Lighthouses for Airplanes Revisited: the Montana Lighted Airways

Volume XXXVI • Issue i • October, 2011

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

2 From the Executive Director 3 Events Calendar

Feature Article 4 Lighthouses For Airplanes Revisited: The Montana Lighted Airways

Lighthouses of the World 8 Tanegashima Lighthouse Object of the Quarter

9 Volunteer News 10 Education News Thank You & Wish List

Gift Shop 12 Features

Photo courtesy of Ron Christopher

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Ponce de Leon Inlet LighthousePonce de Leon Preservation Inlet Light Station Association, • October 2011 Inc. From the Executive Director The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association is dedicated to Dear Members, non-publically accessible historic building on the preservation and dissemination of the site, the First Assistant Keeper’s house provides maritime and social history of the Ponce November 1st marks the 124th anniversary of visitors with the opportunity to examine what de Leon Inlet Light Station. the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. For nearly it was like to live in coastal Florida before one and quarter centuries, the tower’s beacon electricity and other modern conveniences. 2011 Board of Trustees has guided mariners along the Florida coast and Tami Lewis through the treacherous sandbars of the inlet Due to the escalating cost associated with President once referred to as Los Mosquitoes. Maintained proper restoration and preservation and Budd Solano by the United States Light House Establishment the continued decline in the availability of Vice President from 1887 until 1939, this historic beacon has government grants, the Association turns to Bob Riggio remained under the conscientious care of the you its members for much needed financial Treasurer Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation assistance. There are many ways to show Tony Girolami Secretary Association since its decommissioning by the your appreciation, dedication, and support. Wilda Hampton United States Coast Guard in 1970. A donation by check or credit card can Trustee Emerita be returned in the enclosed envelope. Ask Robyn Hurd We are pleased to announce the completion a neighbor to become a member of the Cheryl Cunningham of the Principal Keeper’s bedroom restoration Lighthouse, or purchase a membership for Earl Davis project and the subsequent installation of a friend or family member. Our online store Gladys Davis the museum’s newest interactive exhibit provides a safe and convenient way to process Tara Lamb Reflections on Light. Located in the newly your choice of support. Barbara LaVelle restored space, Reflections on Light explores Bill Merrell the science of light and lighthouse illumination. As the Lighthouse adapts to meet the challenges We are confident this exciting addition is sure of the 21st century, we remain committed to Advisory Committee to become one the museum’s most popular our mission and to the multiple communities Ginger Bayer offerings. that we serve — locally, regionally, nationally Judy DiCarlo and globally. Whether on-site, via the web, or Edson Graham With the restoration of the Principal Keeper’s through educational outreach, the Association Judy Huggins bedroom complete, the Preservation will continue to foster a wholesome, family- Diane LaMontagne Association has begun the next phase of oriented environment that encourages people Ellen Pagliarulo its multi-year plan to preserve the Principal to come together to discover and appreciate Alan Redinger Keeper’s dwelling and rehabilitate its interior our unique and fascinating history. The Light Station is published quarterly by the Ponce de Leon spaces. The upcoming months will witness Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. extensive work within the Principal Keeper’s On behalf of the Association’s Board of Subscription is a benefit of membership in the Association. The parlor. Home to the museum’s Native American Trustees, I would like to express my heartfelt Light Station welcomes letters and comments from our readers. exhibit, staff will restore the room’s plaster appreciation, for your continued membership, ceiling, walls, windows, and doors, and refinish support, and trust. Your gift, along with the Member: the room’s historic pine floors. gifts of others, will help us to ensure that American Association of Museums this beacon of hope continues to shine for American Assoc. for State and Local History Across the yard, the First Assistant Keeper’s generations to come. Florida Association of Museums Florida Lighthouse Association Dwelling will also undergo extensive work in Florida Trust for Historic Preservation the coming year. Scheduled for completion Respectfully, National Trust Forum during Fiscal Year 2012–13, the complete U.S. Lighthouse Society Port Orange & South Daytona restoration of the Gladys Meyer Davis House Chamber of Commerce will include re-pointing of the building’s Daytona Beach/Halifax Area exterior masonry walls and chimneys, as well ExecutiveEd Gunnlaugsson Director Chamber of Commerce as restoring all interior plaster walls, fireplaces, hearths, floors, doors, and windows. As the only

Preservation Association Staff Upcoming Meetings: Administration Maintenance Dept. Gift Shop Oct. 17, 2011 Board of Trustees and Ed Gunnlaugsson Tom DiTusa Cathy Maroney Monday Quarterly Membership Meeting Executive Director David Doiron Gift Shop Manager Mike Bennett Jim Foley Connie Bach Director of Operations Assistant Gift Shop Manager Nov. 21, 2011 Board of Trustees Meeting David Lifsey Monday Ann Caneer Stump Madison Valair Mitchell Executive Director Emerita Lead Sales Associate Ellen Henry Bob McLean Summer Combs Dec. 19, 2011 Board of Trustees Meeting Monday Curator Ed Milano Donna Doan Angelo Vigorito Bob Callister Eileen Gallagher All meetings are held in the Gift Shop Program Manager L.H. Beaconette: Nelly Fran Greene Conference Room. Tom Zane Joanne Roberson Registrar Mary Clancy Janice Teasley Administrative Assistant Bill Teasley Richard Crosby Restoration Tech

