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

OCEAN LIGHTHOUSE BEGINS A SLOW FADE Tom Hester, The Star-Ledger Staff Used by permission of The Star-Ledger Newspaper Standing atop a pile of rocks in nearly four Since Romer Shoal is now a national historic landmark, any new miles north of , the faded Romer Shoal Lighthouse has owner would not be allowed to change it. Sara Andre, an historic a colorful past and an uncertain future. preservation specialist with the state Department of Environmen- tal Protection, said Romer Shoal got the state and national nods The 109-year old lighthouse was recently honored with a designa- because of its long association with maritime safety in New York tion as an historic site on both the national and state registries. But Harbor and how it was built, a foundation of cast iron plates that doesn’t ensure it will even remain in New Jersey. dropped into the water and filled with concrete. Dirty paint, top half red, bottom half white is peel- Andre said Romer Shoal joins such New Jer- ing all over the building. Rust from saltwater scars sey as Sandy Hook, Robbins Reef its cast iron sides. The windows are boarded up like off Bayonne, Cape May, Ship John Shoal in the an abandoned inner-city row house and its only en- Delaware River and the Twin Lights on the state trance is covered by a heavy, vandal proof metal registry. door. The dock is crumbling. Romer Shoal can be seen in the distance from With the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the New the in Atlantic Highlands York skyline visible in the distance, a feeling of iso- and from the tip of Sandy Hook and up close by lation surrounds the lighthouse. The only signs of boaters and ferry commuters. It is not open to life are large, spooky-looking black-feathered cor- the public for safety reasons. morants, who flap their bony 27-inch wings to dry them in the breeze. Nobody expects this spot at the Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Mike John- edge of New Jersey will go dark because a light is son, the supervisor of lighthouses for the New U. S. Coast Guard Photo needed to ward against the surrounding shoals and York-New Jersey area, said he travels from Romer Shoal during its hayday mark the Swash Channel. Bayonne to Romer Shoal every three months to inspect the rotating light with its plastic lens. Gone is the magnifi- But officials say the Coast Guard, which doesn’t consider main- cent old-style prism-like 4th order that threw the light- taining lighthouses priority after 9/11, could unload Romer Shoal house beam seaward in the first six decades of the 20th century. to a private preservation group as early as next year. It also could be dismantled and moved to a planned National Lighthouse Mu- The lighthouse is named after the pilot boat William J. Romer, seum on Staten Island. which struck the shoals and sank in 1863. Soon after the lighthouse opened in 1898, one of the keepers mysteriously disappeared. He “The Coast Guard is getting out of the lighthouse business as fast was presumed drowned, but authorities suspected another keeper as humanly possible, and is putting up most of America’s light- until the case turned cold. houses to be taken over by private groups,” said Jerry Roberts, the National director. In 1919, the Navy assigned six signalmen to the lighthouse to re- port ship traffic by telephone to the Daily Shipping Bulletin News- Roberts said if the museum gets expected financial backing, Romer paper in New York. In November 1920, death visited again when Shoal could be dismantled at a cost of up to $3 million and rebuilt one of the sailors drowned in the frigid water when his small boat as a main exhibit on the grounds of the old U. S. Lighthouse Ser- was swamped by the backwash of a larger Navy craft that was vice depot, just to the south of the Staten Island Ferry terminal. If delivering provisions. moved out of state, a modern warning light would replace it. In 1938, the Great Northeast Hurricane roared up the East Coast The Federal government is already offering West Bank and Old and damaged the lighthouse. “The water was black due to this Orchard Light, Romer Shoal’s sister lighthouses in the Lower Bay, gale,” Keeper Herman Westgate jotted in his log. “I have never for private preservation, as long as they are not used for profit and witnessed such a storm in my ten years in the lighthouse.” It is not are maintained as navigation aids. So far, only the People for the unusual in a gale for waves to splash over the second floor level. Ethical Treatment of Animals has shown interest. PETA wants to use at least one of the lighthouses as a place to teach the public that During World War II, the lighthouse was also used as a lookout fish feel pain and should not be caught and eaten. Continued on Page 3

