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge® CHALLENGE To commemorate this remarkable milestone, e-mails regarding various facets of the Chal- A SUCCESS! we invite any interested members to join the lenge. (Good working knowledge of the Chal- Doreen Berson & Laura Portée Challenge Committee in the planning and lenge a plus!) The 2008 New Jersey Lighthouse Chal- staging of the event. If you would like to be a part of this momen- lenge® is in the books and by all accounts it tous milestone, please contact Doreen Berson was very successful! Over the course of the There are many facets of the Challenge that ([email protected]) or Laura Porté weekend, a combined total of 27,901 people could use your interest, enthusiasm and/or ([email protected]) or come and see us were recorded visiting all 13 sites. Of the area of expertise... at the December meeting. 2,213 participants who started the Challenge, GRANT WRITER to prepare and submit 1,695 completed, with 163 Dual Challenge fin- grants for funding of the Challenge. ishers and 81 Triple Challenge finishers. PUBLICITY COORDINATOR to prepare We would like to share with you one of the the Press Release and mass-mailing, work e-mails we received from a participant thank- on the ad design and place ads. ing us for putting on the Challenge. Dave Munyan wrote: VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR to recruit Getting up at 5:30 a.m. and leav- volunteers at the General Membership meet- Jim Cope, right, guarding the door to Sandy Hook Lighthouse on Sunday ing the house at 6:02 Sunday the ings and on the NJLHS website, maintain 19th of October… $0 volunteer information (using a database) and Fuel needed for the 430 mile jour- coordinate Volunteer Reminder Letter mass- ney... $86 mailing. (Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Donations to each of the lights Mail Merge is a plus!) we visited... $110 BROCHURE/POSTER COORDINATOR The look on my son David’s face, to work on the design and ordering of the Betty Smith Photo after completing the 2008 NJ brochures and posters. Lighthouse Challenge, in ONE Rob Ferguson from MD was our 1881st visitor day... PRICELESS!! SOUVENIR COORDINATOR to work on putting us over the count from last year at East the design, ordering and distribution of sou- Point Thank you to all of the volunteers who venirs. helped to make this year’s Challenge such a success. Your time, your energy and your SALE ITEMS COORDINATOR to work on efforts are, well…priceless. the design, ordering and distribution of T- Shirts and/or Pins. Lothar & Hilelgard Benth with thier grandchildren E-MAIL COORDINATOR to monitor the Nicholas & Alexander at Challenge e-mail box and answer incoming Finns Point. This is the grandparents’ 4th trip from

Karl Fahringer Photo The Fusco & Storch familes stopped long enough to get this group photo at Sea Girt Germany for the Challenge

The Beam Page 7 2008 NJLHS CHALLE ABSECON BARNEGAT

John Ade, Jr., Judi Franks, Loretta Wilkins & Dixie Amento, Michael, Laura & Willow Portée, Lynn Groff Linda Gleason, Linda Jakubowski, Bob Gleason & Joe Jakubowski CAPE MAY COUNTY MUSEUM EAST POINT

Renard Petronzio & George Naill Al & Betty Smith

SANDY HOOK SEA GIRT

Barbara Gordon, Beverly Webb, Jean & John Anne Fahringer, Mary Beth Doherty, Greg Drozdowski Fitzgerald & Karl Fahringer

TWIN LIGHTS (NAVESINK)

It is because of these volun- CHALLENGE CO-CHAIRS teers as well as the people behind the scenes that the New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge® is a complete success each year for both the membership and the gen- eral public. Please take time at the December meeting to thank them for their dedica- Ed & Annette Kileau, Cindy Mitzen, tion and time on this cold Laura Portée & Doreen Berson Annette Colt & Mike Mitzen and (very) windy weekend. THANK YOU from the Staff of the Beam!