2 October 2011 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Keeper Listing Events Calendar Corporate 2nd Assistant Lighthouse Events October–December 2011 Keepers Lampists Toni Barrett Oct 20–23 Biketoberfest Brochure Displays, Inc. Ponce Inlet, FL See turn-of-the-century household items at the Artifact Table, talk with Daytona Beach, FL Bennett Brothers Construction (Thu–Sun) the “Old Lighthouse Keeper” in his office, and listen to a crystal radio John, Liston, & Virginia Bennett 12:00 – 2:00 pm set from the top of the tower. Climb the tallest lighthouse in Florida Darkhorse Design, Inc. Daytona Beach, FL and tour the historic museum buildings where keepers lived with their Longwood, FL; Boston, MA Joseph & Mary Blasewitz families over 120 years ago. Inlet Harbor, Inc. Safety Harbor, FL Richard, Diane, & Sarah Boynton All activities are included with the price of regular admission, no Ponce Inlet, FL Exeter, NH Racing’s North Turn Ralph & Priscilla Carbone advanced registration is required. Ponce Inlet, FL Lynnfield, MA Kelly, Teri, Chad, & Taylor Crumley Nov 3 6th Annual Home School Day Principal Long Grove, IL Attention Home School Students! Join us on November 3rd for our 6th Carolyn Day (Thu) Annual Home School Day. Enjoy hands-on educational activities and Keepers Ponce Inlet, FL workshops at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. All activities are developed Daytona Beach News Journal 10:00 am – 3:00 pm L. Keith Casa Grande Connie Fagan by former teachers and school administrators. Special admission Daytona Beach Shores, FL Daytona Beach, FL charges apply and advanced registration is required. Contact Bob Tony Girolami Donald & Janice Doudna Callister at [email protected] or at (386) 761-1821 ext. 18 for Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL details. Online registration begins promptly on October 4, 2011 at 1:00 Dr. G. Scott & Kristi Drumheller p.m. (www.poncelighthousestore.org). Louise Nippert Ponce Inlet, FL Cincinnati, OH Frederick & Shirley Eckersen Alexandria, MN Nov 25 Thanksgiving Gifts at the Lighthouse 1st Assistant Dennis & Zackary Engel Participate in family-oriented activities and try your hand at making Owatonna, MN (Fri) authentic old fashioned ornaments. Visit with the “Old Lighthouse Keepers Tami, Brad, & Jake Factor 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Keeper” and learn about turn-of-the-century life at the historic Ponce Harvey & Connie Bach Ponce Inlet, FL Inlet Lighthouse. Ponce Inlet, FL Allen, Jean, & Sylvia Fine Kristine & John F. Bradley Sanford, FL All activities are included with the price of regular admission, no South Orange, NJ Larry, Debbie, & Elizabeth Fish advanced registration is required. Sandy Springs, GA Thomas, Willard, & Calvin Laurel Grotzinger Bush Kalamazoo, MI Dec 27 Winter Holiday Program Port Orange, FL Ted, Suzi, Colin, & Marah Hahn 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Ring in the new year with a trip to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse on Boondocks Restaurant Rossford, OH December 27th. Participate in family-oriented activities including the Michael, Sheila, & Daniel Harvey Pete & Arlene Davis Andover, MA Artifact Table and Kids Crafts. Visit with the “Old Lighthouse Keeper” Wilbur by the Sea, FL Jim & Mary Lou Hinson and learn about turn-of-the-century life at the historic Ponce Inlet Chuck, Michelle, Joey, Ponce Inlet, FL Lighthouse. Brooke, & Austin Cameron Carlton & Cler Hudgins Daytona Beach, FL New Smyrna Beach, FL All activities are included with the price of regular admission, no Tommy & Phyllis Campbell Inlet Harbor Realty advanced registration is required. Ponce Inlet, FL Robyn, Mike, & Dusty Hurd Ponce Inlet, FL Cheryl, Jim, & Shamus Neil H. & Karlyn Janson Climb to the Moon Event Calendar Cunningham Warwick, RI Climb to the Moon at Florida’s tallest lighthouse! Treat your significant Ponce Inlet, FL Al, Paula, Michael, & Emily Jenkins Oct 12 (Wed) other, family, and friends to breathtaking views of the ocean, beach, and Robert & Mary Darge Daytona Beach, FL 6:15 – 8:15 pm coastal wetlands under the golden glow of the setting sun. New Hudson, MI Mike & Jenett Jones Joe & Judy DiCarlo Ponce Inlet, FL Toast the full moon as it rises above the distant horizon with a Ponce Inlet, FL Dr. Herbert & Ruth Kerman Nov 10 (Thu) sparkling beverage and enjoy panoramic views of the World’s Most Daytona Beach, FL 4:45 – 6:45 pm Michael, Lauren, & Lisa Salvatore & Joan R. La Greca Famous Beach under its silvery light. Join the Old Lighthouse Keeper Elsberry Daytona Beach Shores, FL as he leads you on your journey into the past and discover the unique Ponce Inlet, FL Bob & Diane LaMontagne Dec 10 (Sat) history of this National Historic Landmark. Dr. C.W. & Gail C. Fain Ponce Inlet, FL 4:45 – 6:45 pm Holly Hill, FL Ponce de Leon Realty Prices are $20 per person for Association Members and $25 per Barbara & Robert Lavelle person for non-members. Participation is limited to 25 people per John & Patricia La Belle Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL event. Contact Mary at (386) 761-1821 ext. 10 or via email at mary@ Jacquelyn Law Helen & Bill Magale Oak Lawn, IL ponceinlet.org to learn more about this special opportunity. Additional Point Lookout, NY Tami & Lester Lewis information about the new Climb to the Moon program may also be Jack Mangus Ponce Inlet, FL found online at www.ponceinlet.org. Ocala, FL Donna Lough Ward & Terry Mead Depew, NY Ormond Beach, FL Ken & Sue Marshall Patrick & Debbie Pawling Durango, CO Hamilton, OH Hollis & Beverly McCall 2011–2012 Hours of Operation Longwood, FL Alan & Mary Ann Redinger John McGowan Ponce Inlet, FL Rockaway Park, NY Ernest C. & Margaret Rieth William & Neva Meek Normal Hours of Operation Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Sep 6, 2011 – May 27, 2012 Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (last adm. at 5:00 p.m.) Patrick & Sheila Sullivan Stephen Newman Daytona Beach, FL Ormond Beach, FL Robert & Mary Ruth Trump Kathy & Dennis Oehm Special Hours of Operation Plymouth, IN Kansas City, KS Nov 24, 2011 (Thu) Thanksgiving Day Alec Rhodes Bill Van Houten Closed in Observance of Holiday Warwick, NY Austin, TX Robert, Margie, Robert, & Tony Nov 25 & 26, 2011 Thanksgiving Weekend Extended Hours Riggio Ponce Inlet, FL (Fri & Sat) Open 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (last adm. at 6:00 p.m.) Chapman J. Root II Dec 24, 2011 (Sat) Christmas Eve Early Close Ormond Beach, FL Open 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (last Admission at 3:00 p.m.) Pauli Uricchio New Smyrna Beach, FL Dec 25, 2011 (Sun) Christmas Day Lt. Col. William & Sandra Wester Closed in Observance of Holiday Ponce Inlet, FL Nov 25–27, 2011 Christmas Holiday Extended Hours (Mon–Wed) Open 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. (last adm. at 6:00 p.m.)

