T he Beam Journal of the Society, Inc. www.njlhs.org

Number 85 T he Beam September 2011 What an issue this is, with the many sto- PROGRAMS ries on trips that our members have tak- Brett Franks en this summer. Judy and I went on the Well, we had a real nice Habour Lights 20th Reunion cruise to day for our June Meeting. Alaska in June along with several other You could not have asked From The members of NJLHS. We spent several for anything better. We met Editor’s Desk days before and after the cruise photo- at Riverview Beach Park graphing the of Washington in Pennsville, NJ and were State (see Page 3). We had a chance to see many different types of probably about 200 feet from lighthouses along the way and some very remote ones in Alaska the river’s edge, with a great (see the Bishop’s story on Page 6). For some of us hard core fans breeze coming off it keeping us cool. Our members got the chance the trip was paradise, with only a few actual “lighthouses” I was to visit the Marcus Hook Rear Range Lighthouse in Edgemoor able to shoot over 100 aids to navigation during the trip. There’s a (Wilmington) Delaware and climb it as well, thanks to the Coast report on the very successful, but long trip up the Delaware River Guard Aids to Navigation Team. We also had a great spread of (see Page 5) and the return to Sheffield Island also on Page 5. Keep food for our picnic from Acton’s Pig Roasting. There was enough your travel stories and photos coming. there to feed a group three times our size and everyone seemed to really enjoy it. However I think the biggest hit of the meeting The Beam, the official journal of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Inc., was the entertainment we is published quarterly, March, June, September and December. Member- had from Jeff Probert and ship dues are $20.00 single and $25.00 family, and are for the calendar the River Road Band. Their year. Back issues are available free for members joining mid-year. All ma- music was just the right mix terials are copyrighted and cannot be borrowed or reproduced without per- for a sunny summer picnic at mission of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society. The NJLHS - New Jersey the site of an old Delaware Lighthouse Society, Inc., is a non-profit educational corporation (501c3). riverfront amusement park. OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS I just wish everyone would President Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 have had the opportunity to River Road Band 1st VP Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 be there and enjoy a great social event. 2nd VP Rich Veit (609) 652-1876 Treasurer Faith Giamboi (732) 350-9595 For our next meeting we’ll be heading to North Wildwood, NJ in Recording Secretary Karen Stumpf-Owen (856) 299-7583 the area near Hereford Inlet Lighthouse. You’ll need to visit the Corresponding Secretary Jayne Swope (856) 468-2561 web site for details on this meeting as we draw closer because as Director Jim Cope (609) 587-6266 of the writing of this article, no detailed arrangements have been Director Doreen Berson (732) 202-7420 made. Why, you ask? Because we still do not have a Programs Director Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 Chairperson. I realize this makes things more difficult not having Director Mike Boucher (845) 787-4807 the year’s events and locations all planned out, but unfortunately Director Mary Beth Doherty (973) 978-0129 until someone assumes the mantel for this job, the Board is han- Director Carol Winkie (856) 468-6199 dling this in our spare, spare, spare time. Which is pretty much COMMITTEES non-existent. I have to thank the Board for all the help they have Archivist Vacant provided me on the first two meetings we’ve done this year and Beam Editor Mike Boucher (845) 787-4807 I know they will help with the remainder as well, but we really Beam Assistant Editor Judy Boucher (845) 787-4807 could use someone to pull all this together and give us some stabil- Community Outreach Chair Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 ity for planning. Education Outreach Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 Historian Co-Chairs Jim & Nancy Cope (609) 587-6266 That said, please keep up to date by visiting the web site upon Historian Co-Chairs Mike & Judy Boucher (845) 787-4807 receipt of this Beam and all the specifics should be there. I have Hospitality Co-Chairs Linda & Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 some ideas for the presentation but until I get commitments I won’t Hospitality Co-Chairs Carol & George Naill (215) 657-4559 make promises to you. I will promise it will be an interesting pro- Membership Co-Chair Linda & Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 gram and might have to do with some NJ lore appropriate to the Membership Co-Chair Carol & George Naill (215) 657-4559 season. So go check the web, there might even be another surprise Preservation Chair Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 Programs Vacant waiting there for the first 30 or so people who check. Publicity Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 Sandy Hook Coordinator Vacant Trips Chairperson Apryl Roach (609) 799-0008 Sawyer Glacier, Ways & Means Carol Winkie (856) 468-6199 at the end of the Webmaster Howie Wright (908) 725-9782 Tracy Arm Fjord NJLHS Web Site: http://www.njlhs.org in Alaska. See the Trips Email address: [email protected] Bishop’s story on NJLHS Email address: [email protected] Alaska on Page 6 The BEAM Email address: [email protected]

NJLHS Announcements: (732) 291-4777 Photo by Judy Boucher Society Address: Beam Address: ADDRESS CHANGE NJLHS, Inc. Mike Boucher P. O. Box 332 15 Starrow Dr. To change your address please go to; http://www.njlhs.org/join/ Navesink, NJ 07752-0332 Newburgh, NY 12550 AddrCng.pdf down load the form and mail to NJLHS, Inc, P. O. Box 332, Navesink, NJ 07752-0332.