Page 8 The Beam ENGE VOLUNTEERS BARNEGAT LIGHT MUSEUM CAPE MAY

Donna Tavaglione, Hugh & Margo Murphy Donna Cramer, Jack & Kay Hutchins, Chuck Cramer, Florence & Bob Neild

FINNS POINT HEREFORD INLET

Sheila Hines, Carol Naill, Yvonne Thies, Mary Lisa Burke, Marty Hudspeth & Bill Volpe Catherine Kennedy & Catherine Klix TINICUM TUCKERTON SEAPORT

Jayne Swope, Linda & Glenn Herman Liz Smith, Debbie Megonigal, Pat & Ron Bandock

VOLUNTEERS MISSING FROM THE PHOTOS ABSECON CAPE MAY COUNTY MUSEUM SEA GIRT Patty Ade, Brett Franks, Elinor Veit Marie Petronzio Spencer Purdum, Mary Tutunjian BARNEGAT EAST POINT TINICUM Joe Amento James Gale, Dennis & Esther Whelan Gerry Flavin BARNEGAT LIGHT MUSEUM FINNS POINT TUCKERTON SEAPORT Donna & John Bishop, Carole DiNapoli, Judy Oshipp Don Smith Kathleen & Stanley Licinski, Corinne SANDY HOOK TWIN LIGHTS Martinelli, Mildred Plant, Cheryl, Joan & Ray Stumpf, Frank Tavaglione Chuck & Donna Cramer, Georgi Flandera, Linda Williams Rick Hodgman, Bob & Michele Newhouse, Donna Russo REGIONAL COORDINATORS Northeast - Cindy Mitzen; Central - Doreen Berson; Southeast - Bill Volpe; Western - Yvonne Thies The Beam Page 9 A MESSAGE FROM MEMBERSHIP… WORD SEARCH ANSWERS Mary Beth Doherty, Membership Chair; email address: [email protected] Yes, it’s that time of year again—Renewal time! If you’re coming to the December meeting, renewal forms will be at the membership table for pick-up. If you’d like to pay your 2009 dues that day, please do so. If you’re unable to attend, the forms will be mailed-out after the meeting. Thank you to Carol & George Naill for donating the paper used for renewal forms this year.

Meeting Attendees: There were 99 members and guests who signed in at our September meeting at Sandy Hook, NJ. Please remember to sign the book—we want to make sure there are enough seats for you at future meetings!

Nametags: We have a new look to our membership nametags! They are $6.00 each to be ordered and paid for at each meeting. The price in- cludes shipping and you have 3 options for the backing: standard pin, double butterfly clutch, or for $1.00 extra you can order a mag- RECIPE CORNER net. Stop by the membership table to place Marty Hudspeth your order. Cheese Log by Trish Wylupek Membership Numbers: 16oz. cream cheese At the deadline for this issue, the membership numbers are: Single Memberships: 221; 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp or cheddar Family Memberships: 293 x 2 = 586 for a total of 807* members. (*This number includes cheese one Lifetime member, and seven Honorary members.) 1T. chopped pimiento 1T. chopped green pepper New Members: 1T. finely chopped onion The following members have joined our Society since the September issue. Please note that 2tsp. Worcestershire sauce if you become a member after the deadline for The Beam, you will be listed in the following 1 tsp. lemon juice issue. If you happen to meet them at a future meeting, please welcome them! Dash cayenne pepper Finely chopped pecans Bodmer, Florette Hillsborough, NJ Combine softened cream cheese and ched- Bucher, Anna M. Little Egg Harbor, NJ dar cheese, mixing until well blended. Add Cassidy, Patty Campbell & George Media, PA pimento, green pepper, onion, Worcester- Eggers, Judith E. Manchester, NJ shire sauce, lemon juice, and seasoning. Mix Fitzgerald, Kathleen Linwood, NJ well, chill and shape into logs or ball. Roll in Hubbard II, Donald E. Budd Lake, NJ chopped nuts. Can also roll in herbs, pars- Huffman, Ellen Staten Island, NY ley, or shredded dried beef. I make it 24 hours Lypka, Louise Bristol, PA before for all flavors to set. Shearman, Arthur & Teresa Sewell, NJ Webster, Vicky & Sam West Grove, PA The NJLHS cookbook is avail- able from Ways & Means. The cookbook includes 150 recipes BOCA CHITA from NJLHS members, family & Bill Schneider friends. $8.50 ea.,S/H $3.00, ea. Industrialist Mark C. Honeywell owned Boca Chita Key, east of add. book $1.50. Homestead, FL from 1937-1945. In 1938 he built a 65’ lighthouse out of local oolite limestone so his boat-owning friends could WHAT’S NEW IN find their way to his key. The Coast Guard never allowed a light WAYS & MEANS and there is no evidence of a lens pedestal in the lantern room. Marty Hudspeth Since 1945, Boca Chita Key is supervised by the National Park I was very happy to receive recipes at the Service, which infrequently opens the tower to the public. September meeting and after by e-mail. I am still in need of 36 recipes to make the 150 need to publish. I would like to get the book to the publisher as soon as I can after the first of the year, so look through your holiday recipes and bring them to the December meeting or send them to me. Thanks so much. Page 10 The Beam PROGRAM SIGNALS Yvonne Thies