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • October 2011 3 Feature Article Lighthouses For Airplanes Revisited: The Montana Lighted Airways Since its opening in early 2010, well over the installation and maintenance of the new 200,000 visitors have seen the Ponce de air route beacons. Leon Inlet Light Station’s exhibit Lighthouses for Airplanes. This exhibit, which also In a report dated December 4, 1928, F. C. includes the history of early aviation in Hingsburg, the USLHS Airways Division the Daytona Beach area, chronicles the Chief Engineer, explained that night flying initial developments of aviation was essential for successful air in the United States and the transportation operations in the establishment of a system of United States, as the basic source lighted airways that covered of revenue was the transportation the country and enabled pilots of air and express mail which to navigate at night and in bad required night flying to be weather by following a trail of profitable. Lights had already been navigational beacons through the installed on more than 7500 miles Standard airway beacon installation, 1931. National dark. of airways, and an additional 4000 Archives, USLHS miles were being lighted during In the early 1920s, the War the fiscal year ending June 1929. of weather and other information over the Department had requested the Those additional miles would airway, radio direction for the guidance United States Lighthouse Service Typical 51 foot include the completion of the of airplanes over the lighted airway (USLHS) to help develop beacons tower with rotating final leg of the transcontinental and radio-telephone communications to that would shine skyward for searchlight lighting system from Salt Lake City aircraft in flight….A high percentage of use as guideposts by pilots, to San Francisco as well as feeder night flying efficiency coupled with safety who had at that time only their routes in the western states. will require the combined use of all these compasses and visual skills for facilities, properly coordinated.” navigation. Pilots had been using Hingsburg went on to outline lighthouses as markers since the dangers of night flying Terminal airfields were lit according to a the earliest days of aviation. including poor visibility, standard plan including an airport beacon to The Lighthouse Service was imperfect observation of weather identify the facility at long range, a boundary already equipped with structures, conditions by the pilot, and the lighting system to outline the landing areas, beacons, and a system of districts prevalence of difficult weather red obstruction lights, green range lights on that could, it was hoped, easily conditions such as fog during the the safe approaches, a lighted wind indicator and with minimal expense be night: to show wind direction and velocity, adapted to provide more effective floodlights for hangars and buildings, navigational landmarks for pilots. “To reduce these hazards, the floodlights to illuminate the landing area, Air Commerce Act (1926) and ceiling lights and height indicators for During the 1920s and 1930s, DCB-24 inch authorized the establishment pilots. Unmanned and lighted intermediate rotating beacon, hundreds of beacons were c. 1931 of airways equipped with landing fields were spaced along the installed in an expanding network air navigation facilities. The air route to provide emergency landing of thousands of miles of air routes. The airways are selected to follow the route facilities between the terminal fields, and Lighthouse Service Airways Division had offering the best flying conditions navigational lights on towers were spaced an active part in the design development of between the designated airports and are along the air route allowing pilots to visually many types of airway and airport lighting, provided with intermediate landing fields navigate along a specific route without and Lighthouse Service engineers and approximately 30 miles apart to provide fear of flying off course. By 1929, two-way mechanics worked to oversee and advise on safe landing places under conditions of radio communications and radio beacons stress of weather or mechanical troubles. were also part of this network of airways One company flying 1,500,000 miles and airfields, but pilots found that visual had 420 forced landings due to adverse navigation was often preferable. weather and 55 due to mechanical and other difficulties. A forced landing due to Airways lighting was designed for poor impossible flying weather was made for visibility flying with lighted beacon towers every 1350 miles of flight and a forced spaced every 10 miles. At the top of each landing due to mechanical or other steel tower was a high intensity 24-inch reasons for every 27,000 miles of flight. revolving beacon with a 500 or 1000 watt The air navigation facilities consist of lamp that could be seen at a distance of route markers and landing field markers 40 miles in clear weather. Each revolving for day flying, an airway lighting system beacon had an accompanying 100,000 for night flying, a weather reporting and candlepower course light with a 500 watt Lighthouses for Airplanes exhibit at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse. From left to right: Sperry AGA forecast system under the Weather Bureau, lamp that blinked a code signal enabling landingfield flood light, FAA Code Beacon, DCB-24 a communications system for the exchange pilots to identify the tower and air route.

