April 2009 Inc

Volume XXXIII • Issue ii • April, 2009

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

From the 2 Executive Director 3 Events Calendar Regional History 4 Evolution of the U.S. Coast Guard Feature Article 6 Restoration Complete Lighthouses of the World 8 Vinga Light Station Education 9 News Volunteer News Objects of the Quarter 10 weight- driven clockwork mechanism Gift Shop 12 Features

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Ponce de Leon Inlet LighthousePonce de LeonPreservation Inlet Light Station Association, • April 2009 Inc. From the Executive Director

would like to take this opportunity and graphics. When completed, this The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse I to thank everyone who donated new inter-active exhibit will be taken Preservation Association is dedicated to to the annual fund drive. Due to the into local schools free of charge as part the preservation and dissemination of the current economic downturn available of our expanding educational outreach maritime and social history of the Ponce grant funding through the Florida programs. de Leon Inlet Light Station. Department of State, Division of Historic Educational program development Resources has diminished considerably. has remained one of the Association’s 2008 Board of Trustees Our ongoing endeavors to preserve and most important missions, and has pro- Robyn Hurd disseminate the maritime and social vided thousands of students with a President history of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light wide range of educational opportu- Tami Lewis Vice President Station would be impossible without nities each year. The Association has Bill Merrell the continued financial support of our worked diligently over the past three 2nd Vice President generous members. Thank you once years to expand its existing educational Bob Riggio again. outreach offerings to accommodate Treasurer On January 17, the Lighthouse the growing needs of area educators Tony Girolami Secretary hosted a night climb and tour of the who are unable to bring their students Wilda Hampton museum for the Florida Lighthouse to the Lighthouse due to ongoing bud- Trustee Emerita Association’s strategic planning and getary cuts. Cheryl Cunningham quarterly membership meeting. The Landscaping material was gener- Earl Davis event proved to be a huge success, and ously donated by the family of Bill Gladys Davis provided the Association with the op- Petkus in his memory. The landscaping Tara Lamb portunity to celebrate the issuance of will provide much needed updating to Barbara LaVelle the Florida Lighthouse specialty license the Lighthouse entrance beds. Bill loved Budd Solano plate, Visit Our Lights, which is now the Lighthouse. This gift of landscaping Advisory Committee available at tag and registration offices will not only enhances the Lighthouse throughout the state. ground, but will also serve as a beauti- Ginger Bayer The additional $25 for the plate ful tribute to Mr. Petkus’ life. The Asso- Judy DiCarlo Edson Graham is tax deductible and will provide sus- ciation would like to offer their sincere Judy Huggins tained funding for Florida’s remaining condolence to all of Bill’s loved ones Ellen Pagliarulo 30 historic lighthouses. At least 90% of and thank them for the wonderful gift Alan Redinger all revenue generated by the sale of the in his honor. Visit Our Lights specialty plate will go Once again, I would like to thank The Light Station is published quarterly by the Ponce de Leon towards the continued preservation of all of you for contributing so generously Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. our State’s surviving beacons. Funds will to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Subscription is a benefit of membership in the Association. The be distributed to individual lighthouses Association. Your contribution will help Light Station welcomes letters and comments from our readers. through a Florida Lighthouse Associa- support our important mission to pre- Member: tion administered grant program. For serve and disseminate the maritime American Association of Museums more information, please visit: and social history of the Ponce Inlet American Assoc. for State and Local History Florida Association of Museums www.flhsmv.gov. Light Station. Florida Lighthouse Association The Science of Light educational Florida Trust for Historic Preservation outreach program and exhibit contin- Respectfully, National Trust Forum U.S. Lighthouse Society ues to progress according to sched- Port Orange & South Daytona ule. Staff has worked closely with Dan Chamber of Commerce Spinella of Art Works of Florida in the Daytona Beach/Halifax Area ExecutiveEd Gunnlaugsson Director Chamber of Commerce design and drafting of new video script Daytona Beach Area Attractions Association

Museum Staff Maintenance Gift Shop Upcoming Meetings: Ed Gunnlaugsson Joe Demilio Connie Bach Apr. 15, 2009 Budget & Finance/Endowment Executive Director Maintenance Manager Gift Shop Manager Wednesday Fund Committee Meetings Mike Bennett Lonnie Arnold Scott Szeker Director of Operations Al Barunas Assistant Gift Shop Manager Ann Caneer David Belcher Donna Doan Apr. 20, 2009 Board of Trustees and Executive Director Emerita Mike Bowen Eileen Gallagher Monday Quarterly Membership Meeting Ellen Henry Jim Foley Fran Greene Curator Sam Hawthorne Gail Harvey May 18, 2009 Board of Trustees Meeting Bob Callister Bob McLean Valair Mitchell Monday Program Manager Ed Milano Janet McSharry Taylor Van Auken Angelo Vigorito Jeanine Tatum Jun. 15, 2008 Board of Trustees Meeting Administrative Asst. Bill Teasley Monday Tom Zane L.H. Beaconette: Nelly Janice Teasley Registrar All meetings are held in the Gift Shop Bethel Blais Conference Room HR/Bookkeeping