Page 2 T he Beam TOURING WASHINGTON STATE LIGHTHOUSES - PART 1 Mike & Judy Boucher Judy and I decided to attend the Harbour we bid our host a hearty thank you and was added in 1896 along with a 1½ story Lights 20th Anniversary Reunion cruise to started a full day of lighthouse adventures. keeper’s house. The Army started building Alaska this past June. We flew out to Seattle The day was a true Seattle day, overcast Fort Flagler in 1897 on the bluff overlook- the Monday before the cruise and worked and misty. We drove to our first light of the ing the light station. It was one of three our way south and then north around the day: Point No Point in Hansville. Built in coastal forts that protected the entrance to west side of Puget Sound, visiting the 1879, it marks Puget Sound and Admiralty Inlet. Com- area’s lighthouses. We got our rental car the point pleted in 1899, it was closed in 1953 and downtown, which was much cheaper than where Admi- the state purchased the land and made it a renting at the airport. Seattle has a light ralty Inlet and state park. A small concrete tower was built rail line that goes from the airport to down- Puget Sound in 1902 and the light was moved there. The town. We were off, only to sit in rush hour meet. It is also fog bell proved to be inadequate and, af- traffic to get on I-5 south to Tacoma. Once where the Ter- ter experimenting with other fog signals, on the highway we moved fairly well. ritorial Gover- a concrete building was built in 1918 to nor and several Indian tribes signed a peace house the three large trumpet fog horns. It’s Our first light was Browns Point, northeast treaty ending the Indian wars in 1855. The not known when the light was moved to the of Tacoma, marking the entrance to Com- lighthouse was automated in 1977 and the concrete building. Automated in 1962, the mencement Bay. The first light to warn keeper’s house was used as Coast Guard light station is now home for the Marrow- mariners was built in 1887 and was on a housing until 1998. The 1898 4th order stone Marine Field Station and Fort Flagler post. In 1903 a two was in operation until 2006, is now Fort Flagler State Park. story wooden build- when it was replaced with a modern beacon ing that had served mounted on the outside. A white light flash- Backtracking south on the island, we went at several places was ing three times is shown every 10 seconds. to Port Townsend and its two lighthouses, moved to the site and The U. S. Lighthouse Society moved here one a faux and one an served until the cur- active light. The first

Points Northeast Points Northeast from in 2008. One half of rent light was built light, located south-

Historical Society photo the duplex quarters are their offices while in 1933. The art- the other half is rented out as a vacation west of downtown deco building is still ac- getaway. After a couple of hours visiting was the Dimick faux tive with a white flash every five seconds. some friends at the lighthouse we moved light. This private The keeper’s house can be on to the next light, Skunk Bay. home was built in rented out for a week at a 1990 and is a replica time. We stopped for some The Skunk of Mukilteo Light sandwiches before Browns Bay Light- and is not an aid to Point and had a picnic in house was navigation. the car. Picnic tables were built by author located around the light- and former We then drove through Port Townsend, a house, but the wind was l i g h t h o u s e nice hilly, seaside town, to reach the Point blowing hard and it was very chilly. keeper Jim Wilson Light- Gibbs in 1964. house north- We drove through Ta- He sold it to his neighbors in 1971 and it east of down- coma to Gig Harbor is now used as a clubhouse. It’s located town. This and its little light- just north of Point No Point Lighthouse. point marks house. Built in 1989, The grounds are private and closed, but the the end of the it replaced a post light. lighthouse can be seen from the road. Mr. Straits of Juan US Coast Guard Photo US Coast Guard The wooden light- Gibbs used the plans from the Mukilteo de Fuca and house was built as a lighthouse and, with the permission of the the beginning of the Puget Sound to the civic project to honor Coast Guard, used the lantern room from south and the Admiralty Inlet to the north. 200 years of light- the abandoned Smith Island Lighthouse. As early as 1865 a church bell rung on house service in this The 30 foot tower has a focal plane of 210 foggy days to warn mariners of this point country. Marking the entrance into the har- feet with a fixed red light and is a private of land. Like the Marrowstone Lighthouse, bor it shows a red flash every four seconds. aid to navigation. the Point Wilson Lighthouse was built be- low the bluffs on a spit of land in 1879. The We stayed at the No Cabbages B&B in Gig We headed wooden tower for the light extended from Harbor. We first picked it out because of north to our the roof of the keeper’s house. The site also the unique name, thinking it couldn’t be next light at included a fog signal building. The light legit. When Judy looked it up on the inter- Fort Flagler was a fixed white light with a red flash -ev net, it was ranked as the number 2 B&B in State Park on ery 20 seconds that could be seen for 13 the area and we were not disappointed. It Marrowstone miles. In 1914, a new fog signal and light- was located in a heavily forested area and it Island. The house were built and the light was removed was the perfect place to rest our very tired first Marrowstone Point light was just a from the keeper’s house. The new tower, bones. lantern on a pole in 1888. It was located be- now part of the square fog signal building, low a high bluff on a spit of land. A fog bell The next day, after a wonderful breakfast, Continued on Page 4

T he Beam Page 3 Washington State Lighthouses ish style, was first lit on June 25, 1903. The the Outreach tab of the Society’s website. Continued from Page 3 two story building contained 3 bedrooms on is 49 feet tall and the second floor and a kitchen, dining room I would also like to mention two additional octagonal in shape. and living room on the first floor. The tow- items: The 1879 4th-order er was At your convenience, please let me know Fresnel lens was c o n - (via e-mail is best) of volunteer hours you moved from the old nected serve at any of the various lighthouses tower to the new to the around New Jersey. I would like to start tower. It has an un- build- documenting the thousands of hours of usual light pattern: ing by volunteer service our members offer to the a white light for 15 a small various local lighthouse preservation and seconds followed w a l k - education organizations throughout the by 5 second of dark- w a y . state. ness during which a red light flashes in the T h e middle of the darkness. The light was auto- light was short lived. It was decommis- We need to replenish supplies of brochures, mated in 1976. The old keeper’s house was sioned in 1922. Because boats were steam etc., on the various lighthouses of New Jer- used as Coast Guard housing until 2000. powered and stayed close to the western sey. This is a “good problem” to have, as it Located where it is, at the confluence of shore, the light was not needed. The lantern means we have distributed just about all of two major bodies, water erosion has been room was removed from the building in the brochures on hand at various outreach a major problem over the years. To slow 1927 and moved to the newly rebuilt New events. If you are able to pick up brochures the erosion of the sandy beach around the Dungeness Lighthouse tower. while volunteering at and/or visiting any of lighthouse, 1,500 tons of rocks were placed our state’s lighthouses, feel free to mail on both the east and west side of the light- The vacant lighthouse was repainted olive them to me at the address listed below, or house. In the long term the building will drab during World War II and used as bar- bring them to an upcoming General Mem- have to be moved further inland. racks for the fort. After the war the building bership Meeting. was vacated and sat vacant until the Island After we took our photos and enjoyed the County Historical Society started restor- Remember to check out (& to recommend area, we spent some time in the downtown ing the building. They repainted the build- to others) the Society’s “face” in the so- area while waiting for our ferry ride across ing and rebuilt the lantern room. Today the cial networking world. If you’re one of the the Admiralty Inlet to Whidbey Island. building houses a museum and gift shop on more than 700 million people on Facebook, Crossing the Inlet we could see the Admi- the first floor. you’ll find us via a search or at www.face- ralty Head Lighthouse in the distance. The book.com/njlhs. If you haven’t already ferry docked just south of Fort Casey, an- We arrived after the lighthouse and mu- done so, “like” our page! All of our Face- other coastal seum were closed, but the grounds were book content automatically publishes on fort. open, so we took some photos before we the micro-blog site Twitter. You may find headed to our hotel in Oak Harbor. us at www.twitter.com/njlhs or on Twitter The first To be continued in the next issue. by typing @njlhs. Twitter is reshaping the Admiralty social networking world—and NJLHS is Head light- COMMUNITY OUTREACH part of the movement! Photo house, built Anthony Albence We also continue in 1860 and As summer winds down, I’m happy to re- to publish no- first lit on port that it’s been another great season for tices of our Gen- January 21, NJLHS’ community outreach team. From