4 October 2011 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station areas, sheds might also be constructed as In a November 13, 1929, letter from Airways shelters for maintenance workers. To serve Engineer W. E. Kline to the Commissioner as day markers, large identifying numbers of Lighthouses, concerns were raised about and letters were painted on the roof of remote portions of the route. This letter also the power house, and a large indicates that wind-powered concrete arrow pointing the way generators were used on some to the next higher numbered of these beacons. The engineer beacon would be laid out on the wrote: ground near the tower. In some cases the tower was built on “It would have been entirely an arrow-shaped slab that was impractical to install a B Type painted yellow. Beacon at Site 12-A without the erection of a Caretaker’s An improved acetylene route dwelling as it will be practically beacon was developed by the impossible to reach this site Lighthouse Service Airways during the winter months Division for isolated sites. It except on snow shoes. This combined railroad signal lighting office recommended a standard practice with long range marine- power plant house on top of style lighting. Two lanterns were Montana lighted mountain at location in order used, one being mounted above airway beacon tower. that a Mechanician, in the DCB-36 aerobeacon the other. The top lantern was Courtesy of Mike event that he would have to Rogan an azimuth and off-course light spend a night in this location, with a separate flasher, piping, would have some place to sleep. and gas supply. These lights It will also provide necessary could go six months without housing for storage battery. service and were spaced 3 miles From all indications, there apart wherever possible. will be sufficient wind at this location to provide sufficient It was quite exciting for the current to keep a light in Ponce Inlet Lighthouse staff operation.” to learn that thanks to the efforts of concerned aviators a A December 6, 1929, telegram portion of the original lighted from a USLHS Airways Division airways system is still alive and engineer in Salt Lake City to the well in Montana. The website Commissioner of Lighthouses for the State of Montana says: gives an idea of the cost of Red course light. Courtesy of Mike Rogan Today, Montana is the only erecting a tower and power state that still utilizes part National Parks house for one of these airways of this historic network Airways was the first beacons: through our rugged western in Montana to receive an airmail contract. mountains. (Aeronautics) Michael Dawes “FOLLOWING BIDS Division personnel climb and Collection RECEIVED FOR ERECTION OF maintain approximately 19 of AEROLECTRIC TOWER AND these beacons on a regular schedule, also FURNISHING ERECTING AND PAINTING National Parks Airways 1928. Ed Coates Collection providing ownership and ground leases for POWER HOUSE FOR SITE TWELVE their operation. A SALT LAKE GREAT FALLS AIRWAY Red course lights were used on towers that had no nearby airfield, and yellow or green The Montana lighted airway was part lights were used on towers with adjacent of the final leg of development for the airfields. Lights were slightly elevated above transcontinental air route begun in the the horizon to show pilots the greatest early 1920s. From 1928 through 1931, candlepower when they were above the intermediate landing fields for the Great Falls, beacon at an altitude of 500-1500 feet. The Montana, to Salt Lake City, Utah, airway were steel towers were generally 51 feet in height, planned, surveyed, cleared and installed. although towers could be shorter or taller as In Montana, these sites included Monida, the route terrain demanded. Dell, Dillon, Twin Bridges, and Piedmont (Whitehall Field), with plans and surveys Towers that could not be connected to a being made for facilities that would be built local electrical grid were usually powered at Armstead, Boulder, Mitchell, and Cascade. by gasoline- driven generating plants or These fields would be connected by a series by acetylene gas. The generator plant or of navigational beacons on towers ranging Wolf Creek beacon and nearby shelter for maintenance the gas cylinders would be stored in a from 12 to 90 feet tall. workers. Courtesy of Mike Rogan shed called the power house. In remote >> continued on page 6

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • October 2011 5 Feature Article, continued