2 April 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Keeper Listing Events Calendar Corporate 2nd Assistant Lighthouse Events April–June 2009 Keepers Lampists Kristine & John Bradley Canaveral Lens Demonstration South Orange, NJ Apr 3 (Fri) Bahama House 1:00 – 2:00 pm Meet the old-time lighthouse keepers in Daytona Beach, FL Andrew, Heide, Celia, & Andy Carbone Battelle Institute Lynnfield, MA the Lens Exhibit Building. Learn about the Columbus, OH Chad, Kelly, Teri, & Taylor Crumley Cape Canaveral 1st Order Fresnel Lens and Long Grove, IL Berlin and Denys, Inc. Robert & Mary Darge how weekly maintenance is preformed on New Smyrna Beach, FL New Hudson, MI this historic lighthouse optic. All activities Carolyn Day Boondocks Restaurant Ponce Inlet, FL included with price of regular admission. Wilbur by the Sea, FL Dr. G. Scott & Kristi Drumheller No advance registration required. Bright House Networks Ponce Inlet, FL Orlando, FL Frederick & Shirley Eckersen Brochure Displays, Inc. Alexandria, VA Apr 25 (Sat) Florida Lighthouse Day Daytona Beach, FL Dennis & Zackary Engel Enjoy family-oriented activities, Owatonna, MN 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Caring Cleaners Dr. C.W. & Gail C. Fain demonstrations, and kid’s crafts. Test Daytona Beach, FL Holly Hill, FL your knowledge about Florida’s many Tammy Gentry Darkhorse Design, Inc. Ponce Inlet, FL lighthouses and see the Canaveral Lens DeLand & Longwood, FL; Boston, MA Art & Barbara Giles Maintenance Demonstration by 1930s era Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL lighthouse keepers. Learn about the newly News Journal Cliff & Kim Greene Daytona Beach, FL Minnetonka, MN released “Visit Our Lights” Florida license Laurel Grotzinger plate and how revenue generated by this Down the Hatch, Inc. Kalamazoo, MI Ponce Inlet, FL Inlet Harbor Realty special tag will help fund the continued Inlet Harbor, Inc. Robyn, Mike, & Dusty Hurd preservation of the State’s 29 remaining Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Al, Paula, Michael, & Emily Jenkins historic towers. All activities are included Racing’s North Turn Daytona Beach, FL with the price of regular admission. No Ponce Inlet, FL Dr. Herbert & Ruth Kerman Raymond James Daytona Beach Shores, FL advance reservations required. Steven Kover & Associates Inc. Silver Spring, MD Ponce Inlet, FL John L. & Patricia Ann La Belle May 9 (Sat) Girl Scout Day Ponce Inlet, FL 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Calling all Girl Scouts! Come and enjoy Principal Bob & Diane Lamontagne the lighthouse and museum while working Ponce Inlet, FL Keepers Jacquelyn Law on requirements for the Lighthouse Oak Lawn, IL Brownie Try-It, the Junior Lighthouse CasaGrande – L. Keith Lester & Tami Lewis Daytona Beach Shores, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Badge, or the Lighthouse Interest Project. Tony Girolami Laura & Paula Liebrecht Tickets are available online at www. Ponce Inlet, FL Laurel, MD Donna Lough poncelighthousestore.org beginning April Louise Nippert Depew, NY Cincinnati, OH 7th at 1:00 p.m. Contact Program Manager Raymond & Stacey Mayernik Alan & Mary Ann Redinger Ponce Inlet, FL Bob Callister at bobcallister@ponceinlet. Ponce Inlet, FL Peggie & Victor E. McClellan org for more information or by phone at Ponce Inlet, FL (386) 761-1821. John McGowan 1st Assistant Rockaway Park, NY Ward & Terry Mead Keepers Ormond Beach, FL Harvey & Connie Bach Riverside Bank Ponce Inlet, FL Sue Pesce Charles, Michelle, Joey, Austin, & Port Orange, FL 2009 Spring & Summer Lighthouse Hours John Cameron Philip A. Rhodes Daytona Beach, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Cheryl, Jim, & Shamus Robert, Margie, Robert, & Tony Riggio Normal Hours of Operation Ponce Inlet, FL Cunningham September 2, 2008– Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Diane Schamay Ponce Inlet, FL May 24, 2009 (last admission at 5:00 p.m.) Joe & Judy DiCarlo Ponce Inlet, FL Port Orange, FL Bob & Jan Shaw Ponce Inlet, FL May 25, 2009– Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Janice, Dana, & Alain Fredey Robert, Mary Ann, & Katie Shrum Oviedo, FL Gahanna, OH September 7, 2009 (last admission at 8:00 p.m.) Patrick & Debbie Pawling Robert & Mary Ruth Trump Hamilton, OH Plymouth, IN Ernest C. & Margaret Rieth Lt. Col. William & Sandra Wester Ponce Inlet, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Newsletter Contributing Writers