Island County Historical Society eral Membership 1861 was a the season’s kickoff at the re-established Meetings to more wooden two-story house that incorporated Spirit of the Jerseys History Fair, now held than 75 media a tower through the roof. It was also known at Allaire State Park, to the long-standing venues (newspa- as the Red Bluff Lighthouse because of the Ocean County Decoy & Gunning Show pers/radio/web- 80 foot red clay bluffs on which it sat. The (in Tuckerton) and Ocean Fun Days (at the sites) throughout 4th order Fresnel lens shone through red Lobster House in —upcoming), the state. If you glass. it’s been a great season! Mary Catherine Kennedy at the 2nd Annual Hereford know of any media The building As I always mention: ANY NJLHS member Inlet Lighthouse Maritime outlet that you feel of Fort Casey is most welcome to join the fun and to keep Festival would welcome in 1890 re- our Society presence strong throughout the our notices, please feel free to e-mail me quired the community. We have an impressive base of any info. I will add them to our media dis- rebuilding of lighthouse knowledge in our membership tribution list. the lighthouse ranks and one of your fellow team mem- Finally, please feel free to contact me with as it sat on a bers can “fill in the blanks” if you need any info on NJ events where NJLHS might strategic loca- some additional information about a light- want to be represented. You can contact me tion for a gun battery. A new lighthouse was house or some historical tidbit to share, etc. via e-mail at: [email protected]. My ad- built just north of the fort and the old wood- Consider joining the Community Outreach dress is; en lighthouse was moved and used for vari- team in the future! Be sure to check out Anthony J. Albence ous uses at the fort until it was torn down in where the team will be representing the P.O. Box 8184 1928. The new lighthouse built in a Span- Society throughout the state by clicking on Wilmington, DE 19803-8184

Page 4 T he Beam NJLHS DELAWARE RIVER TRIP RETURN TO SHEFFIELD Mike Boucher ISLAND On May 21 of this year the New Jersey The marina Apryl L. Roach, Trips Chairperson has seen bet- Lighthouse Society sponsored a boat ride Rain in the forecast, an hour delay in traf- ter days, with up the Delaware River to view the many fic and over the horizon “Welcome to Nor- many derelict range lights along the river. The Delaware walk” puts the unfavorable experiences boats lying River stretches 360 miles, from the Dela- and thoughts behind, as one could almost around and the ware Bay into New York State. The River hear the Norwalk greeting sign echoing lightship was forms the borders between New York, “Welcome back to Norwalk”. Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. no exception. We explored about 77 miles of the River. Lightship “Barnegat” Once we got For a second year in a row, the staff at the On this trip we saw 15 ranges, one former to the Cooper River’s entrance the Captain Hilton Garden Inn provided impeccable lighthouse and one former lightship. With a wasn’t sure if we could enter the river be- service to the New Jersey Lighthouse So- few exceptions, most of the range lights at cause of the narrow channel and its shal- ciety. Irene Dixon, the Director of Sales one time were traditional styles lighthouses lowness. We could not see the lightship and Marketing and her assistant KateLynn that were replaced by skeletal towers over except for its mast sticking up above the Gurtler, the Sales Coordinator, were amaz- the years. This trip gave everybody a better trees. The Captain skillfully navigated the ing in their efforts to accommodate our understanding of how range lights work. narrow, twisting channel. Everybody was group-leading to outstanding hospitality thrilled that he got us so close to the boat while we were away from the comforts of Our trip started in the little fishing village for some great photos. our homes. The support staff at the Hilton of Fortescue, NJ. The week before the trip Garden Inn providing the shuttle service We left the Cooper River and headed to was rainy and chilly and the morning of the escorted all in a timely manner with smiles a marina in Philadelphia to take on some trip I woke up to a heavy fog covering the and welcoming conversation to and from extra fuel. The Captain wanted to make entire area. As I drove from my hotel to the the Norwalk Seaport Association Dock. boat, the fog lifted in some areas and thick- sure we had enough, which we did, but ened in others. Once at the boat it was like just wanted to be on the safe side. On the Prior to our boarding the ferry, the group a big wind hit the area and blew out the fog southbound trip we saw the following sat under the gazebo and shared introduc- and we had crystal clear skies and warm- range lights: Horseshoe Bend East Group, tion, welcome and words of what’s ahead ing weather. We boarded the fishing boat, and the West Group (now known as Eagle on our venture to Sheffield Island as well Bonanza II under the command of Captain Point), Fort Mifflin Range, Billingsport as insight relative to future thoughts for the Mike, and left the harbor. Range, Marcus Hook Range, Bellevue trips in progress for 2012! Range and the Reedy Island Range. Considering the weather forecasts for Along the showers, Captain John suggested we board way, besides the ferry and travel early, which we did. seeing the Our ride over was wonderful, highlighted range lights by Ryan, our tour guide, who provided we saw many insight on the historic landmarks while in ships of vari- route. The weather continued to cooperate ous shapes and we were fortunate to have a clear vi- Deepwater Point Front Range Light of yesterday and sizes. At sion of the Peck Ledge Lighthouse which (left) and today (right) the Philadel- was stunning! Once on the Delaware River, we went up phia Naval As we approached Sheffield Island and river and saw the following range lights; Yard there docked, we received a warm greeting by Liston Range, Baker Range, New Castle Chemtrans Moon were two the Lighthouse Keeper, Greg, who came on Range, Bulkhead Bar Range, Deepwater mothballed aircraft carriers. We also passed the Salem Nuclear Plant, several oil refin- board and shared history of Sheffield Island eries, Fort Delaware, four major bridges, and the Light. Thereafter he greeted each the battleship USS New Jersey and many person getting off the ferry as we headed other sights. towards what would be time well spent and invaluable cherished memories upon the land, that he, without any doubt, treasured. The weather was still on our side as every- one scattered to take photos of the light- house, as well as the beautiful waters and New Castle Front Range Light, yesterday (left) and scenery surrounding us. The environment, today (right) needless to say, was breathtaking and a Point Range, the old Bellevue Rear Range, The Battleship USS New Jersey novice and/or professional photographers Cherry Island Range, and the Tinicum smorgasbord of “ah ha” moments. Range. The trip was the first time the NJLHS has ever done a trip up the Delaware River and The catering by the Bull’s Head Market, Our final destination was the former Light- it was a long day on the water - about 12 was once again, favorably overwhelming ship Barnegat, located at the Pyne Poynt hours. The weather was just perfect for a to our group for a consecutive year with Marina on the Cooper River in Camden. day on the water. Continued on Page 9