Winter Meeting: December 6, 2008 Uptown School Complex The meeting will be held at The Uptown 323 Madison Ave. School at 323 Madison Avenue, Atlantic City. The program for the day will be the presen- tation of the Recognition Awards by Tom Laverty and his committee. Itinerary of the Day: 10:00 Hospitality 11:00 Membership Called to Order, In- troduction of Visitors, Committee Reports, Special Guest Speaker 12:30 Adjournment, Lunch The Holiday Social will be held at the Absecon Absecon Keeper’s House. The capacity of Lighthouse the lighthouse for the social will be approxi- mately 35 to 40 people at a time. Tickets will town School Complex, 323 Madison Ave. way 42 which will turn into the Atlantic be given out at the meeting for either the City Expressway. Travel this for 45 miles and first portion (1:00-2:30 PM) or the second From southern New Jersey: Garden State follow the directions for southern New Jer- portion (2:30-4:00 PM) of the social. Parkway north to Exit 38 and turn onto the sey starting at Christopher Columbus Blvd. DIRECTIONS TO THE UPTOWN Atlantic City Expressway. At the end of the and turning left on Atlantic Ave. expressway the street name will be Christo- SCHOOL: Fall Meeting Recap: pher Columbus Blvd. (7 miles). Turn left on From northern New Jersey: Garden State Atlantic Ave. continue for 1.4 miles to N. Ver- Approximately 99 members attended the Parkway south to Exit 40 and take E. White mont Ave and turn left on Madison Ave. to summer meeting at Sandy Hook, NJ. The Horse Pike toward Atlantic City. It will turn the Uptown School Complex, 323 Madison day was misty and rainy. It was fairly warm into Absecon Blvd. in 2.8 miles from the off Ave. so the meeting was held under the tent. The ramp. Make a left onto Mediterranean Ave. annual preservation raffle was held. Lou Go 1 block the street name changes to From western New Jersey and Pennsylva- Venuto spoke to the group about the clean- Melrose Ave. at New Jersey Ave. Go 4 blocks nia: I-76, Schuylkill Expressway, east to New ing of the lighthouse and the various pro- to N. Vermont Ave. and turn right to the Up- Jersey. Travel 7.6 miles and merge onto High- grams held at the Hook. A NOTE FROM THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIR Anthony J. Albence, Chair - Photos by Marty Hudspeth The New Jersey Lighthouse Society’s Com- Beach Plum Fes- As always, additional/new volunteers are munity Outreach Committee 2008 outreach tival (9/7 at Island most welcome. This is the ONLY way to season was a memorable one! Beach State ensure that our Society’s presence in the Park), the Ocean community remains strong. Please keep in The Society par- County Decoy mind that you don’t need to be a lighthouse ticipated for the and Gunning “expert” to be part of the team—just willing first time in the Mary Catherine Kennedy, Show (9/22-23 in to discuss our shared interests with event Warren County Sheila Hines, Marty Hudspeth, Tuckerton), and patrons. There’s always someone to “fill in Farmers’ Fair/Bal- Yvonne Thies at Beach Plum Ocean Fun Days the blanks”. We have an outstanding base Festival loon Festival—a (10/12 at the of lighthouse knowledge in our membership major event in Lobster House in Cape May). Also, the Soci- ranks. northwestern NJ! ety was represented at the 150th anniversary This was a great Coasti the robot and his celebration at Barnegat Light on 10/11. Please feel free to contact me