Mike Bennett Bob Callister Ed Gunn Ellen Henry Tom Zane

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • April 2009 3 Regional History Evolution of the U.S. Coast Guard

he United States Coast Guard is a multi- United States Customs and Revenue States and collecting the appropriate T mission military organization within Cutter Services were two of the taxes for each vessel based on the Department of Homeland Security, and first federal agencies formed its size, cargo, and port of origin one of the nation’s five armed services. Its following ratification of the U.S. (foreign vessels were charged an core missions are to protect the public, the Constitution in 1789. Unlike additional 10%). Established for the environment, and the economic and security Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic- express purpose of “regulating the interests of the United States in any maritime Republicans, Hamilton and other collection of duties” the Customs region both at home and abroad. Firmly rooted Federalists promoted the idea of a Service addressed its mission with in the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service-Marine, strong centralized government and The Great Seal of an efficiency and dedication of the U.S. Light House Establishment, and the maintained that the future success the United States purpose that would generate over U.S. Life Saving Service, the Coast Guard can of the United States resided not Coast Guard, 90% of the government’s annual America’s oldest proudly claim the distinct honor of being the on the shoulders of the celebrated maritime service. revenue for the next hundred nation’s oldest maritime service. “yeoman farmer” but in the nation’s years. Founded on the recommendations of budding manufacturing and Having recently concluded the Secretary of the Treasury and fervent maritime industries. a war of independence sparked in part Federalist leader Alexander Hamilton, the Faced with numerous economic hurdles, by the taxation of imports by the British including nearly 80 million dollars of war Government, it came as no surprise that many debt and an empty federal coffer, Secretary Americans would resist the idea of federally Hamilton advocated an ambitious fiscal imposed tariffs. Realizing the Customs program to finance the government’s ongoing Service might require some assistance in the activities. Drawing upon its constitutional performance of its duty, Alexander Hamilton powers to levy taxes and regulate commerce, petitioned Congress for an armed service to Congress passed the Tariff Act of 1789. Signed help enforce the law. The government granted into law by George Washington on July 4th, the Secretary of the Treasury’s request and this important piece of legislation authorized authorized the establishment of the United the collection of tariffs on imported goods States Revenue Cutter Service into existence and provided the U.S. Government with its on August 4th, 1790. The USRC Harriet Lane is said to have fired the first first source of reliable income. Originally consisting of ten lightly-armed shots of the Civil War in Charleston Harbor Founded four weeks after the signing of vessels, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service the Tariff Act, the U.S. Customs Service was the constituted the nation’s only armed maritime nation’s first federal agency. Initially stationed service until harassment of American shipping at 59 mandatory ports of entry, Customs off the Barbary Coast led to the founding of officials were given the responsibility of the United States Navy in 1798. Serving in inspecting all vessels entering the United a military capacity alongside the U.S. Navy during the Quasi-War with France, revenue cutters participated in the capture of more than twenty French vessels before hostilities came to an end in 1800. The collaboration between the two maritime services proved so successful that the determination was made to place the Revenue Cutter Service under The Revenue Cutter Massachusetts was one of ten the direct authority of the Department of the schooner-rigged vessels ordered by Secretary of the Navy in times of war from that time on. Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Commissioned in 1791 Often working autonomously, revenue the USRC Massachusetts proved ill-suited for her role and was sold the following year. cutter captains wielded considerable power. Although authorized to search and seize any vessel or cargo suspected of breaking established Customs laws, Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton understood that the manner in which captains carried out these duties would be of paramount importance, especially in a society of independent citizens who had little patience for despots or narcissistic officials. Instructing them to endeavor to overcome difficulties with a cool and temperate perseverance, Hamilton warned his captains to “always keep in mind All ship masters entering or exiting the United The U.S. Light House Establishment was responsible States were required to report to the Customs for constructing, maintaining, and operating all that their countrymen were freemen, and, as House. Although the size of the Customs House aids to navigation including lighthouses, buoys, and such, were impatient of everything that bore varied from one port to another, many were quite channel markers until being absorbed by the U.S. the least mark of a domineering spirit.” impressive, including this one in Charleston, SC. Coast Guard in 1939.

4 April 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station The United States Life Saving Service operated Life Saving Stations, Life Boat Stations (pictured above), and Houses of Refuge.