T he Beam Page 5 AN ALASKAN ADVENTURE Donna & John Bishop Everyone that we have spoken to about tak- the subjects. Some of the photos ended up the state capital of Alaska. ing an Alaskan cruise has raved about their on our cruise bill by the end of the trip. experience. Therefore, we were anxiously Since there were other ships in port, it was waiting for the right time to book our trip. The next morning we arrived in Alaska’s our ship’s week to drop anchor within the When we heard about the 20th Anniversary first city, Ketchikan, also known as the Juneau harbor. After being tendered by Harbour Lights’ Reunion Cruise to Alaska, Salmon Capital of the World. We were able boats to land, buses transported our group the time had finally come. to do some early morning shopping before to visit Mendenhall Glacier and visitor heading out for our boat trip to view the This was our first time attending a Harbour Umatilla Lightship and the Guard Island Lights’ Reunion, so we were pleasantly Lighthouse. As we approached the Uma- surprised to find out that over 300 other tilla Lightship, it was obvious that the ship lighthouse enthusiasts would be on board. was in poor We arrived in Seattle, Washington the day c o n d i t i o n . before our cruise and stayed at the Marri- In compari- ott Waterfront. The hotel was across the son, the Bar- street from the Seattle International Cruise negat Light- Sentinel Island (left) and Terminal where our ship, the Celebrity In- ship (which Point Retreat (above) finity, would embark. Waking up the next we had just center, a wildlife excursion, and then on morning, we looked out our hotel window seen three to more lighthouses. After boarding the and there was our floating “home” for the weeks earli- boat to travel to the Sentinel Island and the next week. er on the Delaware River Boat Trip) looked Point Retreat lighthouses, we encountered in good shape. Later, while proceeding a humpback whale, orca whales, seals, After the Reunion guest check-in, lunch, toward the Guard Island Lighthouse, we sea lions, and eagles. This time, we were and the mandatory emergency lifeboat photographed large totem poles on the able to take many close-up pictures of both drill, we attended a Welcome Aboard shoreline and eagles flying overhead. We lights. It was then back to the ship for a “Sail-a-way reception” in the Constella- were even able to see some eagles flying late dinner. tion Lounge, for cocktails and lighthouse above the lighthouse, which made for some viewing. We were glad to see that so many interesting pho- Up next was a full day in Skagway, the other New Jersey Lighthouse Society tos. Guard Island Garden City of Alaska. Skagway is a re- members would also be cruising to Alaska. Lighthouse sits stored gold rush town and home of the It was great to see so many familiar faces atop the larger of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical on board. Our first of several gatherings two small, rocky Park. Skagway has managed to preserve was located on the 11th deck and gave us a islands, stand- a frontier spirit complete with saloons and marvelous vantage point to view the Wash- ing sentinel over dance-hall revues. In the morning, it was ington State lighthouses as the ship sailed the northern en- sightseeing and more shopping (of course). through Puget Sound and into the Strait of trance to Tongass For the afternoon, we joined other mem- Juan De Fuca. Many of the attendees with Narrows. After bers of the Harbour Light’s Reunion group cameras went to the outside deck to pho- numerous photo- aboard private train cars for the White Pass tograph West Point, Point No Point, Bush graphs, it was back and Yukon Route Train Ride. Point, Marrowstone Point, Admiralty Head to the ship for our next day destination - and Point Wilson lighthouses. We viewed The train offered an unforgettable journey the beautiful Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer to the White Pass Summit boundary be- these lighthouses for over 3 ½ hours; but Glacier. it was time for us to head off to dinner. tween the and Canada aboard Planning ahead, we brought our camera to The following morning, we got up early to one of the most “Scenic Railways in the dinner and took photos of New Dungeness see Five Finger Islands Lighthouse. Unfor- World”. From Skagway we traveled 20 lighthouse. Later, from our stateroom bal- tunately, it was too dark and too far off in miles from sea level to the summit of the cony, we photographed a lighthouse off the the distance. Even with the camera’s zoom White Pass at 2,865 foot elevation. Along southern tip of Vancouver Island, which we at its maximum, we could not get a good the way we retraced the original route to later determined was Race Rock in Canada. picture. However, around 6:00 a.m., one the White Pass summit, passing Bridal Veil of the highlights of the trip began as the Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse The next day was spent at sea. Since we ship navigated through this narrow passage Gulch. Everyone enjoyed a breathtaking were not close to any lighthouses, we spent protected within the Tongass National For- panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, the day familiarizing ourselves with the est known as Tracy Arm Fjord. We were waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic ship and enjoyed the on-board shopping greeted with spectacular snowcapped gran- sites. We saw the original Klondike Trail and shows. We especially liked the first ite mountains, with trees clinging to the of 1898, a tribute to the thousands of souls of several presentations by naturalist Brent cliffs. There were beautiful cascading wa- who passed this way in search of dreams Nixon, who offered an informative and terfalls and numerous icebergs floating in of gold. After the train reached Canada, it unique perspective on Alaska and its wild- the emerald green water along side of our was time to head back down the mountain- life. Later on, it was time to get decked-out ship. After four hours of beautiful scenery top to Skagway. The train engine had to for the formal dinner night. Time for more and impressive views of the Sawyer Gla- disconnect from the cars, turn around and pictures; however, this time, we would be cier, we continued our journey to Juneau, pull alongside the cars to reconnect on the Continued on Page 7