with any success, and really Coast Guard handler at ideas/for more information. My mailing extended our reach the Beach Plum Festival The new NJLHS giveaway items for visitors address is: into a new (for us) part of the state. This to our exhibits/displays at outreach events Anthony J. Albence event also afforded the opportunity to in- have proven to be quite popular! Look for P.O. Box 8184 volve some new members in Community Out- the mini-crayons pack (for our children’s Wilmington, DE 19803-8184 reach—which is also very exciting!! coloring activities) which feature the Society You may also contact me via e-mail at: logo, and a mini-flashlight that carries the [email protected] The season closed with NJLHS’s participa- tagline “Keep the lights shining” along with tion in some established events, such as the the Society web address to return in 2009! Happy Holidays, many thanks...and keep the lights shining! The Beam Page 11 LIGHTHOUSE NEWS FROM burned papers, pulled electrical wiring and damaged an urn containing the remains of the former station’s mascot. The break-in date is unknown and if the person(s) is found, they could be fined up to $250,000 and spend 10 years in jail. The damage did not affect the operation of the light. Michigan’s oldest AROUND THE COUNTRY operating light- MIKE BOUCHER house, Fort Gratiot Light- West Bank house in Port Hu- Lighthouse in ron, has been NY Harbor closed for tours sold for a this summer. The whopping 179 year lighthouse has deteriorating brick- $245,000 and work. A full structural assessment and Old Orchard Morris Island Lighthouse in Folly Beach, SC needed repairs must be made before the light- Shoals sold for has completed the first phase of its major house can reopen. $235,000. A restoration project of stabilizing the 158 foot West Bank Old Orchard day before the tower. The tower was leaning as the founda- The Coast Guard Shoals bidding was to tion was deteriorating from the wave action is planning to re- end, a biding war started that extended the around it. A plum bob placed at the top was move the 4th order auction for several more weeks before clos- 16" off center at the base of the tower. The Fresnel lens from ing. Also put on the auction block at the lean went from 0.7 degrees to 1.3 degrees in the Mukilteo same time were Borden Flats in New Bedford, seven years. The light, when built, in 1876 Lighthouse in MA and Sharps Island in Maryland. Very was on an island that has disappeared over Washington. The little action has been seen on these two light- time. A cofferdam was built around it this 1852 lens was house at first. Like the other two, Borden year. The dam is protecting the foundation placed in the light- Flats sold for $55,000 and Sharps Island for for the next phase, which is rebuilding the house during the $80,000. collapsing foundation. The total cost of the 1920’s and is the project is 6 million dollars. oldest artifact in The Lighthouse Museum on Staten Island the City of Mukilteo. The Coast Guard will in New York City is no more. The Board of look to the local historical society (which Directors has disbanded the organization gives tours in the lighthouse) to take over after many years of trying to get it going. the maintenance of the lens. The only Fresnel According to the former director, Jerry Rob- lens in use in the State can be seen for 12 erts, the City’s Economic Development Cor- nautical miles.