The United States Revenue Cutter Service was authorized to search and seize any vessel or cargo suspected of violating U.S. Customs Law either at port or at sea. The Revenue Cutter Service performed Armed with an unsurpassed knowledge its primary mission of enforcing customs of New England’s treacherous coast laws with great efficiency and effectiveness. and equipped with nimble vessels built Signed into law on March 2nd, 1807, the Act to specifically for shallow water operations, Prohibit the Importation of Slaves stipulated the Revenue Cutter Service quickly proved The United States Coast Guard and its predecessor, the Revenue Cutter Service, have served with distinction that any vessel suspected of smuggling itself well suited to the unique mission. The in every major American conflict since the nation’s foreign slaves into the United States would frequency of shipwrecks occurring in waters founding. be subject to search and seizure by the patrolled by the revenue cutters dropped and proper authorities. By 1865, the U.S. Revenue the Service quickly developed a reputation Cutter Service had searched countless vessels for operating in weather conditions that suspected of transporting slaves and seized drove most other ships to safe harbor. Made over 500 others including the infamous slaver a mandatory mission of service in 1837, Amistad by the Revenue Cutter Washington winter patrols soon became a hallmark of the on August 26th, 1839. Revenue Cutter Service and a source of pride In addition to its Customs mission, the for the exceptional men who sailed upon the United States Revenue Cutter Service had cutters’ storm swept decks. worked diligently since its inception to Founded in 1871, the U.S. Life Saving “render assistance and aid as needed for the Service was a federal agency that grew out protection of life and property at sea”. Working of private and local humanitarian efforts to The Coast Guard continues to perform the time alongside the U.S. Light House Establishment, save the lives of shipwrecked mariners and honored missions of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, established in 1789 to construct, maintain, and passengers. Originally consisting of a handful the U.S. Light House Establishment, and the U.S. Life Saving Service to this day. operate all aids to navigation within American of scattered unmanned facilities possessing territorial waters, the Revenue Cutter Service only the most rudimentary equipment, the duties in addition to those of the late Life strove to safeguard the nation’s waterways U.S. Life Saving Service grew under Revenue Saving Service. This mission was expanded to by charting harbors, rivers, and channels and Marine Board Secretary Sumner Kimball include the construction, maintenance, and removing derelict vessels from navigable to include a network of over 270 facilities operation of all aids to navigation when the waterways. consisting of Life Saving Stations, Life Boat Coast Guard absorbed the United States Light As America’s maritime industry grew Stations, and Houses of Refuge. Working in House Service in 1939. so too did the frequency of shipwrecks, tandem with the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service With over two hundred years of especially in the north where violent and U.S. Lighthouse Establishment, the U.S. uninterrupted service, the United States winter storms turned the unpredictable Life Saving Service established a system of Coast Guard and its predecessors have served North Atlantic into a churning wind-driven national maritime safety second to none in the needs of the nation with distinction and tempest of ice and snow. Alarmed by the the world. honor. From its humble beginning in 1789, growing number of wrecks littering the New The United States Life Saving and Revenue with the commission of ten shallow drafted England coast, Secretary of the Treasury Louis Cutter Services functioned autonomously schooners, to its present-day compliment McLane ordered the Revenue Cutter Service until the two were merged to form the of over 41,000 personnel, 200 aircraft, to commence winter cruises of the area in United States Coast Guard in 1915. Essentially and hundreds of vessels, the Coast Guard 1832. The decision would prove to be one of a continuation of the Revenue Cutter Service, continues to perform its multi-faceted mission momentous importance to both the maritime the Coast Guard continued to perform all with the same dedication to service instilled industry and the future of the service itself. of its original Customs and maritime safety by its founders those many years ago.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • April 2009 5 Feature Article

sections that make up the two beehive panels Restoration Complete! contain eight upper catadioptrics each. All in all, the lens originally had 76 pieces of glass. Five n December 11, 2007, three crates been touched. It had undergone re-glazing of were missing, having been broken and lost over arrived from California containing a the prisms during its long history, but the bronze the years. O Chance Brothers third-order-middle possessed a thick coat of patina as well as plenty Once every bit of the lens had been fixed lighthouse lens, a lens pedestal, fuel tanks, of dirt and soot from its many years in service. identified and numbered, it was time to train a and an incandescent oil vapor lamp. These Before putting these new objects on display group of volunteers to help with the painstaking items had been in service in Australia and had in the Lens Exhibit Building, it was decided task of cleaning and reassembling the pieces. made their way into a private collection that that the lens would have to undergo some The initial training class was made up of Helen was now being sold. The fuel tanks, pedestal, restoration and repair in order to preserve it in Magale, Allen Bestwick, Jackie Mann, John Mann, and possibly the lamp, had the best possible condition. Gerry Harris, and Art Hahn. Under the guidance come from the Cape Don The glazing around the prisms of museum staff, John Mann, Art Hahn, and Gerry Lighthouse. The lens itself had and lenses would be removed Harris performed most of the volunteer work, served at the Hannibal Island and replaced for the safety of eventually amounting to nearly 500 hours. Lighthouse in the early 1920s. the glass. It was also decided It was decided to carry out this restoration The lens was manufactured at to aim the prisms in order to in a gallery where the public could observe the Chance Brothers factory make the glass reinstallation and interact with the team. The kitchen of the near Birmingham, England, in as authentic as possible. Since Principal Keeper’s Dwelling was used as the the early 1850s. Although the Chance Brothers Nameplate there was evidence of active restoration workshop and locked whenever ages of the other items are not corrosion on the bronze restoration was not underway. Every Tuesday known, they most likely date from 1915-1925. frame, the entire lens would be taken apart and Thursday from April through November, When artifacts such as these arrive at the once the glass was removed, and the metal staff and volunteers could be found sharing museum they are allowed time to adjust to the would undergo a gentle cleaning prior to the their progress with our visitors. climate before being unpacked. As soon as the reinstallation of the prisms and lenses. The first challenge faced by our restoration cases were opened, however, our restoration Before any work was done, detailed team was the removal of old glazing in order to team immediately went to work measuring, photographs were made of every part of the free the prisms from their bronze frames. This inspecting, and assessing the condition of the lens. was accomplished by carefully picking away items. The pedestal, fuel tanks, and IOV lamp As the lens was being measured, it was the old glazing with wooden skewers, dental had undergone restoration while in the private also necessary to identify, name, and number its collection, but the Chance Brothers lens had not various parts. For example, the lower portion of the lens consists of two panels, the door and the rest of the lens. The door was identified as panel 1, section 1. Panel 2 had three sections numbered 2, 3, and 4. The upper section of reflecting prisms, the “beehive,” came apart in two panels, with two sections each. Since the entire lens was going to be dismantled, each prism was given a set of identifying numbers and letters. The largest piece of glass in each of the four lower sections is the center dioptric, or D1. Each of these had to be marked to indicate the panel number, section number, and the top and bottom of the glass. Above the center dioptrics in each section are three upper dioptrics, or UD 2, UD 3, and UD 4. Below each center dioptric are three lower dioptric prisms. Below these are four lower catadioptric or reflecting prisms. The four

