Fire Island Lighthouse Electric Station Proposal
FIRE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Fire Island L ig h th o u se
Preservation S o c ie ty 615// 35135
Table of Contents
Introduction FI Lighthouse Historic Views FI Electric Station Side views FI Lighthouse Electric Station Foundation Fresnel Lens Building Interior Concept
Attachments
Assessment of Alternatives, 1st Order Fresnel Lens Introduction
Fire Island Lighthouse Electric Station Reconstruction Proposal
In 1894, an experimental electric station was constructed adjacent to the 1826 lighthouse foundation. This building was constructed to house two steam driven generators to produce electricity to illuminate the light on top of the 1858 lighthouse. The experiment apparently did not continue, as lightships were used off shore, and the generators were removed and transferred to Staten Island, New York. The building remained intact until the 1940's when it was removed and the lighthouse boat house from the bay dock was moved on to the existing cement foundation.
The preferred alternative for the return of the Fire Island lighthouse first order lens is to reconstruct this historic electric station and reassemble the fresnel lens inside this new building. The proposed structure would be designed to incorpo rate the best construction elements for preservation, protection and interpreta tion.
At the current time, historic plans could not be located at the National Archives or the US Coast Guard. Historic plans were located identifying the location of the dynamos and also construction of the adjacent foundation used as a cistern.
Historic photographs and postcards have identified the exterior shape and ap proximate size of the building. These photographs also identify windows, doors and other architectural details.
The reconstructed building would resemble the exterior shape and appearance of the original building and have a modern open aspect inside to provide protec tion to the fresnel lens. The inside would have modern HVAC elements to pro vide a constant environment to protect the fragile lens. Likewise, a security and fire alarm system would be provided. The ceiling arrangement should be secure as to provide for maintenance and reassembly of the lens. There would be no restroom facilities required. 1940 s Historic Building Placement 1940's Historic Building Placement Historie Photo of Electric Station Fire Island Lighthouse Electric Station Western View I ■
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Fire Island Lighthouse Electric Station Eastern View
Fire Island Lighthouse Electric Station Northern View
Fire Island Electric Station Foundation
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