Number 75 T he Beam March 2009 In this issue of The Beam there are stories LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT of rainbows and lighthouses, Romer Shoal in Mary Beth Doherty New York’s Harbor, West Point Lighthouse on the Hudson River in New York, Kilauea Happy New Year…Happy Spring! I hope you had a wonderful Point in Hawaii, and Light- holiday season and are looking forward to many lighthouse ad- From The house in . We also look at the new ventures this year! Editor’s Desk U.S. Gulf Coast Lighthouse stamps coming Wow…how time flies. It feels like it was just yesterday- (actu out later this year. Other features include the 2008 Recognition ally, almost 15 years ago) that I began my lighthouse adventure. Award, the relighting of , Challenge Photos It’s amazing to me how my life changed on that small boat going and the Lightship Tender “Lilac”. On the back page you will no- down the Kennebuec River in Maine when I found out there was tice the new lighthouse border of New Jersey Lighthouse drawings a lighthouse society in New Jersey! Never in my wildest dreams to replace the clip art that I found on the web. Another feature is (then) did I think I’d be writing this article (now), but here I am! a list of articles and what page to find them on. At the bottom of each page is a 20th Anniversary logo that will replace the standard Through the years I’ve met many fellow lighthouse lovers; made NJLHS logo for this year only. I have a couple of other changes I’ll many friends (and lost a few), seen many lights, went on some be toying with in the next issues, some you will notice and others great trips...and had a lot of FUN! I’ve also volunteered many you will not. Remember this is your Beam and I would love to see hours, days, and years to NJLHS along the way--and what a re- stories from the membership about your lighthouse adventures or warding experience it’s been. Now, I’d like for you all to share in misadventures and your photos. the experience… The Beam, the official journal of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society, Inc., Changes are plentiful this year in the Society. As you may be is published quarterly, March, June, September and December. Member- aware, there has been turnover on the Board as well as its com- ship dues are $20.00 single and $25.00 family, and are for the calendar mittees. We have a few vacancies that need to be filled--Publicity year. Back issues are available free for members joining mid-year. All ma- Chair and Historian and, at the end of the year, we’ll need a Ways terials are copyrighted and cannot be borrowed or reproduced without per- & Means Chair and Challenge Co-Chairs. Help is needed with mission of the New Jersey Lighthouse Society. The NJLHS - New Jersey administrative tasks throughout the year for the Challenge, and Lighthouse Society, Inc., is a non-profit educational corporation (501c3). of course there is the ongoing need of volunteers for Outreach, OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS Speaker’s Bureau, Sandy Hook, Programs, Trips, articles for The President Mary Beth Doherty (973) 966-5573 Beam, Helping Hands…the list goes on. 1st Vice President Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 Please don’t feel you need to be an expert in any particular area or 2nd Vice President Cindy Mitzen (908) 281-6879 that you have to commit an incredible amount of time--most all of Treasurer Faith Giamboi (732) 580-0155 us work, have family obligations, etc. So, if you’re willing to help Recording Secretary Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 Corresponding Secretary Jayne Swope (856) 468-2561 and have some free time, we’ll put you to work! Please contact Director Tom Laverty (732) 872-2966 me, another Board member, or a Committee Chair and express Director Doreen Berson (732) 202-7420 your interest. Director Jim Cope (609) 587-6266 This year is the 20th Anniversary for the Society and the 10th Director Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 Director Marty Hudspeth (609) 877-1393 year for the Challenge. With your help, we can make 2009 and the years ahead better and “brighter” for the New Jersey Lighthouse COMMITTEES Society. Be a part of it! Archivist Elinor Veit (609) 652-1876 Beam Editor Mike Boucher (845) 787-4807 Challenge Co-Chair Doreen Berson (732) 202-7420 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS OF THE Challenge Co-Chair Laura Portee (908) 222-0107 Community Outreach Chair Anthony Albence (302) 983-3200 NEW JERSEY LIGHTHOUSE SOCIETY Education Outreach Bill Volpe (732) 846-2196 Historian Vacant Hospitality Co-Chairs Linda & Bob Gleason (732) 238-7066 Hospitality Co-Chairs Carol & George Naill (215) 657-4559 Membership Chair Mary Beth Doherty (973) 966-5573 Preservation Chair Brett Franks (856) 256-0881 Programs Cindy Mitzen (908) 281-6879 Publicity Vacant Sandy Hook Coordinator Ken Schumacher (201) 342-0108 Webmaster Howie Wright (908) 725-9782

NJLHS Web Site: http://www.njlhs.org NJLHS Email address: [email protected] The BEAM Email address: [email protected] NJLHS Announcements: (856) 546-0514

Society Address: Beam Address: NJLHS, Inc. Mike Boucher Board Members Front row; Doreen Berson, Cindy Mitzen, Anthony Albence & P. O. Box 332 15 Starrow Dr. Bob Gleason. Back row; Jim Cope, Marty Hudspeth, Tom Laverty, Mary Beth Navesink, NJ 07752-0332 Newburgh, NY 12550 Doherty, Faith Giamboi & Brett Franks. Missing from the photo is Jayne Swope.

Page 2 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Romer Shoal 2008 RECOGNITION AWARD Continued from Page 1 Tom Laverty post. Be- Special Service Award: fore it was Yvonne Thies - Recognized for more than fourteen years of service to the Society. First as automated a Vice President, then President, Yvonne has helped lead the NJLHS into what it is today. in 1968, In addition her leadership on the Beam and Challenge Task Forces, tireless leadership of the Coast the Activities Committee selecting meeting locations and making arrangements, and chair Guard had of the Society’s Outreach efforts is much appreciated. three en- Debbie Megonigal - Recognized for fourteen years as Treasurer of the New Jersey Light- listed men house Society. In addition to keeping the Society’s books, paying its bills, preparing and s t a t i o n e d reporting financial statements, Debbie has advised the organization on parliamentary pro- there. cedures, worked at Outreach programs, and represented the Society at many activities. National Lighthouse Museum photo M o v - Service Awards: Romer Shoal at the Staten Island ing Romer Lighthouse Depot, 1893-1898 James Gale - For his consistent and faithful assistance in setting up for the General Mem- Shoal to the bership meetings each quarter, helping with outreach programs, and volunteer assistance Staten Island depot would actually return with many NJLHS activities. the lighthouse to its roots. It was initially used as an experimental lighthouse there Martha Brown - For her work as Hospitality Chairperson and long time active member of for five years, where it was used for testing the Preservation Committee. fuels, wicks and bulbs. It was taken apart Marty Hudspeth - For her work as Chairperson of the Ways & Means committee since and erected in six months amid the shoals 2005. She researches sales items, purchases them, warehouses them in her home and in 1898. loads and unloads them when transporting to General Membership meetings, Community James Hyland, president of the Dover, Outreaches and Special Functions. N.H. based Lighthouse Preservation Soci- Dixie Amento - For her volunteer assistance with Ways and Means, Community Outreach- ety, said uncertainty about Romer Shoal’s es, volunteering at Sandy Hook and has recently been an active volunteer at the Barnegat future is not unusual. About 800 lighthous- Light since moving to LBI. es still stand in the , and only half are used by the Coast Guard. Hyland Joe Amento - Joe, like Dixie, is available wherever he is needed. Joe helps with hospital- said federals funds in 1980’s and ‘90’s ity, sets up the chairs and tables for the meetings and makes sure we have help in breaking helped 160 lighthouse preservation proj- down after the meeting. Joe also does Community Outreaches. ects, but the aid dried up. Society Award: “Lighthouses are historical and they are The Chesapeake Chapter USLHS is recognized for their support of NJLHS, especially romantic,” Hyland said. “I have often said our Lighthouse Challenge. Each year they have sent our brochure out to their members in lighthouses are to America what castles are their newsletters at no cost to us for the postage. They take our brochures and hand them to Europe. Lighthouses seem to capture our out at their activities, especially their Challenge. Their efforts have helped the Lighthouse imagination. Challenge become a major event. The whole idea of a light in the darkness is very powerful image. It lends itself to a lot of noble symbolism about man’s condition and our need to have something show us the way.” Tom Hest was one of the last Coast Guard lightkeepers at Romer Shoal from 1964 to 1966. This article appeared in the The Star- Ledger on August 20, 2007. Tom retired from The Star-Ledger on January 1, 2009. Yvonne Thies James Gale Debbie Megonigal Martha Brown Marty Hudspeth Dixie Amento