Hanibal Island and Cape Don; Hannibal island The Chance lens is unpacked Museum volunteers undergo training to help with Lighthouse Chance lens restoration. 6 April 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Allen Bestwick works on the lens in gallery Art Hahn & Jimmie V. install an upper catadioptric prism

Gerry Harris aims the upper catadioptric prisms.

The restoration team use a laser to aim the prisms who carefully examined the lens and recorded John and Jackie Mann remove old glazing from lens any damage in great detail. Each prism, marked with its code of identifying numbers and letters The restored Chance lens is moved to the Lens was then photographed, wrapped in protective Exhibit Building foam, and stored out of harm’s way. After all the prisms were removed, the bronze frame was examined and damage reports were made for each piece. Residual glazing was removed from the bronze using wooden and plastic tools to prevent scratching the historic material. After manually picking away the dirt, soot, paint spots, corrosion, and grime, the entire frame was examined for tell-tale greenish areas Staff member Jimmie Vanover cleans the bronze frame that could indicate bronze disease. A damaging The lens is lifted onto its pedestal. tools, and virtually any other type of plastic or form of corrosion, bronze disease can occur wooden pick that would do the job. In many when copper chlorides in the bronze mix with support rings. The restoration team cleaned these cases, the glazing was rock hard and incredibly water or water vapor to form hydrochloric sections using a walnut blaster. Similar to sand difficult to remove. or sulfuric acids which cause the metal to blasting but without the extreme abrasiveness, All work with the glass was stressful. If a disintegrate. The early stages of walnut blasting is actually a very prism was broken, it meant that an important bronze disease have a fuzzy green gentle procedure that removes historical object was lost or altered forever. appearance that is easy to confuse very little of the surrounding Although replacement prisms have been made with green patina, a beneficial patina. A few areas were also in the past, the cost of doing so and difficulty in surface oxidation that can protect treated with a weak (2%) solution finding an artisan willing to take on the daunting the metal from harmful chemical of citric acid. Ultimately, the best task has always been great. Whenever glass was reactions such as bronze disease. cleaner proved to be Kroil rubbed being installed or moved, at least two people Areas that proved by into the metal with a rough linen were involved, and someone always had a hand appearance or by pH tests to be rag. on the glass to protect it. active bronze disease had to be When the bronze was Each prism was given a careful cleaning cleaned and stabilized. Since the finished, it was time to put the glass once it had been removed from the lens frame. restoration team had decided to back in place. This was certainly Volunteers began working on the tedious remove as little surface patina as the most entertaining part of the task of removing stubborn clumps of glazing possible, a method of removing restoration for our gallery visitors material with non-abrasive tools. Surprisingly, bronze disease while keeping and the most challenging for our the common everyday popsicle stick turned most of the patina intact had to volunteers. out to be the best tool for this and many be devised. This involved hours Step one was the creation other jobs performed during the restoration. and hours of painstaking manual of an aiming chart for the lens. Each side of the prism was then subjected to cleaning with picks, pins, wooden This would be the target for a a gentle cleaning. Mineral spirits and rubbing popsicle sticks, rags, and distilled laser light that would be shone alcohol were used to clean away dirt, oil, and water. Some rubbing with Never- through each prism. When the finger prints prior to rinsing the entire prism Dull, a wadding polish, was done. laser passed through the prism in distilled water. Special lens towels were The heaviest areas of bronze The restored Chance and landed on the center line Brothers lens is now on used to wipe the glass dry. The cleaned glass disease were found along the view in the Lens Exhibit corresponding to it on the aiming was then turned over to yet another volunteer undersides of the lower section Building. chart, the installers would know