Page 6 T he Beam An Alaskan Adventure back through the Strait of Juan De Fuca. ing the first operating lighthouse in Brit- Continued from Page 6 This gave us a chance to obtain a distant ish Columbia. After our visit to Fisgard, it photograph of the remote Cape Flattery was back on the buses for another narrated other end of the train. We flipped the seats Lighthouse on the northwestern tip of the sightseeing tour through the streets of Vic- over and changed sides, so everyone got to Olympic Peninsula. The decommissioned toria with a stop along the way for photo see both sides of the journey. Our remark- lighthouse is actually located on Tatoosh opportunities of the marina and Empress able roundtrip train tour lasted around three Island just over a half mile off Cape Flat- Hotel area. Victoria is a charming city, hours. tery. with many buildings adorned with small After returning to Skagway, many of us white lights. The historic Empress Hotel That evening, the Reunion group was treat- headed back to the ship to attend “The Bill was a highlight of the city tour. ed to the “Grand & Harry Show.” Bill Younger and his wife Finale” Excur- The trip organizer, Rod Hunt, of Paradise- Nancy, the founders of Harbour Lights, sion at our fi- Bound.net, did a fantastic job planning our along with their son-in-law Harry, gave nal port-of-call; lighthouse excursions in port, and provid- a presentation and held a lighthouse auc- Victoria, British ing gift bags and other lighthouse trinkets tion with the proceeds donated to the Coast Columbia. First for attendees. The Reunion guests enjoyed Guard Relief Fund. Unfortunately, we had the ship passed receiving buttons for the various events and dinner reservations and had to leave the by the Ogden Point Breakwater with the lighthouses we visited. After a wonder- auction early, but we heard they raised a light all the way at the end of the structure. ful week cruising the Alaskan and Cana- good amount of money. Completed in 1916, Ogden Point Break- dian coastlines, we arrived back in Seattle Later that night, while cruising through water was marked the following year by where we started. the Alas- a square, white pyramidal concrete tower The end of the cruise was not the end of our ka Inside that displayed an occulting light at a height lighthouse watching on the west coast. We P a s s a g e , of forty feet above high water. We decided stayed two more nights in the Seattle area our ship against walking the entire breakwater to to see three more Washington lighthouses passed El- visit the light. Instead, we waited to board that we had not seen on a previous trip. dred Rock our chartered buses for a short narrated We traveled through Washington’s State L i g h t - drive through Victoria on our way to a pri- capital, Olympia, to the Dofflemeyer Point h o u s e . vate viewing of the Fort Rodd Hill and Fis- Light. Dofflemeyer Point defines the east- L o c a t e d gard Lighthouse National Historic Site. On ern side of the en- on a small rocky island in the Lynn Canal, the way, the bus stopped to allow for a view trance to Budd Inlet, twenty miles southeast of Haines, the light- of the Trial Is- and a lens lantern house consisted of an octagonal tower pro- land Lighthouse atop a twelve-foot truding from the center of a white octago- (more photos). stake was estab- nal building with a sloping red roof. The Later in the day, lished at the Point bottom story was built of concrete, while we would catch in 1887. After that, the second story and tower were wood. a glimpse of the we headed back to According to www.lighthousefriends.com, lantern room the northeast to- perhaps it was this solid foundation that has and Fresnel lens from the old Trial Island ward Gig Harbor. allowed the Eldred Rock Lighthouse to sur- lighthouse. They were dismantled and There we saw the diminutive Gig Harbor vive for over a hundred years, while all of reassembled in Victoria’s Bastion Square, Lighthouse, which was built in 1988 at the its Alaskan contemporaries were replaced where the historic light continues to flash entrance to the harbor. The white tower with stouter structures after just a few de- every night to the delight of tourists. stands only fifteen feet tall and has an open cades of service. We were close enough It was then time to head to Fort Rodd Hill lantern room. to get several good shots; some with the National Historic Park. The park was snow-capped mountains behind the light- open just for our Reunion Cruise group. The last lighthouse of our trip was Point house. We walked the grounds of the historic fort Robinson. L o c a t e d On the sixth day, we were at sea again. down to the causeway approaching the pic- on the There was plenty to keep everyone busy. turesque Fisgard Lighthouse. There we northeast The Infinity held a grand brunch buffet visited the museum within the lighthouse corner of (more eating). In addition, there was a very keeper’s resi- M a u r y nice casino onboard. One of us tried their dence. The I s l a n d luck, the other saved their money. There newly reno- in Puget were also outdoor and indoor pools, but we vated museum S o u n d , stuck with the hot tub. It was a bit chilly contained sev- the lighthouse marks the halfway point be- when we got out; but luckily the ship pro- eral exhibits, tween Seattle and Tacoma. The island can vided blankets. That evening, it was anoth- dealing with be reached from the larger Vashon Island, er formal dinner night. This time, we went shipwrecks, via a paved road on a narrow strip of land. to the specialty restaurant on board the ship storms, lights, and the everyday working We took the car ferry from Point Defiance, for a delicious meal. equipment of the light keeper a century ago. The light, focused by a fourth-order northwest of Tacoma, to Vashon Island. On the last full day of the cruise, we Fresnel lens, was first lit in 1860, becom- Often shrouded in fog, as the area was on spent the morning at sea before heading Continued on Page 8