CORRECTIONS MEMBER CROSSES THE BAR In the last issue of The Beam we left To those of you, who may not have heard, out two of the volunteers who worked my husband, Glen Strunk, died on Mon- the Challenge: Katie Moser at Hereford day, November 17, 2008. I’m posting this Inlet and Barbara May at Finn’s Point. in “The Beam” for your information and We thank them very much for volunteer- also to thank all of you who sent sympa- ing and we’re sorry we forgot to mention thy cards and offered up prayers. I know your names in the last Beam. Left out in I would not have come through it so far the Heceta Head Bed & Breakfast story without them. Thank you very much. was its location, we forgot to mentioned its north of Florence Oregon. Sorry for Ellie Strunk. the inconvenience.

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 3 CHASING RAINBOWS Brett Franks Every so often, on a schedule all its own, a mile rant near a ferry slip. I pulled up and was nature reminds us to stop and enjoy life. I was shocked to see the ferry and restaurant were It might do that by scarring the compla- rethink- side by side with the Mukilteo Lighthouse. cency out of us with raging storms. Then ing this I was too late to visit but had a great view again it may present us with a more subtle decision of the light and sound beyond it. I started response. Something we notice quickly in on how walking back to the car for the camera passing, but do not take those few minutes to spend when those infamous Seattle rains made to really appreciate. For lifetimes the old my lei- their appearance. I thought about skipping adage has rattled through society to stop s u r e the pictures but for some reason I chose to and smell the roses, but do we listen? time. The winds were blowing hard and storm clouds were coming in from the sea. get wet. I walked back and took several I’m sure many of us believe that advice Pushing ahead I reached the lighthouse just photos, enough to make sure I was thor- is great for someone else but we’ve got before the rain and set about taking pictures oughly soaked. Then I stood laughing at too much to do. We’ll stop later when we as fast as possible. The rains came down myself over how dumb this move was. If I decide there’s time. I often count myself quickly and I huddled against the cliff to had a brain I would have eaten dinner and among this group. Whatever I’m into at keep the camera and some of me dry. then took the pictures. that moment is more important. And be- A few sides, I noticed it. I just didn’t make a big I started to think I should get going back seconds deal out it. However, once in awhile I stray down the trail before the storm got worse after this off that thought path, and it makes me won- but my legs convinced me that wasn’t go- thought, der about my priorities. ing to happen. So I sat up against the cliff and looked at the light. A rainbow appeared a smile About nine months ago I found myself over the lighthouse as the storm subsided. I came to headed west across the country for my was in a perfect spot with camera in hand. my face. job. I work as an engineer and program It was beautiful and I sat there enjoying it. Appear- manager for the United States Navy. I’ve I’m not sure how long it took, but I soon ing over done this since I graduated college years felt relaxed looking over the wide blue Pa- the light- ago and traveling has always been part of cific Ocean, feeling the trade winds blow- h o u s e the requirements. And it’s a double edged ing across my face. Time for me stopped on Puget sword. Business travel is a far cry from va- right then. I could have been at any point Sound was a magnificent rainbow. A lit- cation travel. While I go to nice towns and during the last 100 years and been seeing tle over a week apart and an ocean away, interesting places, I have a job to do and the same thing I was now. I pondered this nature got my attention again. I felt awe it comes first. This trip had me heading to time travel event and the serene beauty na- struck as the rainbow became a twin and I Hawaii. I can’t be very specific about what ture showed until the rainbow faded away. got the same weird feeling as in Hawaii of I was doing and where, but it worked out so I didn’t have a care in the world right then. seeing the light and the waters it protected that I had a day off while there. outside the context of time. So once more I The next day the Navy had plans for me let time drift away and just stood there en- I choose to take a hike up the south east- and I spent the week working while being joying my little place in the universe. ern edge of Oahu to see the lighthouse at transited from Hawaii to the Puget Sound Makapu’u. Anyone who has been there area of Washington State. Paradise was I went in to eat a bit later and the hostess knows this hike is steeply uphill for over 2677 miles away and my rainbow over the asked how I had come to be soaked. I said a mile and a half winding around the vol- Pacific but a memory. I got off work in the I was looking at a 2700 mile long rainbow. canic cliffs. The views to the Pacific Ocean late afternoon near Everett, Washington Her response was “I thought rainbows are incredible and often migrating whales and headed down to a favorite area restau- didn’t have beginnings and ends.” “Yeah,” can be seen in the waters below. After about I said. “I really hope that’s true.” KILAUEA POINT LIGHTHOUSE Charlie & Michelle Costa My wife and I wanted to share these photos we took on a recent trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Located at the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, is the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai, Hawaii. This Lighthouse was built in 1913 as a to ships traveling from the Orient to Hawaii. The lighthouse lantern room houses the largest Fresnel “clam shell” lens in the world. The light’s signature double flash can be seen 20 miles out to sea by ships and 90 miles away by plane. Unfortu- nately, on the day of our visit the lighthouse was closed for renovations. But it was very impressive to see such a massive lens. The National Wildlife Refuge is the home of Blue Footed Boobies and endangered Nene’s, the state bird of Hawaii. We hope you enjoy these photos.