poration has been dragging its feet and Photo by Marty Hudspeth “stone walled the project until it died.” Part Cleveland Conneaut Duluth The 115 year old Heceta of the problem was that the Board failed to Harbor Harbor Head Lighthouse in Or- raise $15 million dollars in private funds. egon is in need of some Three Great Lakes lighthouses were placed help. The 56-foot brick The National Park Service on the auction block this past September. tower has developed leaks awarded the Penfield Reef They include Cleveland Harbor East Break- that allow water to pen- Lighthouse to Beacon Pres- water, Conneaut Harbor West Breakwater, etrate the bricks, and algae ervation to manage. Built in both in Ohio on Lake Erie, and Duluth South is now growing in the 1874 it is located south of Harbor Breakwater Inner Light on Lake Su- tower. The outside catwalk Fairfield, CT in the Long Is- perior in Minnesota. The bidding started at is unsafe and the stairs need replacing. The land Sound. Both the Town $5,000 with each new bid increasing by horizontal support beams (that hold up the of Fairfield and Beacon $5,000. lantern) are rusted as well as the railing Preservation were vying to around catwalk outside. Water is coming in take ownership of the 1874 granite structure. The Coast and pooling between the roof and a liner that Both groups want to preserve the lighthouse, Guard is looking the Coast Guard had put in years ago. The but the Beacon group is going to use the for vandals who repairs total around $1.45 million which will lighthouse as a research facility and possi- broke into the have come from the State of Oregon who bly limited public access, while the Town Toledo Harbor owns the lighthouse. The Parks Department would have no public access due to liability Lighthouse. In has $300,000 in matching funds, but the rest issues. The Coast Guard made extensive re- August during a needs to be raised. The number of people pairs to the interior of the lighthouse in 2002 routine check- climbing the tower had been limited to eight but the Beacon Group said it will need an- up of the light- at a time, but is now down to just five, and other $500,000 to do some more repairs, add house, they dis- unless the repairs are done the tower will be solar power and possibly a dock. covered some- body broke into the building—stole tools, closed altogether.