T he Beam Page 7 An Alaskan Adventure NJLHS MEMBERS ON HARBOUR LIGHTS ALASKA REUNION CRUISE Continued from Page 7 the day we visited Point Robinson began as a fog signal station in 1885, and a light was added to the station two years later. The current lighthouse was built in 1915, with a 38-foot tower and fifth-order Fresnel lens. Its light can be seen 12 miles. The tower is a twin of Alki Point Lighthouse in Seattle. The lighthouse’s Fresnel lens remained ac- Karl & Anne Fahringer Pat & Ron Bandock Robert & Linda Gleason tive in the lantern room until 2008 when, after more than ninety years of service, the Coast Guard replaced it with a plastic beacon, mounted outside the lantern room. Afterward, it was off to Vashon Winery to toast our latest lighthouse sightings. We also enjoy visiting different baseball stadiums, so our last evening in Seattle was spent going to see the Seattle Mariners play Sheila Hines, Marty Hudspeth, Judy & Micheal Boucher Cindy & Michael Mitzen the Philadelphia Phillies. After the ball Loretta Wilkins game, which the Phillies won, it was time to head back to the hotel and finish packing for our flight home the next day. We some- how managed to fit all our belongings, goodies received from the Reunion cruise, and purchased souvenirs into our suitcases and carry-on bags. To lighten the luggage, Donna wore three jackets on the plane. On the flight home, we could not wait to tell our family and friends what a fantastic time we had on our trip. Our Alaskan adven- ture, along with our Canadian excursion and Washington venture, was truly one of the most incredible journeys we ever expe- rienced. Anita Norris Mary Beth Doherty WAYS & MEANS Carol Winkie At the last meeting in June, Brett gave me this suggestion for a new emblem to be em- broidered on clothing. We held it up at the meeting for all in attendance to see. How- ever, we would like to hear from members as to their preference of type of clothing or any other suggestions they might have Mary Beth Doherty, Sheila Hines, about the proposed emblem. Contact me at: Alfred King, III Marty Hudspeth, Loretta Wilkins, Linda & Fred Speece [email protected] Judy Boucher, Anne & Karl Fahringer

Cindy Mitzen & Bill Younger, Eagles using Vallenar Rock Light Micheal Boucher & Bill Younger, founder of Harbour Lights as a landing strip founder of Harbour Lights MEMBER CROSSES THE BAR One of our members, Addie Hoffner, died on May 28, 2011. She had only been a member for a short time. She did enjoy The Beam. Besides being a NJLHS member, she was also a life member of Cape May County Historical Society, Atlantic Heritage Center and the Mayflower Society.

Page 8 T he Beam TINICUM LIGHTHOUSE STEP PROJECT CLOSE TO COMPLETION Melissa & George Jorda Flemington, NJ Ray Miller, TRRLHS Board Member Rob & Donna Bangs Bellmawr, NJ Except for the installation of railings, the long an- Howard Elitzak Arlington, VA ticipated construction of permanent steps at the en- Dr. Lori Jones Edison, NJ trance of the Tinicum Lighthouse, is complete. For William Donnellan Mahwah, NJ years, temporary wooden steps were used for access RECIPE CORNER to the lighthouse. After a lengthy process of sub- Marty Hudspeth mitting architectural drawings for Coast Guard and Marilyn’s Cranberry Mold New Jersey State Historic Site approval, construc- Laura Portee tion got underway in April. The masonry steps and entry pad were constructed by Mickleton Concrete 2 (16oz.) cans Ocean Spray whole berry of Mickleton, NJ. Once the steps were completed, cranberry sauce the memorial brick paver walkway leading to them 1 large can Dole crushed pineapple, in its was removed and reinstalled resulting in a wider own juice 1 cup chopped walnuts 3 env. Knox unflavored gelatin 1 cup cold water 1 cup hot water Mix cranberry sauce, pineapple (with juice) and walnuts in a large bowl. In a separate bowl or measuring cup pour gelatin into cold water. Add hot water. Mix until gela- tin dissolves. Add to cranberry, pineapple and walnut mixture. Stir well. Transfer to mold or serving dish of choice. Refrigerate until jelled. Sheffield Island walkway. The paver phase was accomplished by Temple Hardscape of Williamstown, NJ. Continued from Page 5 The project was made possible, in part, by a memorial grant from the New Jersey Light- BBQ Pork, Rosemary Marinated Breast of house Society in memory of Carol Ann Cook. The entire project should be completed in Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Marinated Rib Eye time for this year’s Lighthouse Challenge in October. Steak, Teriyaki Marinated Atlantic Salmon, A MESSAGE FROM MEMBERSHIP Lobster, Steamed bags of clams, mussels, corn on the cob, side dishes and Summer Carol & George Naill, Linda & Bob Gleason Membership Co-Chairs Strawberry Shortbread Cake, fresh summer A great day for a picnic - right next to the ship numbers are as follows: berries and topped with cream, oh my! We Delaware River! Listening to the NJ Pine Single Memberships: 182 truly had a dining pleasure on Sheffield Is- Barrens Blue Grass music and watching Family Memberships: 220 x 2 = 440 land! the ships going up the river was really a Total Members = 622 The patience of the lurking storm could lot of fun. The weather was perfect for hold no longer so with umbrellas and watermelon and for enjoying the delicious Gift Memberships: Not sure what to give that person who has hooded parkas, we made our way across NJLHS birthday cake. We look forward to the lawn for our opportunity to tour and seeing all our members, old and new, at the everything? How about a membership to NJLHS? You can print out an application climb the internal steps of the lighthouse. next meeting. Guests are always welcome At this time, the storm was upon us, dark- to our General Membership meetings. from the NJLHS website. You can also get one from the Membership Team at the next ness was approaching and the lighthouse Meeting Attendees: membership meeting. The membership had no electricity which actually added to There were 66 members in attendance at packet will be mailed to the recipient, with the adventure. Our tour was wonderful and our meeting in Riverside Park in Penns- a personal note saying that their member- the attention to details as delivered by our ville, New Jersey. Please remember to sign ship to the Society is a gift from you. Let’s tour guide Ryan and the Lighthouse Keep- the book - We want to make sure there are get our numbers up. er, Greg, filled our notebooks and minds enough seats for you at future meetings! with memories to last forever. New Members: Nametags: The following members have joined our Our ferry ride back to the Norwalk Seaport Nametags can be purchased at each meet- Society since the June issue. Please note Association Dock was a pleasure as we ex- ing. The price includes shipping to your that if you become a member after the perienced our version of a perfect storm. address. You have 3 options for the back- deadline for The Beam, you will be listed This was a great way to bring closure to ing: Standard pin ($6.00), double butterfly in the following issue. If you happen to our time on Sheffield Island while Captain clutch ($6.00) or you can order a magnet meet any of these new members at a future John navigated the waters and shared ad- back clasp (for $7.00). Stop by the Mem- meeting, please welcome them! ditional history of the scenic visions around bership table to place your order. Maryan Kurylo Parlin, NJ us. Kim Morgan Nanticoke, PA We experienced a favorable docking and Membership Numbers: Lois Attinello Phillipsburg, NJ At the deadline for this issue, the member- ended our journey with a heartfelt farewell, Pamela & David Noto Ocean Gate, NJ my friends until next time.