Page 4 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Mike Boucher With the relighting of Barnegat Lighthouse on the first of the year, this word search puzzle looks at other lighthouses that have been dark for many years and were relit. Some of these are private aids to navigations, while others are official Coast Guard aids. This is only a small sample of the many lighthouses that are being relit. The first date is when the lighthouse was first lit, while dates in the parentheses are the dark years. Only the BOLD words are in the puzzle. Answers are on Page 14. Absecon, NJ 1857 (1933-1997) Avery Point, CT 1944 (1967-2006) Barnegat, NJ 1859 (1944-2008) Block Island Southeast, RI 1875 (1990-1994) Bluff Point, NY 1874 (19e 1430-2004) Braddock Point, NY 1899 (1954-1999) Cumberland Head, NY 1868 (1934-2003) Dutch Island, RI 1857 (1979-2007) East Point, NJ 1849 (1941-1980) Esopus Island, NY 1872 (1965-2003) Fire Island, NY 1858 (1974-1986) Fort Wadsworth, NY 1903 (1965-2005) Hereford Inlet, NJ 1874 (1964-1983) Horton Point, NY 1857 (1933-1990) Jeffreys Hook, NY 1880 (1947-2002) Navesink, NJ North Tower 1862 (1898-1962) North Dumpling, NY1871 (1959-1980) Orient Point, NY 1899 (1970-1973) Plum Beach, RI 1899 (1941-2003) Pomham Rocks, RI 1871 (1974-2006) Rose Island, RI 1870 (1971-1993) Sakonnet, RI 1884 (1955-1997) Saugerties, NY1869 (1954-1990) Sea Girt, NJ 1896 (1945-1983) Selkirk, NY 1838 (1858-1989) Split Rock Point, NY 1867 (1928-2003) Stamford Harbor Ledge, CT 1882 (1953-1985) Stony Point, NY 1826 (1925-1995) Thirty Mile Point, NY 1875 (1959-1998) THE RELIGHTING OF OLD BARNEY Dixie Amento GREAT LAKES & SEAWAY At 5:06 PM January 1, 2009 Barnegat Lighthouse was re-lit for the first time since 1944. TRAIL LIGHTHOUSE TOUR It is once again a working lighthouse. It was a beautiful bright day, but very cold with a Sunday, June 7 – Friday, June 12, 2009 wind that chilled your bones. That did not stop 8 – 10,000 people from coming to see this YOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: historical event. A young mother in the crowd drove two hours so the lighting would be 6 Days deluxe motor coach transporta- part of her two year old son’s history. tion, A small organization called the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park collected 5 Nights lodging $18,000 from donations, sales of merchandise and certificates this past summer. It be- 5 Full dinners/5 Hot breakfasts/6 Lun- came very apparent that people wanted to see Old Barney become a working light again, cheons (including a barbecue cookout on just from their generous donations. Presque Isle and Buffalo Harbor light- house luncheon cruise), All hotel taxes The Fraternal Order of Police from Long Beach Island presented the Friends Group with and gratuities for meals. a $15,000 check at the 150th year anniversary celebration held in October 2008. This LIGHTHOUSES TO VISIT enabled the group to replace the exterior glass which surrounds the lighthouse beacon. Erie Land; Presque Isle; Presque Isle Angelo Rinaldi, President of the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park spearheaded North Pierhead; Barcelona; Dunkirk, this whole project. Without his very hard work and determination this relighting would Buffalo Harbor South; Buffalo Main, never have happened. Angelo commented that he was disappointed that the sunset kept North Breakwater; Buffalo Bottle Light; the sky too bright for the ceremony. When it became dark the light was truly a sight to Fort Niagara; Olcott; 30-Mile Point; behold. Braddock Point; Charlotte Genesee; So- dus Point; Sodus Outer; Oswego West The new lens measures 20 inches by 20 inches. The light will flash almost exactly to each Pier; Selkirk; Stony Point; Sackets Har- point of the compass every ten seconds, just as the very first Fresnel lens operated. The bor/Seaway Trail Discover Center; Tib- original lens is in the Barnegat Light Museum, a short walk from the lighthouse. betts Point A captain of a commercial clam boat reported he was 8 miles off the coast where true ONLY $1550 darkness had set in and the beacon was clearly visible. Two persons double occupancy. For de- tails and information contact: Come visit our beautiful Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern end of Long Beach Island Apryl Roach, email [email protected] and see the beacon beam for yourself.

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 5 PHAROS PHILATELIC CORNER A NOTE FROM THE Jime Cope COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITTEE CHAIR Anthony J. Albence The New Jersey Lighthouse Society’s 2009 Community Outreach season is shaping up to be another exiting year!! The Society will once again be well-rep- resented at a wide variety of events across the state. These include a mix of gather- ings at which the Society has participated for many years, as well as some events The United States Postal Service will re- deactivated in 1952. The 3rd Order Fres- the Society has just recently connected. lease a new set of Lighthouse stamps this nel Lens has been removed. The 75 foot Among the latter, the Community Out- year featuring the Gulf Coast Lighthouses. tower resembles a rocket ship and sits on reach team is very excited to be returning This will be the fifth in the series of light- the – border. The Biloxi to the Warren County Farmers’ Fair/Bal- house stamps released by the USPS. The Lighthouse was established in 1848 with a loon Festival, which continues to bolster exact date has not been determined, but it is 5th Order Fresnel Lens, and then upgraded the Society’s presence in the northwest- possible these stamps will be issued in July to a 4th Order Fresnel Lens in 1926. The ern NJ community. This large, week-long with the new increased postage rate. The 61 foot tower is unique in that it sits in the event presents some logistical challenges stamps are pictured here at the old 42¢ rate. median in the middle of US 90, a four lane in terms of coordination, but is well worth The new stamps will feature (above, left highway. Sand Island Lighthouse, located the investment of time and effort. to right) Matagorda, Texas; , off Mobile Point, south of the fort, was es- In addition to continuing to connect with Louisiana; Biloxi, Mississippi; Sand Is- tablished in 1838. The current tower was different communities, the Community land, Alabama; and Fort Jefferson, Florida. constructed in 1873. Originally it had a 2nd Outreach family has grown by welcoming These stamps, as were the previous stamps Order Fresnel Lens which was removed in new members who are very eager to par- in this series, were designed by our own 1933 when the light was deactivated. The ticipate. Recruiting more volunteers is the Howard Koslow who is from Toms River. lens is in the Fort Morgan Museum. The only way that outreach efforts may contin- In addition to the postage stamps, a set of 131 foot Gothic tower was made of brown- ue and flourish! picture postal cards will be released featur- stone and remains unpainted. The Fort ing each lighthouse. They will have a pic- Jefferson Lighthouse, also known as the Also of note: the NJLHS giveaway items to ture of the lighthouse on one side and a post Tortugas Harbor Lighthouse and/or Gar- visitors to our exhibits/displays at outreach card rate stamp of the same lighthouse on den Key Light is on Dry Tortugas Island. It events have proved to be quite popular! the other side. The Matagorda Island Light- was established in 1825 with the present 82 The mini-crayons packs (for our children’s’ house was established in 1852. The present foot iron tower being constructed in 1876. coloring activities) feature the Society logo tower was built in 1872. It is an active light It had a 4th Order Fresnel Lens which has and the mini-flashlights carry the tagline standing 79 feet tall in a state park. The since been removed. This is a private aid “Keep the lights shining” along with the original 3rd Order Fresnel Lens is in the to navigation with three 75W bulbs in the Society’s web address. These items will be Calhoun County Historical Museum, Port lantern. Watch for these stamps in your lo- back for 2009!! Lavaca, TX. The cal post office, and use them on your mail. As always (and as stated above): addi- was established and constructed in 1856, tional/new volunteers are also most wel- come. This is ESSENTIAL to ensuring a THEN & NOW IN POSTCARDS strong NJLHS presence in the community. Please keep in mind that you don’t need to New York’s West Point Lighthouse was placed in service to mark a bend in the Hudson be a lighthouse “expert” to be part of the River. The thirty-five foot pole light was first lit on December 8, 1853 with a 6th Order team—just willing to discuss our shared in- Fresnel lens showing a white light. The wooden lighthouse shown in the below postcard terests with event patrons. There’s always was built in 1872 and cost $1,500. The white light from the pole light was transferred to someone to “fill in the blanks”. We have an this 40 foot high tower. The fog signal building was added in 1888. In July of 1921 the outstanding base of lighthouse knowledge schooner Phillip Mehrhof ran aground near the lighthouse. The schooner was re-floated in our membership ranks. with the next high tide and it then slammed into the fog signal building badly damaging it. The wooden lighthouse was replaced by a steel pole in 1946. Please feel free to contact me with any info on NJ events where our presence may be a plus, with other ideas/or for more informa- tion. My mailing address is: Anthony J. Albence P.O. Box 8184 Wilmington, DE 19803-8184 You may also contact me via e-mail at: [email protected]. Many thanks and keep the lights shining!