Page 12 The Beam PRESERVATION’S HELPING HANDS GROUP SHINES FOR ALL BRIGANTINE LIGHTHOUSE Brett Franks Mike Boucher Talk is cheap. We all know that. And so do party were infectious and the museum alerted When entering Brigantine, NJ one comes to those people who manage lighthouses and one of the local papers to come and record a traffic circle. In that traffic circle sits the museums around this country. But when the event. old police station, and what makes it unique the Preservation Committee’s Helping The reporter showed up a little past eleven is that it is a lighthouse. It was built in 1926, Hands group got named we wanted to show by the Island Development Real Estate Com- it isn’t just a catchy name. This is a group of o’clock and was soon so interested in the lens, its history and the quirky group of pany. It was never used as a lighthouse but NJLHS members who volunteer their time and people cleaning it that she stayed for the as an advertising tool to attract people to sweat equity to keep the items of our light- come and buy land and built homes in Brig- house history maintained and preserved. next three and half hours. Her efforts culmi- nated in three different articles for the vari- The group has been active for two years now and each year the requests for their ser- ous publications she worked for and got vices have grown. It started out cleaning up NJLHS some free publicity for the Society and the Challenge. But this a fringe benefit. trash around Sandy Hook Lighthouse and has evolved into a jack of all trades menag- Most times the group activities go unno- erie that responds when called. ticed and appreciated by only those who know the lighthouse or artifact best. For The idea was to get members involved on a example, the Cape May lens. It was cleaned tactile level. Meaning you’re going to get a few days later and required the same time your hands dirty. While many lighthouse and efforts as the Barnegat version. groups and enthusiasts support their pas- sion with money and visitation, there’s a The volunteers worked for about 5 hours whole different dynamic for those who not again removing a decades worth of dust and dirt from this beautiful example of Fresnel’s only want to see these historic sentinels sur- vive, but want to be part of it. They are genius. However there was no reporter. No willing to give their time to the lights for an one but the museum staff knew we were there. But the payback came when over a opportunity to be part of something that outlasts them and to be directly responsible thousand visitors marched past that lens dur- antine. With the Depression of 1929, the Is- for helping ensure future generations have ing the challenge. They saw a sparkling piece land Development Company went out of of history staring back at them. They took the same chance to enjoy these lighthouses business and the lighthouse became city as we do. It’s not difficult but it does require photos and mem- property. In the early 1930’s, the City’s po- sacrifice. On two separate warm October ories away from the lice department moved its headquarters into days in the same week, the Helping Hands visit and hopefully the vacant lighthouse. After World War II, something else. group provided volunteers to help clean the the police department moved to a different first order Fresnel lenses housed in the They’ll take away a location and the building was turned into a Barnegat and Cape May Historical Muse- respect and curios- museum and gift shop. With the growth of ity about that most ums. Barnegat was about to have its 150th the City and being at the busiest intersec- Anniversary Kick off event and both of these important piece of tion at the rotary, the lighthouse museum museums were now new locations for the any lighthouse. and gift shop were closed for safety con- Members cleaning the And possibly an annual NJLHS Lighthouse Challenge. So cerns. It sat vacant until just recently. Ralph Barnegat Lens; Front: interest will grow. getting these artifacts presentable was a Judi Franks, Nancy Cope, Aversa, a local businessman started work- ing on restoring it. Like all real lighthouses major concern. Back: Elinor & Rich Veit, If the lights and Brett Franks & Jim Cope this wooden tower developed leaks coming lenses look like The volunteers from rotten windows and causing most of they are falling apart, unkempt, overgrown cleaned almost the flooring to have holes. With the help of and ignored how can you expect the public 2000 prisms on volunteers and donated materials, the light- to take their preservation seriously. So be it those lenses using house was refurbished. There are 46 steps polishing prisms, building shelves, cleaning about 60-65 man- to the lantern room and three levels. In the out archives, repairing shutters, painting hours to complete. lantern room a decorative light is mounted porches or shoveling sand, the Helping The effort started and a motor rotates the light. At night the Hands group will join in. And as long as the with the Barnegat lighthouse is lit on the outside and is used lens. Six members volunteers are as much fun to be around, I’ll be right there with them. for City storage. showed up and Members cleaning the Cape May Lens; Front: prepared for a day Judi Franks, Nancy Cope, of dusting, wiping Back: Rich & Elinor Veit, and polishing Alvin Brown & Jim Cope glass. The entire WANTED evolution took about 5 hours on the clock but I think if you asked those in attendance Pictures and stories of your lighthouse adventures. Send to: they would say the time flew by. The cama- [email protected] or talk to Mary Beth Doherty or Mike Boucher raderie and laughter shared during that work at the next meeting. We want to hear from you!