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • April 2009 7 Feature Article, cont.

the prism was aimed correctly. Each piece of glass was carefully inserted in its frame. One team member would aim the laser through the prism’s center while two other team members, one at each end of the prism, would adjust its position in the frame. Long, triangle shaped positioning wedges would be fitted between the glass and the bronze to hold the glass in place. When the correct position was found, each positioning wedge was replaced with a tiny walnut block called a finishing wedge. When each end of the prism was completely wedged in, the empty spaces between glass and frame would be filled with Dap 33, a special glazing compound. Trimming away the excess Dap turned out to be an art form that was quite difficult to master. Once the Dap dried, it was painted to extend its life for many years to come. On December 19, 2008, almost exactly one year after its arrival at the museum, the Chance Brothers lens was moved to its new home in into the gallery. The IOV lamp was repositioned. A fine example of a the Lens Exhibit Building. The largest panel placed inside the lens once assembly third order clockwork mechanism, was moved first. A cradle was constructed to was complete. The fuel tanks were built in the early 1900s and used to help the restoration team move each portion of installed adjacent to the pedestal. rotate a third order lens, was also the lens from the gallery to the cart that would In order to accommodate the added to the Fresnel lens display. carry the heavy object across the Light Station new lens, a number of changes The Preservation Association’s grounds. Two men carried the cradle. Each were made to the existing exhibit collection now includes examples of man had a harness around his shoulders to help space. A new display window was Incandescent Oil Vapor Swedish, English, French, American, support the lens in case either man had to let go added in the wall under the east (I.O.V.) Lamps were often and New Zealand made lenses in used in lighthouse of the cradle handles. The lens was reassembled staircase. New signs were installed beacons in days before sizes ranging from small buoy lights on the pedestal which had already been moved on the railing and old wall signs electricity to those of the first order.

Lighthouses of the World

although only ruins of the earliest tower’s set upon pilings and surmounted by square Vinga Light foundation remain. In 1854 a round-cylindrical slatted daymark constitutes the rear range-light. 39 foot tall stone tower was constructed to Approaching mariners know they are centered Station provide Vinga with a double light. The second on the channel when the two range lights are lighthouse was deactivated and its lantern aligned one behind the other. An Unusually Complete removed in 1890 following the completion of In addition to the existing 1854 and 1890 a new square-pyramidal granite tower. The new towers and two range lights, the Vinga Light Light Station lighthouse stood 95 foot tall, featured a lantern Station also features a host of other structures room and gallery, and an impressive 1st Order including a large, red, square-pyramidal daymark he Vinga Light Station, situated on the Fresnel Lens. It remains the principal aid to constructed near the lighthouse in the early T west coast of Sweden, is one of the most navigation at the Vinga Light Station to this day. 19th century. The surrounding “light keepers unusually complete lighthouse facilities in the A pair of synchronized flashing lights village” consists of several keeper’s dwellings, a world. Surrounding the historic tower is a “light constructed at the Vinga Light Station in 1896, ship traffic control center, and an assortment of keeper’s village” which includes several light serve as the station’s range lights. Range lights various support structures. Readily accessible keeper dwellings, navigational structures, and serve as important aids to navigation around by passenger ferry from Göteborg, the Vinga additional support buildings. the world, especially in areas where ships Light Station is one the most popular tourist The light station is located eleven miles must remain centered in a narrow channel. A attractions along the Swedish coast. due west of Göteborg at the entrance to the 33 foot tall cylindrical tower with lantern and Kattegat, a sound separating Sweden from gallery deck serves as the front range-light, Denmark. It is the traditional landfall light, not while a square 26 foot tall wooden tower just for Göteborg, but for all of Sweden. Along with Skagen Fyr (or lighthouse) on the Danish side, the Vinga Lighthouse marks the entrance to both Kattegat Sound and the Baltic Sea for ships arriving from the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The station was first established in 1841,