Page 6 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE Ron and Mary Joseph Cape Canaveral is best known today for it was necessary to disassemble the light- and Constituent of Ser- the Kennedy Space Center. However, the house and move it on a mule powered track vices to Congressman Cape has appeared on navigational charts to a new home, one and a half miles inland. Mario Diaz-Balart, and since the 1500’s. Off the southeastern tip, A keeper’s house and oil house were built BM1 Adam Noori- there are sandy shoals, which make the on the grounds. This is where the light- gian of the U.S. Coast currents very dangerous. So, in 1848, the house is today. The only other original Guard. We were able first lighthouse was built near the Cape’s building on the property is the oil house. to take “up close and tip. This lighthouse was about 60 feet tall, personal” pictures of The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse had a First- lit by fifteen lamps with 21-inch reflec- the outside of the light- Order Fresnel lens. This lens stood in its tors, and powered by whale oil. Captains house, the inside of the tower for over 100 years. It weighed 2,000 of ships complained you could not see the Outside stairs to the lighthouse, and the oil pounds, stood 12 feet light, until you were almost on top of the keeper’s quarters house. tall, and could be seen shoals. Therefore, a new, taller lighthouse about 22 nautical miles. How can you see the Cape Canaveral was in the works, and begun in 1859. This It was first powered by Lighthouse? According to the Cape Canav- however, was a time where history, the whale oil, then kero- eral Lighthouse Foundation’s website, the Civil War, intervened. This caused the third sene, and electrified in Cape Canaveral lighthouse is now open to keeper, Mills Burnham, a Confederate sup- the 1950’s. Today, the the public via tours through Patrick AFB porter, to disassemble the lamps, and hide light has been automat- Public Affairs. The 45th Space Wing is them from the Union. ed. It is an active aid to offering free tours of CCAFS the second After the war, a navigation. Ownership Wednesday of each month, from 8:45 am to new lighthouse Original 1st Order of the lighthouse has noon. To get on the list for the tour, call the was completed Fresnel Lens been transferred from 45th Space Wing Public Affairs at 321-494- by 1868. This the Coast Guard to the 5945 or 321-494-5949 a couple of weeks in lighthouse was Air Force. However, the Coast Guard still advance to get a reserved seat. The require- 145 feet tall, and has charge of the automated system at the ments to see the lighthouse are: you must consisted of a top. The lighthouse recently received a new be a US Citizen, have two forms of identi- brick lining, with coat of paint and a new walkway. fication, call and get a reserved seat, show a cast iron out- up at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station by This January, we had the opportunity to see side. In 1873, it 8:30 am, and check-in across from the Pass the original Cape Canaveral First-Order was painted with and Identification building just north of the Fresnel lens at the Ponce de Leon Light- a black and white cruise lines on SR 401. house complex. This was made possible “”. The after a night climb of the Ponce Lighthouse (Editors note: I tried to make reservation keeper’s quarters Cape Canaveral Lighthouse by the Florida Lighthouse Association. We two weeks before my arrival in Florida and oil house were in the light- also had the opportunity to gain access to and that Wednesday was booked. I was in- house. The quarters took up the first three the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse grounds. formed that the tours fill up as soon as they floors and were accessible only by an out- This was made possible by Gladys Llanes, become available. So call the Thursday side stairway. In 1892, an eroding shore- a Florida Lighthouse Association member, after the second Wednesday for the next line presented another problem. Therefore, month’s tour to make sure you get a seat.) THE NATIONAL bill go to the website http://www.thomas. Civil War. It was the first time I had been LIGHTHOUSE gov/home/c110query.html and enter “light- on Sandy Hook. I remember she used to tell STEWARDSHIP FUND BILL house” for search criteria. stories how she and her older sister would have to walk to Highlands. If the river was The National Lighthouse Stewardship MEMORIES OF SANDY HOOK frozen they would walk across the ice. If Fund Bill was introduced by Michigan Edna Croshie not, they walked across the railroad bridge. Senators Carl Levin & Debbie Stabenow My uncle and aunt, William & Lillian Imagine being a small child and having to on September 17, 2008. The bill when Newman, ran a take out fish & chips in do that, in the winter no less. Being young passed will establish a three year pilot pro- Freehold and eventually one on Ave D in of course kids are not interested in those gram that will provide for the preservation Atlantic Highlands. My uncle got a con- things. I should have paid more attention. and rehabilitation of historic lighthouses. tract to deliver seafood to the commissary I’m sure she had many stories to tell about Each fiscal year the fund will have $20 mil- at Fort Hancock, unfortunately he broke his Sandy Hook. lion to give as a grant to any state, local shoulder and couldn’t drive. He asked me if LOST AT THE LAST MEETING government or nonprofit organization that I would drive his truck and help him deliv- preserve and maintain a historic lighthouse er his seafood. I had to get clearance to en- Did anyone turn in a man’s black cap at the structure or owns a lighthouse that is listed ter Fort Hancock, even though my grand- last meeting? Mr. Hann states that he left it or eligible for listing on the National Reg- mother Mary Hannah Phillips was born at Absecon and when he called them they ister; or has a right to maintain and reha- at the Cove at Sandy Hook in 1878. Her told him someone from the organization bilitate a lighthouse that is owned by the father was in the Light Saving service in who was cleaning up said they would bring Federal Government. To read the complete 1878. He secured that job by serving in the it to the next meeting.