1943 pilot’s sectional chart showing air route from Aviation Support Officer Mike Rogan and a snow- Mike Rogan installs a new lamp in the beacon at Butte to Helena to Great Falls. Beacons appear as encased beacon. Courtesy of Mike Rogan MacDonald Pass. Courtesy of Mike Rogan small stars. The accompanying Morse code signals are shown near each star. Courtesy of Mike Rogan BOWERS BUILDING COMPANY SIX their hotel rooms to help keep the poundage before the bidding to supply 100 acetylene HUNDRED NINETY FIVE DOLLARS STOP up in these economically precarious days of airways route beacons would be opened on B O SIEGFUS FOURTEEN HUNDRED early airmail subsidy.” July 24, 1928. The Acting Commissioner of DOLLARS STOP REQUEST AUTHORITY Lighthouses was now advising the Airways ACCEPT BID OF BOWERS BUILDING Wiley also wrote about the installation of Division that the route beacon lenses should COMPANY TO ENABLE CONSTRUCTION radio equipment in National Parks’ planes. be elevated 2 degrees above the horizontal TO PROCEED IMMEDIATELY.” The background static was extremely to make the beacon easier to see without annoying, and on one early flight the blinding pilots during their approach. It In his book Montana and the Sky, Frank W. distracted pilot, Hank Hollenbeck, put on would also be possible to achieve this result Wiley describes flying in Montana before his headphones to hear that he had actually by lowering the acetylene flame a bit from the network of lighted airways and lighted taken off leaving the all-important mail sacks the focal plane, and tests of these two options airfields was installed. “I remember flying behind. were suggested. Correspondence during June a Waco 10 into Billings after dark one of that year indicates that the final design night in 1927 and circling the Westover Once mail, no matter what its origins, was would incline the lens 2 degrees with respect Garage until Bob (Westover) came out being delivered regularly by air, it became to the focal plane. and started for the airport. I then returned even more crucial to have a lighted route to the airport where I circled some more, and lighted airfields for night flying. The Beacons were tested for their abilities to wondering if I had enough gasoline to stay importance of this mail contract is illustrated withstand insects, bad weather, and high up until he could drive up and use his car by correspondence in early 1930. A January interior temperatures. Flashers and burners lights to illuminate the landing field. It so 25, 1930, letter from USLHS Airways Engineer were also tested and Lighthouse Service happened that a county commissioner, W. E Kline to F. C. Hingsburg, Commissioner “Mechanicians” visited the manufacturers driving along a road adjoining the airport, of Lighthouses in Washington, DC, suggested to assess beacons as these were completed realized my predicament and placed his car that completed sites along the Great Falls- and to recommend acceptance or rejection in a position so that I could use his lights to Salt Lake air route should be left dark until of these. At the same time, locations for the land by. Bob showed up shortly after, helped all the sites were ready. Kline reasoned that intermediate landing fields and for towers me tie the airplane down, and furnished me an incomplete airway would not be used were being surveyed and prepared. transportation into town.” and it would be an unnecessary expense. On January 30th, Hingsburg replied to Kline The installations of the intermediate landing Montana was served by a small number of in Salt Lake City advising him to confer with fields and airway beacons progressed local airlines in the late 1920s. Many of the National Parks Airways to see which sites they through 1931, but apparently the airway Montana pilots had been inspired by Charles desired to have activated immediately. section between Helena and Great Falls was Lindbergh’s 1927 visit to the state as part never lighted. In correspondence between of his nation-wide tour. Plans for regular air Also in 1928, the Department of Commerce the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce and service were being made in Great Falls, Miles through the Bureau of Lighthouses the Lighthouse Bureau and the office of the City, Billings, Helena, and Butte. One of the began to examine proposals from various Secretary of Commerce, the citizens of Great small airlines serving this area was National manufacturers to produce suitable beacons Falls were informed that the project was Parks Airlines (NPA). Founded in 1927-28, its for the western lighted airways. The Interflash on a list of priorities for funding and would planes shuttled between Salt Lake, Great Falls, Signal Corporation of New York City, and have to wait until money was available. The and Glacier Park, with stops in Dillon, Butte, the American Gas Accumulator Company of Works Progress Administration (WPA) would and Helena. Elizabeth, New Jersey, were the top candidates possibly provide the installation of these sites. to produce the acetylene route beacons, On January 11, 1937, the Assistant Secretary In 1928, National Parks became the first and both companies collaborated with the of Commerce stated that a search for beacon scheduled airline in Montana to receive an government to design and refine beacons locations was underway in advance of the airmail contract. Frank Wiley served as a with interchangeable parts that would meet necessary monetary appropriations. Other reserve pilot for NPA and wrote this note the government specifications. letters indicate that the WPA would not be about his experiences. “I well remember the able to take on the construction and that National Parks boys airmailing, with their Extensive design work, correspondence, funding was also not available for radio own money, telephone books stolen from and unofficial discussions were carried out beacon stations along the route, but funding