The Beam Page 13 LIGHTHOUSE MAKES Heceta Head B & B located. Current HISTORICAL REGISTER LIST Continued from Page 5 zoning requires him to have com- Mike Boucher We were up at 7:00a.m. for another walk to mercial establish- Sitting just six inches the lighthouse before our seven course ments on the first inside the New Jersey breakfast at 8:30. As we returned, we saw floor of each build- Chef Patty in the garden cutting spinach – border from New York is ing, something he does not wish to do. The the Great Beds Light- that was later found to be part of the frittata City of Sea Isle City is allegedly planning to house. It was placed on (eggs, spinach and potato) that was the main change this zoning by the end of 2008. Once course of our breakfast. Each course at the National Register of this is done, the present owner will submit Historical Places this breakfast was announced by our waiter Craig his plans to the zoning board for his pro- past summer. It marks (who was a good singer with a CD to sell) posed new building and the ‘log jam’ will be and included fresh fruit cup, shrimp spread the entrance to the broken clearing the way for the Friends of Raritan River from on crumpets, chocolate butter & scones, the Ludlam’s Beach Light Inc. to assume Lower New York Bay cranberry frappe to cleanse the pallet, the ownership and move the building. Mean- spinach frittata and home made sausage, and Arthur Kill. while, the present lighthouse building con- blackberry pastry with cheese and melon On June 20, 1878 Congress appropriated tinues to deteriorate since the present owner balls, juice and coffee. Breakfast was com- has little interest in investing in its mainte- $34,000 to build this lighthouse. New York pleted in a little over two hours. We said our nance. He will be rid of it one way or an- State gave the land to the Federal Govern- good byes and everyone went their way. ment to build the lighthouse only to find out other. they had given away New Jersey land. A We went back up Other miscellaneous activities – to the lighthouse border dispute of who owned the land en- May 2008 - web site www.Ludlams- sued and once it was solved, construction for more pictures BeachLight.org went on-line. began on the lighthouse. and finally a tour July 19, 2008 - Friends of the Ludlam’s Beach inside the light- Light Inc. participated in the 10 annual Craft This sparkplug, cast iron tower gets its name house. We were from the oyster beds that it lies on. The area Fair at Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. Donna the first tour with Elias, a prominent lighthouse artist from At- was known for its oysters. The five section tickets # 1 and 2. lantic City, is interested in including Ludlam’s lighthouse was first lit on November 15, 1880. We made a dona- Heceta Head B & B It was painted dark brown before numerous Beach Light in her collections of New Jersey tion and received a magnet. At the top of the Lighthouses. complaints of it blending in with the trees, lighthouse we saw the first order Fresnel lens. August 4, 2008 – Jack Tasso, the great- changed it to an all white lighthouse. It The lens had been taken out, repaired and stands 60’ high and has a focal plane of 61’. great-grandson of Ludlam’s Beach Light the turn table was leveled in 2001. The light- keeper Joshua Hand Reeves, visits from A red flash is seen every six seconds from house was turned-over to the County to th Pasadena California, tours the lighthouse the 155mm lens that replaced a 4 order maintain and operate tours. Now volunteers building and dines with the Friends of Fresnel lens. The last keeper left in 1945 and walk up the long steep walk from the parking the lighthouse was automated. Ludlam’s Beach Light. lot below the cliff to give the tours and oper- August 12, 2008 – a presentation on the ate the gift shop. Of course we supported By placing it on the National Register of His- importance of preserving the Ludlam’s Beach torical Places, funds for upkeep will be pro- the gift shop with purchases that included Lighthouse is made to the Sea Isle City Coun- vided by the Federal Government. To be lighthouse salt and pepper shakers just like cil at their council meeting at their request. the ones used at breakfast in the keeper’s placed on the Register, a site has to be at September 13 & 14, 2008 – Friends of the least 50 years old and house. Ludlam’s Beach Light Inc. had a booth at the have some historical sig- Then it was off to the next lighthouse – and Sea Isle City Family Weekend. nificance, type of con- to stop at the grocery store for the local wine The September issue of South Jersey Maga- struction, birth place or recommended by one couple, and to go to zine includes an article by Bernadette grave to qualify. The the cheese shop recommended by another. Finnerty on the Ludlam’s Beach Light “A Great Beds Lighthouse is We look forward to returning to Heceta Head Legendary Lighthouse”. one of the earlier cast iron B & B and staying in Mariner 1 or 2 with a October 11, 2008 – Friends of the Ludlam’s sparkplug towers built in lovely view of the ocean and the sounds of Beach Light Inc. had a booth at the Sea Isle the Country. It is nar- the crashing waves. City 1st annual Harbor Fest. rower than most of the October 18 & 19, 2008 - Friends of the other sparkplug towers Ludlam’s Beach Light Inc. had a booth at the View from an old Ludlam’s Beach Light Restoration built. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse for the New Jer- postcard Continued from Page 7 Viewing the Lighthouse is easy since it is sey Lighthouse Challenge. located just a mile off shore from Staten Is- traffic in the downtown area, is very enthu- October 25, 2008 – Friends of the Ludlam’s land and South Amboy. The City of South siastically supporting us and now wants to Beach Light Inc. had a booth at the Sea Isle Amboy is very proud of its lighthouse and locate the lighthouse in a prominent vacant City Oktoberfest. is part of the City’s logo. There are no plans area by the beach in the center of town. November 1, 2008 – Friends of the Ludlam’s for the lighthouse to be opened for tours in Status of the present building - The present Beach Light Inc. attended the meeting of the the future because a boat is needed and to owner of the building wishes to build two, Sea Isle City Revitalization Committee and gain access one has to climb a ladder up the three-story housing units on the property made brief statements on the need to pre- caisson above the water. where the Ludlam’s Beach Light building is serve this link with Sea Isle’s maritime past.