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 7 NEW JERSEY LIGHTHOUSE 2008 CHALLENGE PHOTOS Photo by Mike Boucher Photo by Mike Boucher Saturday Morning at Tinicum Lighthouse The line waiting at Finn’s Point to collect their Photo by Mike Boucher Jim Cope, right, giving his talk before button and to climb the lighthouse visitors climb Sandy Hook Photo by Hollie Tekulve Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Hollie Tekulve Photo by the Moyer Family Photo by Betty Smith The Moyer Family; The Saaveda Family Shelby Tekulve getting a Bill Volpe talking to Ron Shelby, Josh and Hollie Maddie, Mom & Zach at East Point cold start at Tinicum Soldano from WCFA Tekulve finishing at Sandy in the lantern room of 101.5 FM about the Hook Tinicum Challenge Photo by Mike Boucher Photo by Judy Boucher Photo by Mike Boucher Photo by Mike Boucher A good crowd at the top of The volunteer crew at the Barnegat Light Historical Doris Humphreys & Elaine Reed & John Photo by Marty Hudspeth Tinicum Lighthouse Sandy Hook gift shop: Sue Museum volunteers: Joan Judy Oshipp manning the Grzymku holding a quilt Mazza, Ken & Grace Malacrea, Diane Adams, Supawna Meadows table at Elaine is making from her Schumacher, Robert Zarling, Alan Houarth, Joseph Gil- Finn’s Point Challenge 2007 shirt, Amy Mertz, Jean Burgess & christ & Margaret Thomas souvenirs & pictures Rich Wikander Photo by Mariea Maggiore Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Judy Boucher Looking down from the top of It was VERY Becki & Tom Laverty Lisa Burke, Katie Moser, Nighttime photographers Absecon cold at Hereford giving tours in the south Marty Hudspeth & Bill taking pictures of Absecon in Inlet tower of Twin Lights Volpe the dark Photo by Hollie Tekulve Photo by Betty Smith Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Marty Hudspeth Photo by Michele Turick-Hand A perfect picture Zachary Moyer from First to finish at Hereford: Justin & Liz collecting The long drive home after Lebanon, PA a future John Grzymku & Elaine Reed their buttons at East a successful Challenge Point

Page 8 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 During this 20th Anniverary year we are going to look at some stories that have graced the pages of past Beams. Here is the first page of the first newsletter in August 1990. To see all of the first 10 issues go to njlhs.org