6 October 2011 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station beacons. In 1984, one of those beacons an aircraft mechanic, Rogan came to the was decommissioned as a result of the Aeronautics Division where he was assigned construction of a large overhead power line the maintenance of the Strawberry Beacon, in the area. Montana was then responsible for a 55 foot tower located near Bozeman. At the operation and maintenance of 20 beacons. the time, the beacon was still powered by a propane generator in a small nearby power The existence of these beacons was house. threatened again in 1984, when the state’s Aeronautics Division was searching for About caring for the beacons, Rogan says, ways to cut costs. Another survey was “We have four people here in the Airports/ taken concerning the use of the beacons for Airways Bureau and we divide the beacons navigation, and this time the results were among us. I have six of the beacons….We A Montana beacon shack buried in snow. Courtesy of clear. The beacons were considered very also take care of four airport beacons on Mike Rogan important by pilots, and the airways system our state owned airports and runway lights was saved. at four of our airports. I did take care of all of them at one time 25 years ago when for lights and radio beacons was on the It wasn’t long before the Montana beacon all of the old guys were retiring from the agenda for the 1938 fiscal year. Later, during system faced yet another challenge when Division. It took a lot of my time but I sure the World War II years, some of the air fields, a new governor was elected in 1988, and a got in good shape. Now I am one of the old like the one at Whitehall, were enlarged and new Director of the state’s Department of guys getting ready to retire. Time sure flies, improved. Transportation was appointed. The new as they say.” Director ordered that all the beacons be In 1965, the FAA began reviewing Montana’s turned off for the months of November and When asked about the dangers of working lighted airways as part of their move to December in 1991. A huge outcry came (often in bad weather) to maintain beacons eliminate these navigational aids not just in from the state’s aviation community and the located at the top of tall towers, Rogan Montana but over the entire United States. (By beacons were turned back on. recalled, “I can only remember one time that 1972, nearly all the lighted beacons in the US I tried to climb a tower and decided to come were discontinued.) In an unpublished 1994 Despite continuing challenges, Montana is back down. It was a 90-foot tower south master’s thesis, Embry Riddle Aeronautical indeed the last state with an operational of Great Falls that we call Hardy Beacon. University student Brenda Spivey reported on lighted airway. There are The wind was blowing 30 the fate of Montana’s lighted airways. Thirty- currently 21 beacons in to 40 mph and was really nine remaining beacon lights in Montana operation, and many of gusty. I made it part way were divided into two groups during the these have evocative names up the tower and I started 1965 review. One group was considered like Lookout Pass, Whitetail, to lose my cap, so I took it to have little or no value at their current Homestake Pass, Silver Bow, off and put it in my jacket. locations and could be relocated to local and Wolf Creek. Three of I proceeded on up another airports for better usage. The second group the 21 are illuminated by 10 feet or so and the wind was considered useful for pilots flying Visual DCB-36s and the remainder started to take my glasses Flight Rules (VFR) at night. The FAA surveyed by DCB-24D beacons. off my face. That’s when I pilots and aviation organizations in Montana These styles of rotating made the decision to come but received very few replies. Another beacons were ones that first back down and save this nationwide study was also completed in 1965, appeared shortly before tower for a calmer day. and as a result the FAA decided to retain only 1930, developed in response Other than that it has been eight Montana beacons and decommission to the Lighthouse Service’ pretty much carefree as the rest by August of that year. aeronautical and marine long as you take your time needs. and don’t get in a hurry. We The tower at MacDonald Pass At the beginning of 1966, the Montana near Helena. didn’t use any kind of safety Aeronautics Commission initiated the Most of the current Courtesy of Mike Rogan harness until 2006 when we Montana Beacon System and selected 12 Montana beacons were installed safety cables on all beacons for continuing operation. With made by Crouse-Hinds or the towers.” the 8 FAA beacons, this gave Montana 20 Westinghouse. In the Montana system, the operational beacons. In 1967, the Montana DCBs rotate inside glass domes, allowing their Hopefully, the importance of the Montana Aeronautics Commission brought one more lights to shine skyward. These beacons are lighted airway system will eventually be beacon back into service bringing the total to accompanied by fixed and flashing red lights officially recognized, and the towers and 21. Some of the remaining original beacons that point back along the direction of the air associated power houses and markers will were dismantled and used for parts while route to guide pilots from tower to tower. be recorded as landmarks in both American others were donated to museums or localities. aviation history and the history of the United The FAA continued its efforts to dismantle It is quite possible that nobody knows the States Lighthouse Service. the lighted airway system, and during the Montana beacons better than Mike Rogan, 1970s, all eight of the federally-maintained an Aviation Support Officer with the state’s Thanks go out to Mike Rogan, without beacons in Montana were turned over to Department of Transportation Aeronautics whom this article could not have been the Montana Aeronautics Commission. By Division who works to maintain the lighted written. 1979, the Commission was responsible for airway beacons in the rugged weather of the 13 state beacons plus the 8 former FAA the Continental Divide. After graduating as

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • October 2011 7 Lighthouses of the World Object of the Quarter

(TSC) is the largest of Japan’s space This quarter’s “object” is not an artifact Tanegashima’s development centers and the epicenter but an entire exhibition. Several years in of the nation’s extensive space program. the design, planning, and construction, Nishinoomote Activities at TSC include research and our new permanent exhibit Reflections development, rocket assembly, testing, on Light allows visitors to explore the Lighthouse and launching, and satellite tracking. properties of light and how they are used inside a Fresnel lens. Four hands-on Geographically situated in the East With one foot firmly planted in stations guide you to an understanding of China Sea between the Japanese maritime commerce and the other in how refraction and reflection are used to Archipelago and Philippine Islands, the aerospace industry it is only fitting direct light rays generated by a relatively the island of Tanegashima has long that one of the island’s most unique small light source to create a single strong served as an important waypoint along landmarks symbolizes the juxtaposition beam that can be seem far out to sea. Japan’s South China Sea trade route. In of Tanegashima’s past and present. 1542, Tanegashima witnessed Japan’s At Station 1, visitors will observe a laser first contact with Europeans when Situated at the mouth of Nishinoomote light beam traveling in a straight line from Portuguese traders stumbled upon Harbor on the west coast of its source and have the opportunity to the narrow island while on route to Tanegashima, the Nishinoomote discover what happens when this light Taiwan. As center for European trade Lighthouse marks the northwestern meets and passes at various angles through the island’s name became synonymous terminus of a concrete breakwater a denser clear material. with one of the most important protecting vessels within the man- of Portuguese trade goods, guns. made harbor from the East China Sea. At Station 2, visitors can experiment with Until modern times, firearms were Constructed in 1998, the Nishinoomote a laser beam that can be directed through colloquially referred to throughout Lighthouse is unlike any other in the several types of prisms and a lens. much of Japan as “Tanega-shimas”. world. Modeled after a Japanese H-II heavy launch platform, this unique Station 3 represents the lantern room of Although no longer lighthouse looks more a lighthouse where comparisons can be considered a significant like a wayward rocket made between the properties of a fixed maritime center, from the nearby space Fresnel lens and a rotating lens. Tanegashima Island center than a maritime continues to serve as aid to navigation. Station 4 is a touch screen computer with one of its nation’s most a variety of programs. Visitors can learn important gateways Standing 49 foot tall, the more about the orders or sizes of Fresnel but with one major Nishinoomote Lighthouse lenses, the various types of these lenses, difference; Tanegashima is a red iron tower and the history behind their invention. has turned its attention topped with a red lantern Last but not least, visitors can also create from the great expanses room. A pair of 22-foot- their own identifying characteristic for a of the open sea to the star tall red cylinders brackets Fresnel lens. studded voids of outer the tower on either space. side to complete the Located in the Principal Keeper’s Dwelling, H-II facsimile. Operated Reflections on Light is definitely the place Established in 1969, with by the Japanese Coast to demystify the inner workings of the the founding of the National Space Guard’s Maritime Safety Agency, this magnificent Fresnel lens! Development Agency of Japan (now unique aid to navigation features a red the Japanese Aeronautical Exploration flashing light with a focal plane of 59 Agency), the Tanegashima Space Center feet.