8 April 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Education News Volunteer News

n extra Girl Scout Day was held for A two large Girl Scout groups January 24th. Eighty-six Girl Scouts registered for this event and worked on the requirements for their Brownie Try-It badge, Junior Lighthouse Badge, and Cadet Lighthouse Interest Project Badge. Our thanks go out to volunteers Allen Bestwick, Bonnie Egertson, Joan Griffith, Art Hahn, Gerry Harris, Theresa Helfrey, Tom Hellem, Helen Magale, John & Jackie Mann, Elizabeth Peitz, Jan Reece, and Dawn White for helping the Lighthouse intern Ashley Wilt with Bob Callister Girl Scouts have a fun-filled experience at s many of you are aware, the faltering the Lighthouse. economy has been especially The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse held A hard on educational organizations its fourth annual Beach Racing Day on throughout the State including those in February 13th with resounding success. As Volusia and surrounding counties. Faced with all of our past Beach Racing events, with significant budgetary cuts, school Lighthouse visitors were given the unique boards have been forced to reduce or opportunity to meet scores of drivers, eliminate many programs that have been mechanics, and owners from the early days deemed non-essential including field trips. of racing and examine many of the cars As a result, the Lighthouse hosted only one that once raced around the treacherous public school and eight private schools oval track in Ponce Inlet. Race fans reveled during the past quarter. Although we do not in the memories of these historic racing anticipate school group visitation to increase pioneers, took photographs, and received in the foreseeable future, the Association has autographs from some of sport’s most been working hard to address the situation prominent figures from 50 years ago. by developing several new and exciting The Association’s March 11th Home educational outreach programs. School Day sold out in less than six hours As many of our readers may remember proving once again just how popular from our January 2009 newsletter, the this educational event has become over Preservation Association announced that the years. 110 home school students The Association is always on the lookout Ashley Wilt, a history student from the laundered, sewed, and gardened their for dedicated individuals who are interested University of Central Florida, would be way through the day to learn what life in teaching young and mature alike about the completing her senior internship her at the was like for lighthouse families a hundred rich social and maritime history of the Ponce Ponce Inlet Light Station. Since that time, Ms. years ago. As with our past home school de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Those wishing to Wilt has been working with Program Manager events, we heard nothing but laudatory join the Lighthouse’s “family” of volunteers Bob Callister and volunteer John Mann in the comments from parents and participants are encouraged to contact Programs Manager development of a new educational outreach alike. Our thanks go out to more than 25 Bob Callister at (386) 761-1821 or via email program that will be taken to local schools volunteers who spent the day enjoying at [email protected]. Snow-birds and presented to classes that are unable to the workshops right along with the home are welcome! come to the lighthouse. school students. The completed program will include three theme-oriented workshops. Each workshop will be comprised of several educational activities that address each theme. Participating teachers will be able to select any workshop from the program including: What is a Lighthouse?, Living at the Lighthouse, and Keepers’ Duties by Night and Day. With an anticipated length of 40 minutes, each workshop will take no more than a single class period to complete so as to allow for greater accessibility and scheduling flexibility. Participating teachers will be provided with a workshop lesson plan that will include an outline of all activities, procedural directions, and applicable Sunshine State Standards. Scheduled for completion in April, this new educational outreach program will be available to all local schools at the beginning of the 2009-2010 academic school year.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • April 2009 9 Object of the Quarter Thank You

e would like to thank the Newport ll lighthouse beacons possess a unique County, Rhode Island, Amateur nighttime appearance called a character- W A Radio Club for the donation of a 1920s istic. A beacon’s characteristic can be that of a spark transmitter and Morse code key. The fixed steady light, a flashing light, a colored light, spark transmitter is a device for generating or a combination of all three. Flashing character- radio frequency electromagnetic waves. istics were originally achieved by means of glass Two conducting electrodes are separated “bulls-eye” panels set into a lens that focused the by a gap. When a sufficiently high voltage light generated by a central lamp into concen- is applied, a spark trated beams. The beacon would appear to flash Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, Scotland, clockwork will bridge this whenever one of the bulls-eyes rotated past a weight cables in weight well gap, ionizing the mariner’s field of vision. The beacon’s unique within the tower wall. When the clockwork air and reducing flash pattern was determined by the number weights completed their descent, the keeper its electrical of bulls-eye panels installed in the lens and the at the top of the tower would crank them resistance. This speed at which the lens rotated. back up again. It was typical to set the speed allows an electric Turn of the century urban development, of descent so that the keeper was forced to current to flow the wide spread use of the incandescent light crank the weights up every hour in order to and a Morse code bulb, and the construction of taller and taller keep the lens rotating. This would ensure that transmission to be made. These artifacts buildings along the coast the keeper remained awake represent equipment that may well have made lighthouses with throughout his watch. been used at Mosquito Inlet in its early fixed lenses increasingly Sometimes the weight years. difficult to identify. Many of cables would wear out and Volunteer docent Allen Bestwick these, including the one at snap, dropping the heavy has once again provided us with items Ponce Inlet, were assigned weight to the ground and information to use in our education new lenses that exhibited floor far below. Lighthouse program. His latest contribution to our flashing characteristics. architects attempted to radio room exhibit is a reproduction of a Rotation for many of these minimize the damage World War II “foxhole” radio. Using 1940s beacons was achieved created by falling weights materials, including the core from a roll using electric motors. But with sand filled pits located of 1940s toilet paper, Allen has recreated before sources of electricity in the center of tower floor. something that many battlefield soldiers were available at light Designed to provide falling would have made from available materials. stations, the rotation of objects with a safe place to Visit our radio beacon exhibit to see both the lens was accomplished land, these unique weight the spark transmitter and the radio. by means of a clockwork wells undoubtedly saved mechanism similar to that more than one floor from of a grandfather clock. sustaining considerable A rotating lens was damage. usually seated on ball The weight-driven bearings or chariot wheels. clockwork mechanism in A third order clockwork mechanism has In some lighthouses, the been added to the lens exhibit our collection was designed lens would float in a basin to rotate a lighthouse lens filled with mercury. The clockwork mechanism of the third order or smaller. It dates from the that rotated the lens was powered by heavy late 19th century and is made of bronze and weights that descended through the center of brass. It is now on display in the Lens Exhibit the spiral staircase or through a shaft located Building.