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 9 A MESSAGE FROM MEMBERSHIP… If you would like to be a part of this mo- Mary Beth Doherty, Membership Chair mentous milestone, please contact Doreen Reminder: If you haven’t paid your 2009 Pellegrino, Lucy & Jim Hillsdale, NJ Berson ([email protected]) or Laura dues yet, please do so. You can mail the re- Podolak, Henry Mertens Portée ([email protected]) or come newal form and check to the Society or you & Mary E. Brunswick, NJ and see us at the March meeting. can bring the form and pay your dues at the Prachthauser Family, The Morristown, NJ March meeting. Please return the form so Schaffer, Scott Voorhees, NJ THE LIGHTSHIP TENDER Shearman, Arthur & Teresa Sewell, NJ I can make sure all your information is up- “LILAC” Steel, Bobbi Toms River, NJ Mike Boucher to-date. Stiller, Frank Iselin, NJ One aspect of lighthouses that is seldom Trafford, Frank Rumson, NJ Meeting Attendees: mentioned is the lighthouse tender. The There were 91 members and guests who Webster, Vicky & Sam West Grove, PA Whittaker, Bill Logan Twp., NJ tenders job would be to bring supplies, in- signed in at our December meeting and Whitworth, Rozanne spectors, and tend to buoys. The first light- attended the Holiday Social at Absecon Callahan Macungie, PA house tender dated back to 1839 with the Lighthouse. Please remember to sign the first rented boat. The tender would visit book—we want to make sure there are BE PART OF SOMETHING each lighthouse once a year to bring its enough seats for you at future meetings! supplies of oil and other materials needed SPECIAL !!! Nametags: to run a lighthouse for the year. Prior to The 10th Anniversary New Jersey We have a new look to our membership this any materials needed for a lighthouse Lighthouse Challenge® nametags! They are $6.00 each to be or- were transported to the site by the contrac- dered and paid for at each meeting. The To commemorate this remarkable mile- tor supplying or doing the work. The first price includes shipping and you have 3 op- stone, we invite any interested members to tender purchased by the Lighthouse Board tions for the backing: standard pin, double join the Challenge Committee in the plan- was the sailing vessel “Rush” in 1840. butterfly clutch or, for $1.00 extra, you can ning and staging of the event. The first tender built by the Lighthouse order a magnet. Stop by the membership Board, for lighthouse duty was the steam table to place your order. There are many facets of the Challenge that could use your interest, enthusiasm powered, wooden side wheel, “Shubrick” Membership Numbers: and/or area of expertise... in 1857. It served as the first tender for the At the deadline for this issue, the member- entire west coast of the United States until ship numbers are as follows: GRANT WRITER to prepare and submit 1885. After the Civil War all tenders were Single Memberships = 224 grants for funding of the Challenge. named after plants instead of just random names. A wide array of vessel types would Family Memberships = 302 x 2 = 604 PUBLICITY COORDINATOR to pre- be used by the Lighthouse Board depend- Total Members = *828 pare the Press Release and mass-mailing, ing on the location; ocean going tenders, *This number includes one Lifetime mem- work on the ad design and place ads. ber, and seven Honorary members. shallow draft river tenders, harbor launches VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR to re- and tugboats. Of the hundreds of vessels New Members: cruit volunteers at the General Member- built by the Lighthouse Board between The following members have joined our ship meetings and on the NJLHS website, 1857 and 1939, when the service was taken Society since the December issue. Please maintain volunteer information (using a over by the U.S. Coast Guard, only two re- note that if you become a member after the database) and coordinate Volunteer Re- main, the “Fir” on the West Coast and the deadline for The Beam, you will be listed minder Letter mass-mailing. (Knowledge “Lilac” in New York Harbor. in the following issue. If you happen to of Microsoft Word and Mail Merge is a The “Lilac” was built as a steam power ten- meet them at a future meeting, please wel- plus!) come them! der in 1933. Built of riveted steel, she is 174 BROCHURE/POSTER COORDINA- feet long and 32 feet wide and weights 770 Benkert, Shirley Colonia, NJ TOR to work on the design and ordering tons. The fuel tanks held 102.5 tons and she Black, Sam & Veronica Anglesea, NJ of the brochures and posters. could travel at 13.7 knots. The main duty Bodmer, Florette Hillsborough, NJ of the “Lilac” was the servicing of buoys, Brown, John F. SOUVENIR COORDINATOR to work Steward & Bonnie Stockholm, NJ on the design, ordering and distribution of Bucher, Anna M. Little Egg Harbor, NJ souvenirs. Burger, Jr., Andrew J. Severna Park, MD SALE ITEMS COORDINATOR to work Carducci, Michael J. Villas, NJ Cassidy, Patty Campbell on the design, ordering and distribution of & George Media, PA T-Shirts and/or Pins. Clyburn, Ceasal W. Philadephia, PA E-MAIL COORDINATOR to monitor Eggers, Judith E. Manchester, NJ the Challenge e-mail box and answer in- Fitzgerald, Kathleen Linwood, NJ Holness & Family, coming e-mails regarding various facets of Vincent Rutherford, NJ the Challenge. (Good working knowledge Hubbard II, Donald E. Budd Lake, NJ of the Challenge a plus!) Huffman, Ellen Staten Island, NY WE ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR Lypka, Louise Bristol, PA McCarron, Joe & SOMEONE TO HELP CHAIR FU- Jennifer Atlantic Highlands, NJ TURE CHALLENGES Continued on Page 14

Page 10 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 PHOTO CONTEST 2009 NEW TO THE WEBSITE Cindy Mitzen Mike Boucher Our member’s annual amateur photo con- profit from them. This is a fun “lighthouse” Starting in late March, past issues of The test is here once again. Time sure flies photo contest not a “Photo Contest”. The Beam will be on the website. The first 10 when you’re visiting lighthouses. best technical picture may not place be- issues, August of 1990 thru December of cause our photos are judged by the general 1992, will be posted by the time you re- The categories are as follows; membership. And we all know lighthouse ceive this issue of The Beam. Each quar- ter the next 10 issues will be placed on the • East Coast Lights people look at lighthouse photos different- ly then the rest of the world. web. Bill Gellfuss, who has every copy of • West Coast & Great Lakes Lights The Beam, is loaning them to me to scan • Other Unsung Lighthouses I have again made arrangements with Pat and put in PDF format. Once I’m caught up • Rise to the Challenge Alcoro at the Sandy Hook Keeper’s house to the current one, some 2 or 3 years from • Winner’s Circle to display the winners of this year’s contest now, then that year will be posted the fol- Rise to the Challenge is the new category there. They will be displayed in the media lowing year, the four issues of 2009 will be this year. What pictures qualify? Any pic- room (where the Kitchen used to be) for the put on the web in early 2010. ture that includes a person, place or thing month of May. related to the New Jersey Lighthouse Chal- All pictures must have an entry form with BUS TRIP TO LEWES lenge. I stated in an earlier Beam that we them. The photographer’s name should not & FENWICK ISLAND, DE hoped to use the winning pictures in the be anywhere on the picture. The lighthouse April 25, 2009 10th Challenge brochure; this may not hap- in the picture may be identified on the back We leave Wheaton pen if the brochure is sent to press before of the photo. You can go to our web site Village in Mill- the contest. The good new is the Board has under photo contest to print up a entry form ville, NJ at 8:00 for some wonderful ideas on how to bring spe- and there will also be entry forms available a motor coach ride cial attention to this winning photo. at the meeting for each contestant to fill out to the Cape May To keep things simple I’m asking that all if needed. You will notice an area on the Ferry for a 9:30 photos submitted be either a 5 x 7 or 8 x entry form to sign giving NJLHS permis- crossing to Lewes, 10. Anything smaller is hard to view and sion to publish your picture on our website. DE. Once at Lewes larger hard to display. Please do not frame we board a boat Thank you to all those who have volun- your picture. All winning photos displayed for a cruise to see teered in the past to help with the photo at Sandy Hook will be shown in similar the Harbor of Ref- contest as registrars, etc. I can still use frames and I don’t want to lose your frame. uge and Delaware your help, please show up early and see You may matt your photo if you like. Breakwater Light- me before the meeting and I will put you Harbor of Refuge houses. After the Those in the Winner’s Circle may submit 2 to work. It’s also a nice way to talk with boat ride we’ll dine on a crab fest at Crab- lighthouse photographs of any type in the people you might not normally get to meet. by Dick’s Restaurant Winner’s Circle. You may also submit one One more bit of very important informa- in Rehoboth Beach photo in the Rise to the Challenge category. tion. Judy Boucher has agreed to become followed by a tour of Postcards were mailed out in February as the new chairperson for our annual photo the Indian Head Life reminders to all members of the Winner’s contest. I have enjoyed my time with the Saving Station in Circle. Any other NJLHS member may photo contest and during this time I’ve Bethany Beach. We submit up to 3 photographs in any category watched it rise to new heights thanks to a then head for Fenwick or combination of categories. lot of wonderful talented people. Thanks Island Lighthouse on Who’s in the Winner’s Circle? Anyone to Michael Boucher the color display of the border of Dela- ware and Maryland. who was in last year’s Winner’s Circle for the winners in the Beam are a pleasure to Delaware Breakwater the first time is still in the Winner’s Circle. view. The same thank you goes to How- After we have taken If this is your second year in the Winner’s ard Wright, our webmaster, for the beauti- our pictures, we’ll return back to Whea- Circle and you do not win a first, second, or ful display that he creates on our website. ton Village via the ferry. The trip is 12 third place this year, you will be dropped I’ve also enjoyed working with Pat Alcoro hours in length will cost $95.00 and is from the Winner’s Circle. In other words, if of the Sandy Hook Foundation displaying limited to 54 pas- you don’t place in the Winner’s Circle for your photos each year. I know Judy has sengers. We’ll have two years you drop into the general photo some great new ideas she hopes to imple- a block of rooms set contest. ment, and I’m looking forward to these aside at Country Inn changes that will keep the photo contest and Suites next door How do you get in the Winner’s Circle? new and fresh each year. for those who would Easy! Win first or second in any general like to come down on category. Any questions you can e-mail me at cindy- Friday night and/or [email protected]. stay over on Saturday. Who can enter the photo contest? Any See Renard Petronzio member of NJLHS who is an amateur pho- Fenwick Island at the March meeting tographer. What is an amateur? For the with the registration form on Page 12 and photo contest you are considered an ama- a $60.00 deposit. For more details visit teur if you don’t sell your photos or make a www.njlhs.org.