Page 14 The Beam SUPPORT THE GOALS OF YOUR LIGHTHOUSE SOCIETY

Lighthouse Bingo Children’s Activity Book The Colors of the Men’s Golf Shirt S-XL- $22.00 2X- 23.00, 3X -24.00 Game by Elinor De Wire Lighthouse, A ea. $3.00 S/H ea. add. $1.50 Royal, Burgundy, Banana, $13.00 S/H $2.50 $10.00 S/H $2.00 ea. Children’s Story about Bark, & Red Absecon Lighthouse by Women’s Golf Shirt S-XL - $22.00, XXL - $23.00, Plus Elinor Veit 1X - $24.00, Plus 2X - $25.00, $3.00 S/H ea. add. $1.50 $9.00 S/H $2.00 ea. Banana, Hibiscus, Lt. Blue

Snap closer hand Zipper hand made 10 Folded note cards & envelopes made handbags handbags $5.00 S/H $2.00 $45.00 S/H $3.00 $53.00 S/H $3.00 Journal & Pen Magnetic note $8.00 S/H$3.00 and pen alone $7.00 S/H $2.00

Small Hanging Pillows, assorted lighthouses 3-D shadow boxes by Donna Elias Sweater Vest $1.00 ea. S/H $1.00 Place them under a lamp or other light source S-XL $30, 2x-3x $33.00 to showcase the artwork. Available in S/H $3.00 ea add. $1.50, Absecon, Barnegat, Jersey Pails (lighthouses Colors: Royal, Burgundy, painted on pails), Cape May & Sailing the Navy, Red, and Khaki light (Cape May) $12.00 S/H $2.00 NJLH Bookmarks

Christmas Glass Christmas Ornament #346 Ornament #337 $7.00 S/H $1.00 $15.00 S/H $3.00 ea. add $1.00 ea add. 75¢ Assorted Magnetic Bookmarks #1(top),#2 (Bottom) $2.50 ea., S/H $2.00 each S/H $1.00 for 1 to 3 bookmarks over 3 add 42¢, 3 or more $1.00 42¢ for each additional bookmark. Email: [email protected] Mail check to: Phone: 609-877-1393 Marty Hudspeth Call or email for WE NOW ACCEPT 15 Petunia Lane color/sizes and availability. MASTERCARD & VISA Willingboro, NJ 08046

Visit the New Jersey Lighthouse Society web site to see many other items for sale www.njlhs.org

The Beam Page 15 Twin Lights at Christmas by Matt Laverty

In This Issue Barnegat’s 150th Anniversary * Brigantine Lighthouse * Challenge Update * Community Outreach * From the Editor’s Desk * Great Beds on Historical Register List * Heceta Head B&B * Helping Hands * In Quest of the Keeper * Lighthouse News from Around the Country * Letter from the President * Lightship Overfalls Rehabilition * Ludlam’s Beach Light Restoration * Membership * NJLHS Challenge Volunteers * October Flagpole Rededication * Pharos Philatelic Corner * Program Signals * Recipe Corner * Then & Now * Ways & Means * Word Search Puzzle

DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH ISSUE IS FEBRUARY 1

Presorted New Jersey Lighthouse Society First-Class Mail The Beam U. S. Postage Paid P O Box 332 East Hanover, NJ Navesink, NJ 07752-0332 Permit No. 41