T he Beam Page 9 PHAROS PHILATELIC FIVE MILLIONTH VISITOR WILL ASCEND TO NJ CORNER LANDMARK THIS SUMMER Jim Cope A good Twin Lights Quite a few countries issue stamps with statistician is located a lighthouses on them that are not their light- can make few hundred houses. St. Thomas and Prince Islands n u m b e r s yards from recently issued a souvenir sheet with the say almost the entrance Pigeon Point Lighthouse stamp within the a n y t h i n g . to the beach- sheet and the Cape Palliser Lighthouse on H o w e v e r , es at Sandy the sheet itself. The islands are located some num- Hook. bers simply “I am pleased speak for to report that themselves. our visits This August, should be the Twin back to pre- Lights Na- construction tional His- 1908 visitors: As this old postcard shows, long before the official count levels this started, the Twin Lights served as a beacon for local tourism toric Site will s u m m e r , ” welcome its five millionth visitor. The site says Kenny, who adds that the Twin Lights officially opened to the public 55 years ago, “has long been a place of reflection and dis- and since then the breathtaking view, unique covery. In talking to visitors, I realize that of- architecture—and the chance to scale the his- ten it is both.” toric North Tower—has consistently drawn around 100,000 people a year. Indeed, many who come to take in the pan- off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of oramic vista of Sandy Hook Bay and Lower Guinea. They were a former colony of Por- When will the lucky 5 Millionth Visitor ar- Manhattan soon learn that they are standing tugal and became an independent republic rive? in a place that connects millions of Ameri- 12 July 1975. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse cans. The Twin Lights was an important is located on the Pacific Ocean entrance to Sunday, August 7th…which also happens jumping-off point for the science of optics, in Pescadero, to be National Lighthouse Day. In fact, ev- wireless communications and radar—as well which is 50 miles south of San Francisco. ery visitor to the Twin Lights that day will be as the place where the Pledge of Allegiance The 115 feet white conical brick tower was feted as the “five millionth”—with a com- was given as our National Oath for the first built in 1872 and lit the same year. Twenty memorative certificate, free one-year Twin time. years later (1892) they installed a First Or- Lights Historical Society membership, in- der Fresnel Lens that had been taken out stant discount at the Museum Gift Shop and “In the years following the attacks of Septem- of the old dur- lighthouse goody bags for kids. ber 11, there was a dramatic surge of visitors ing the Civil War. The lens remains in the to the Twin Lights,” says Margaret Carlsen, “It was the only fair way to do it,” explains lantern room to this day, but is not lit. The Curator of the Twin Lights Museum. “I sense Mary Jo Kenny, President of the Twin Lights active light uses an Aerobeacon on the that this place helped people gain perspective Historical Society. “We have good record- balcony that was placed there in 1972 and on that terrible event in a lot of ways.” keeping going back to the 1970s, but prior to became automated in 1974. The light has that there was a lot of ‘rounding off.’” The Twin Lights has been a state park since a focal plane of 148 feet On the grounds 1962. The current structure was complete in are three Keepers’ dwellings, the site is In doing the math, initially, it looked as if 2009 1862. Next year marks the 150th Anniversary used as a Youth Hostel. The Cape Palliser or 2010 might be the celebration year, but of the Twin Lights. Lighthouse is on the North Island of New construction of the new Highlands Bridge— Zealand, at the southern most point, in the Admission is free. Visitors can climb to the Wellington region. You must climb some top of the North Tower, which offers pan- 258 steps to reach the red and white 55 foot oramic views of New York Harbor, Sandy cast iron cylindrical tower which was made Hook Bay and the Two Rivers area. and imported from Birmingham, England in 1896-7. It was lit in October 1897. The For more information contact Margaret light has a focal plane of some 230 feet and Carlsen, Curator Twin Lights Historic Site at the white flashing light (2 sec. every 20 732.872.1814. sec.) can be seen 26 nautical miles out to sea. Capt. James Cook named Cape Palliser in honor of his friend Admiral Hugh Pal- liser of the Royal Navy. The Cape Palliser Lighthouse was also on one of 1920 visitors: The Twin Lights Mystery cannon may New Zea- be the most photographed cannon in the state 1979 visitors: Members of the Rumson Garden Club land’s Life which is now complete—reduced attendance pay a visit in the 1979. Much of the landscaping you Insurance 2d significantly. The main access point to the see today was part of an ambitious club project in the stamps from 1946-7 series. early 1970’s.