8 October 2011 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Volunteer News

The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse’s ever- popular “Climb to the Moon” event will be offered on the evenings of October 12th, November 10th, and December 10th. Limited to only 25 participants, this unique fundraising program provides visitors with the rare opportunity to view spectacular sunsets and moonrises from the gallery deck of Florida’s tallest lighthouse. Join us as we toast the setting sun and snack on delicious Hors d’œuvres as On November 3, 2011, the Ponce Inlet you watch the moon rise above the far Lighthouse will host its Sixth Annual horizon. Be sure to tour the historic Home School Day. Offered each year since Lantern Room and learn about the tower’s 2005, this unique program has become third order Fresnel lens from one of our one of the home school community’s knowledgeable Lighthouse Keepers. most popular events. Featuring four new A favorite of couples and lighthouse workshops every year, participants are enthusiasts, individuals interested in guaranteed to learn something new about joining us for this unique and picturesque lighthouses and maritime history every event are encouraged to RSVP with Mary time they attend.. via email at [email protected] or by Due to high demand, Home School Day phone at (386) 761-1821 ext. 10. Due to tickets usually sell out within a few hours limited availability, the Climb to the Moon so reservations are a must to secure a spot event is often sold out so register early. for your child. A promotional email will Prices are $25 for non-members and $20 be sent out to all home school families and for members. support groups stored within our home Be sure to join us on October 1st and 2nd school data base, on September 1, 2011. during Port Orange Family Days! Held Please contact Bob Callister at (386) 761- each year at the Port Orange City Center, 1821 ext. 18 or via email at bobcallister@ this unique community event provides ponceinlet.org if you wish to be added to families with hours of fun year after year. If the home school mailing list. Tickets for you attend, be sure to stop by our tent to the November 3rd Home School Day will learn about lighthouse history, upcoming be available for purchase online at www. events, and ongoing lighthouse projects poncelighthousestore.org at 1:00 pm on from one of our dedicated volunteers. October 4, 2011. Offerings will include kid-friendly Did you know that many people kick activities, educational hand-outs, and prize off their holiday season with a day-after- drawings. We hope to see you there. Thanksgiving trip to the Ponce Inlet

Lighthouse? Avoid the noise and confusion of Black Friday by starting a new family tradition of your own with a visit to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. At only $5 for adults and $1.50 for children 11 and under, the cost of to visit Lighthouse by a family of four is less than trip to the mall’s food court. So avoid the heartburn, sore feet, and empty wallet and make some happy family memories instead. On behalf of all the volunteers who make these and other lighthouse programs so enjoyable, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • October 2011 9 Education News The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse A student in Mrs. Linda Szovinky’s fifth grade class, Nathanial Jones’ winning Recognizes Outstanding project addressed the debate raging over Student Achievement at the the providence of recovered treasure. Titled “Treasure Hunters and the State 2010 Volusia County Social of Florida: The Conflict over Who Studies Fair Owns the Past,” Nathanial’s project was extensively researched, well constructed, Each year, the Ponce de Leon Inlet informative, and relevant to current events. Lighthouse awards student achievement at One of the most impressive aspects of the Annual Social Studies Fair. Consisting Nathanial’s project was his ability to clearly of a free family membership, recognition communicate the political, historical, and in the quarterly newsletter, a certificate of financial issues related to the treasure achievement, and a $75 cash prize, this award Silver Sands Middle School student Clay Park, hunting industry and the providence of accepts the Middle School Lighthouse Award is presented to the student who creates the from Programs Manager Bob Callister for his recovered artifacts with the judges. best maritime, Florida, or lighthouse history “Cross Florida Barge canal (Ditch Disaster themed project at the elementary, middle, Debate)” project. Clay donated his $75 cash award Clay Park’s project “The Cross Florida Barge and high school level. back to the Lighthouse! Canal; the Ditch Disaster Debate” w a s awarded the Middle School Lighthouse Social Held in the Mainland High School auditorium Studies Fair Award. Having traveled the entire this past year, the 2010 Volusia County length of the canal as part of his research Social Studies Fair included more than into his project’s subject matter, Clay’s entry 100 elementary, middle, and high school provided a wealth of information regarding student exhibits. Each exhibit displayed the purpose of the Cross-Florida Barge Canal, during the district social studies fair had its construction, and the environmental been nominated by each student’s school concerns and funding issues that ultimately of record following an exhaustive round killed it. A student in Mr. Rick Ross’s sixth of judging at both the individual grade and grade social studies class, Clay attends Silver school-wide level. This year’s social studies Sand’s Middle School in Port Orange. fair theme was “Debate and Diplomacy in History: Successes, Consequences.” Sophomore, Shelly Pafford was named the third recipient of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse After completing the duties assigned to Social Studies Fair Award for her project on them as official judges of the 2010 Social the international whaling industry. Tilted “The Studies Fair, Director of Operations Mike International Whaling Debate”, Ms. Pafford’s Bennett, Program Manager Bob Callister, and entry addressed the international debate Lighthouse Volunteer John Mann examined related to the continuation of commercial student entries that focused on maritime, whaling by a handful of countries and the Florida, or lighthouse history. Although passing of international laws to outlaw finding all the submitted elementary, middle, commercial whaling worldwide. Shelly is a and high school projects to be of excellent Father Lopez Catholic High School sophomore student in Mr. Kelly McCabe’s Honors World quality, three stood out above all the rest. Shelly Pafford receives the High School Ponce History Class at Father Lopez High School in Inlet Lighthouse Social Studies Award for her “International Whaling Debate” project from Ormond Beach. Lighthouse volunteer John Mann Thank You & Wish List