In Memoriam Erma Doherty

he Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse the Preservation Association’s was evident in her dedication T Preservation Association is sad to report founding members. Erma to saving the historic light that Erma Doherty, a founding member of worked with her husband and station, her beautiful paintings the Association, passed away on February other local residents to found of the tower and grounds, 7th, 2009, at the age of 104. Born in Dewitt the town of Ponce Inlet and and the countless volunteer County, Illinois, in 1904, Mrs. Doherty moved was instrumental in convincing hours spent in the gift shop to Florida with her husband Charles following the Department of the Interior collecting 25¢ admission his retirement from the Chicago Police to transfer ownership of the fees. Erma returned to Illinois Department. Working as a nurse for many historic Ponce de Leon Inlet in 2002 to be closer to her years, it comes as no surprise that Erma is Light Station to the Town relatives. Mrs. Doherty’s family remembered as a kind and caring woman in 1972. Association board has requested that memorial by her many friends and neighbors in Ponce members Tony Girolami, contributions be directed Inlet. Very active in the local community, Erma Earl and Gladys Davis, and to the Ponce de Leon Inlet Doherty was a member of the Ponce Inlet Ann Caneer all recall Erma’s Lighthouse. Those wishing Women’s Club, a parishioner at Epiphany kindness, sincerity, and exceptional baking to make a donation in her name may do so Catholic Church in Port Orange, and one of skills. Mrs. Doherty’s love for the Lighthouse online at www.poncelighthousestore.org.

10 April 2009 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station 2nd Assistant Keeper ...... $100 Join the Ponce de Leon Inlet • All privileges of General or Family Membership • Recognition of your membership in the quarterly Lighthouse Preservation newsletters' New Keepers 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 de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. 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 • April 2009 11 Gift Shop

Florida: A Journey The Lighthouse through its Colorful Past Keeper’s Daughter

Learn the interesting history of the Sunshine Follow the story of Miranda, the Lighthouse State from Pensacola to Daytona Beach to Key Keeper’s daughter, in this wonderfully illustrated West. Narrative text and interesting pictures from hardback book as she fights to keep the light lit in yesterday an today make this hardcover book a must her father’s absence despite the brutal weather and have for lovers of Florida history. her own illness. Item #: 865 Price: $24.95 Item #: 0165 Price: $15.95

Ladies Waffle Tee with Hoodie Lenticular Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Print Featuring a wonderful winged nautical design beneath a Ponce Inlet Florida banner, this unique This unique 8” x 10” lenticular print of the Ponce de Leon long-sleeve tee provides just enough warmth to keep Inlet Lighthouse features a beautiful day and nighttime you comfortable on a chilly day. Available in image of the historic tower. Turn it one way and the image Glacier Blue, Plum, and Mocha. Please indicate of the tower appears against the blue Florida sky. Turn it desired color and size when ordering. the other way and the glow of the brilliant beacon’s radiant Available Sizes: beams cut through the dark of night. A wonderful gift for Medium – Extra Large Price: 18.99 lighthouse lovers everywhere. Extra-Extra Large: Price: 19.99 Item #: 0035 Price: $11.99

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse Sea Biscuit Seahorse Cutting Board

Pitchers This beautiful glass 12” x 15” cutting board features Ponce de Measuring 8.75”x 8.25“x 5.38”, this whimsical Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Custom ceramic pitcher featuring a colorful image made for the Preservation of a seahorse will bring the magic of the sea Association, this unique piece to your next dinner party or social gathering. is available only through the Item #: 2550 Price: $36.99 Lighthouse Gift Shop. Item #: 3725 Price: $19.99 Permit 400 Permit Colorful “Miss Lorelie” Fish Salt and Pepper Shakers U.S. Postage Paid Postage U.S. Daytona Beach, FL Daytona Beach, Spice up your life with this whimsical salt and pepper set by Diane Artware featuring tropic fish and hibiscus flowers. Part of the Miss Lorelie Non-Profit Organization collection. Special Note: 7’x9’x5’ matching teapot Item #: 2494 Price: $18.99 also available (Item #: 2490) for $32.99 Miss Lorelie Sugar Bowl and Creamer

Matching sugar and creamer bowls are a continuation of the popular Miss Lorelie ceramic series Diane Artware. Both pieces measure 5.38x7x3.64” and feature beautiful tropical fish behind hibiscus flowers. Sugar Bowl: Item #: 2590 Price: $17.99 Creamer: Item #: 2592 Price: $17.99

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

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