Page 10 T he Beam “LIGHTHOUSE CHALLENGE OF NEW JERSEY” the meetings. We will have one “large” document posted--if you’d SET FOR OCTOBER 15 - 16, 2011 like to review it at the meetings. If you’re interested in reviewing the proposed document at your leisure, please visit the Society’s The New Jersey Lighthouses and select affiliated museums will web site: www.njlhs.org host a “Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey” weekend on October 15 & 16, 2011. Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to tour the state I’d like to once again thank the dedicated committee members-- and visit each lighthouse over the weekend, and help raise funds Anthony Albence, Doreen Berson, Jim Cope and Carol Winkie for for continued lighthouse preservation. taking their personal time, working together, and contributing their knowledge in preparing the new document. Hours of operation for each lighthouse can be found on lighthouse and museum websites listed below, and at www.lighthousechallen- MISSING PART LEAVES CAPE MAY genj.org, www.njlhs.org and www.visitnj.org. Night climbs will LIGHTHOUSE IN THE DARK be offered as well at Absecon, Cape May, Sandy Hook, Tinicum Published: Friday, June 24, 2011, By The Associated Press and Tuckerton Seaport. CAPE MAY POINT June 25, 2011 — The At whichever lighthouse you choose to begin your journey on the has been dark since April. The problem isn’t the light that has aid- challenge, a tri-fold souvenir pamphlet will be available for pur- ed mariners for 152 years. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class chase for $1.00. As you visit each lighthouse your pamphlet will Jonathan Lindberg told The Press of Atlantic City the motor that be stamped as proof of each visit. This will be your souvenir to rotates the light needs a part that’s hard to come by. The lighthouse commemorate your participation in the event. The lighthouses en- in Lower Township remains open to visitors, who can climb the courage the public to take advantage of this special weekend to 199 steps. The last time the so-called “Sentinel of the Jersey Cape” financially support and preserve the maritime history of our state light was off was 2002, when the motor that rotates the 1,000-watt as we face the same economic challenges as other sectors of com- light bulb kept overheating. merce. Absecon www.abseconlighthouse.org “2012 CALL FOR TRIPS” Barnegat [email protected] Apryl L. Roach, Trips Chairperson Barnegat Light Historical Museum www.bl-hs.org Cape May www.capemaymac.org Please share your thoughts to assist us as we plan the 2012 Trips Cape May County Museum www.cmcmuseum.org Itinerary. 1, 2, 5 or 7 Day Trips, Weekend Get-a-ways, Bus Tours, East Point [email protected] Cruises Send all suggestions to [email protected] for consider- Finns Point www.fws.gov/northeast/nj/spm.htm ation Hereford Inlet www.herefordlighthouse.org Navesink/Twin Lights www.twin-lights.org “ANNOUNCEMENT” Ocean City Life Saving Station Sandy Hook www.nps.gov/gate And we are finally on our way . . . Sea Girt www.seagirtboro.com/sglighthouse.html Tatham Life Saving Station [email protected] The New Jersey Lighthouse Society Tinicum www.tinicumrearrangelighthouse.org Tuckerton Seaport www.tuckertonseaport.org will be touring the VOLUNTEERS NEED Southern East Coast lights Volunteers are needed for this year’s Lighthouse Challenge of NJ! We welcome both experienced and non-experienced volunteers to October help out with this year’s event. To sign up, please call the Light- house/Museum Manager at the location you wish to volunteer at. Their contact information is available at www.lighthousechallen- 22-30, genj.org or contact Doreen Berson at 732-202-7420. Thank you in advance for helping to make this Challenge a success! 2011! CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS—NOTICE #2 Mary Beth Doherty, Director As mentioned in the June Beam, I was appointed by Brett to be the By-Laws Committee Chair and to assemble a committee to We need pictures and stories of review The New Jersey Lighthouse Society’s Constitution and By- Laws. The committee was formed and we met on Saturday, April your lighthouse adventures. Send 2, 2011. After approximately four hours, we arrived at a document we would like to present to the general membership. to: [email protected] or talk to Mike As stated at the June meeting, in following the guidelines for adop- tion, the document will be presented for the second time at the September general membership meeting. We anticipate the final Boucher at the next meeting. We presentation at the December meeting. At that time, a motion will be made to adopt the new document. want to hear from you! In an effort of “going green” we will not be handing out copies at

T he Beam Page 11 IN THIS ISSUE 5 Millionth Visitor at Twin Lights P-10 An Alaskan Adventure P-6 Cape May In The Dark P-11 Community Outreach P-4 Constitution And By-Laws P-11 Delaware River Trip P-5 From The Editor’s Desk P-2 Harbour Lights Reunion P-8 Lighthouse Challenge P-11 Message From Membership P-9 Pharos Philatelic Corner P-10 Programs P-2 Recipe Corner P-9 Return To Sheffield Island P-5 Tinicum Step Project P-9 Washington State Lighthouses P-3 Ways & Means P-8

MEETING LOCATIONS TBA IN EACH ISSUE OF THE BEAM AND ON THE WEBSITE www.njlhs.org DEADLINE FOR THE DECEMBER BEAM IS OCTOBER 14

Presorted New Jersey Lighthouse Society First-Class Mail The Beam U. S. Postage Paid P O Box 332 Caldwell, NJ Navesink, NJ 07752-0332 Permit No. 568