e would like to express our ongoing Earl and Gladys Davis (Gladys is the daughter miniature furniture, and other accessories, Joanne’s thanks and appreciation to our of our last civilian keeper) are long-time donors generous gift will undoubtedly become one of the W Executive Director Emerita Ann Caneer and award-winning volunteers at the Lighthouse. most popular displays in the Gladys Meyer Davis for her ongoing support and her many donations During this quarter, they have donated a replica House exhibit. of objects, documents, photographs, and memories. Bennington Flag, made by the Defiance Flag Company to celebrate the “Spirit of ‘76.” This flag In advance of restoration work in our First Our long-term benefactors, Jacques and Marion is a version of the American flag associated with Assistant Keeper dwelling, we are searching Jacobsen have again provided us with some the Battle of Bennington which took place in 1777 for authentic late 19th and early 20th century wonderful artifacts. These include two uniform near the Vermont town that gave the flag its name. household items, wall art, decorative items, insignia from 1915, the founding year of the United The battle proved to be an important victory for furniture, textiles, and children’s toys. A working States Coast Guard - a Coast Guard insignia and a the colonists and the flag proved to be a popular player piano (antique or reproduction) is also Chief Petty Officer insignia. The Jacobsens have design. on the list. We are always searching for any also provided us with a US Army Artillery officer’s Lighthouse Service artifacts including dinner ware, hat insignia dating from the Second Seminole War, Local resident and Gift Shop employee Joanne uniform elements, tools, time pieces, lanterns, and two Sea Service uniform jackets from the Roberson has graciously donated a wonderful toy lamps, stoves, oil containers, brooms, rakes, or 1930s – 1940s. We are delighted to have these barn, crafted in the early 1920s by her grandfather. anything stamped with the Lighthouse Service or additions to our collection. Complete with a variety of antique toy animals, Light House Establishment names.

10 October 2011 • 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)

Name: ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard 3-Digit Security Code:______

Address 1: CC#:

Address 2: Exp. Date:

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 • October 2011 11 Gift Shop

Custom Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Ornaments No Christmas tree is complete without a custom ornament featuring the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Made especially for the Preservation Association, these unique yuletide ornaments are only available at the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Gift Shop. Order Permit 400 yours before they’re all gone. Hand-Painted Glass Ball Featuring the Ponce U.S. Postage Paid U.S. Inlet Lighthouse Daytona Beach, FL Item #: 0013 Non-Profit Organization Non-Profit Price: $ 10.99

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Framed in Blown Glass Item #: 0534 Price: 8.99

Galileo Thermometer Invented by famed Italian physicist Galileo Galilei, this unique thermometer uses glass bulbs suspended in a liquid filled tube to determine ambient temperature. Brass Cut-Out 3-D Ponce Item #: 4973 Price: $37.99 Inlet Ornament Item #: 0141 Price: $8.99 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Inlet Leon de Ponce Inc. Association, Preservation 4931 South Peninsula Drive Inlet, Florida Ponce 32127 (386) 761-1821 www.ponceinlet.org

Bisque Lighthouses Create you very own lighthouse design with this do-it-yourself lighthouse kit featuring two bisque-fired lighthouses ready for painting. Each set included two ceramic lighthouses, paints, and a paint brush. Lighthouses stand 6” tall. Item #: 3429 Price: $9.95 Ship’s Wheel Nautical Themed Add a nautical flair to your interior Wine Box décor with this high quality wooden Forget wrapping paper ship’s wheel. and tacky bottle socks! Measures 36” across. Add an extra flair to Item #: 2827 Long Sleeve T-Shirt and Stocking your gift of wine with Price: $104.99 Cap this beautiful wine gift With the cooler months approaching, what better box. Featuring a hinged Nylon Ponce Inlet Lighthouse way to stay warm than with this custom made Ponce nautical-themed shadow Hooded Jacket Inlet Lighthouse long sleeve t-shirt with matching box door, this unique Keep the cold and rain at bay with a custom-made stocking cap. Available in black/grey or pink/white piece will put a smile on Ponce Inlet Lighthouse windbreaker. Featuring with white lettering. Please indicate desired color the face of wine lovers plastic corrosion free zippers and Velcro closures, and size when ordering. everywhere. heavy nylon fabric, a corded hood, and a mesh liner, Item #: 0251 (black), 0200 (pink) Item #: 4843 each two-tone jacket will keep you snug and dry all Price: 19.99 Price: 26.99 winter long. Available in two color themes; royal blue/ black and cedar red/grey. Please indicate desired size and color when ordering. Item #: 2222 (blue/black), 4923 (red/grey) Price: $24,99 (sizes S – Xl) $26.99 (size XXL)

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Gift Shop specializes PonceLighthouseStore.org, and place orders by phone at (386) in unique lighthouse and nautical themed gifts for people of all 761-1821 ext. 21. Limit one coupon per member. Coupon may not be used in conjunction ages. Our wide selection includes clothing, house wares, toys, Please contact the Gift Shop at (386) 761-1821 or via email with any other discount. Proof of membership must be shown at time of and collectibles including a wide selection of Harbour Lights at [email protected] for more information. Usual UPS purchase. Not valid for purchase of Memorial Bricks. and other miniatures. Customers may also shop online at www. shipping charges and a $4.00 handling fee apply to all orders. Good from October 1, 2011, through December 31, 2011 .

October 2011 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station