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 11 PROGRAM SIGNALS Cindy Mitzen The spring meeting will be held on Sat- DIRECTIONS TO MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP POST 2179 VFW: From the Gar- urday, March 21, 2009 at the Middletown den State Parkway Exit 117 take Route 36 South. From the toll plaza drive South for 6 Township Post 2179 VFW, 1 Veterans miles and you will come to Wilson Avenue. Continue thru light at Wilson Avenue for Lane, Port Monmouth NJ, 07748. Renard another .4 miles and pass a big Super Foodtown. Right after the Dunkin Donuts, turn Petron has pulled together what will be a onto Veterans Lane. VFW Post is set back off the highway. DIRECTIONS TO KEANS- very interesting meeting. BURG HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Make a right on to Route 36 and go .3 mile, the right hand turn after the light, go North on Route 36. Travel 2.4 miles to Main Street in Keans- Itinerary burg. Turn right on Main Street, make the 8th left onto Church Street, and the first right is 10:00 Hospitality/sign in of the photos for Carr Ave. The Museum is .8 of a mile, 12 blocks on your left. the annual members photo contest 11:00 General membership meeting, com- mittee reports etc. 12:00 Vote for your favorite photos while Keansburg Historical Museum having lunch.The VFW will be sell lunch (I believe it will be burgers and dogs, drinks (that sort of stuff) or, as always you may bring your own. 1:00 Speaker Tom Hester, former Coastie and reporter with the Star-Ledger, will talk talk about Romer Shoal Lighthouse. 1:45 Winners of the photo contest an- nounced. 2:15 Armed with maps be ready to view at you own pace Conover Beacon Church Street and the Keansburg Historical Mu- seum. I hope everyone is excited when they look Main Street at the itinerary. The photo contest is al- ways fun and I’m anxious to see what type of Challenge pictures are entered. Having Tom Hester to tell us about should be educational. I don’t know how many times I’ve pointed out that light from the top of Sandy Hook, but this will be the first time I hear from someone who Foodtown/Dunkin Donuts has been there and done that. It’s always fun to stop by and visit old favorites like Conover Beacon to see how they are hold- ing up. The Keansburg Historical Museum is a small place, so try not to all hit there VFW at once. At this museum they have some interesting information on the original Waackaack Light and Point Comfort Light.

NJLHS BUS TRIP TO LEWES & FENWICK ISLAND REGISTRATION FORM Name Address City& Zip Code Phone number ( ) E-mail address Number in Party Deposit of $60.00 per passenger is due on or before March 21, 2009. Make check out to New Jersey Lighthouse Society. Mail check and registration form to Renard Petronzio, 462 Hampton Lane, Somerdale, NJ,08083. Registration fee is non refundable unless otherwise substituted. Any questions or comments please contact Renard Petronzio at (856) 346 9030 E mail: [email protected]

Page 12 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 LIGHTHOUSE NEWS FROM to navigation. 1998-99, the head keeper’s The keeper’s house at house in 2000- the Southeast Light- 01, and the house on Rhode Is- first assistant land’s Block Island keeper’s house will finally be re- in 2003-04. stored. Block Island The last major building was the second South east Light- keeper’s house which was completed in house Foundation has been working to 2007 after three years of work. Some of save the lighthouse. Their efforts raised the the outside walls had to be rebuilt. Located funds to move the lighthouse some 360 feet across the street from Fort Screven and AROUND THE COUNTRY from the eroding cliffs. The Foundation their cannons, the concussions from the Mike Boucher continued to raise funds for the restoration guns knocked the plaster off the walls. It is of the keeper’s house. The Foundation re- The Crooked one of only a of handful light stations that ceived $550,000 from the Federal Trans- River Light- has every major building complete. house in Car- portation Enhancement several years ago rabelle, on and has $150,000 in their rebuilding fund. Jeld-Wen Reli- Florida’s pan- The head keeper’s side of the duplex will able Lighthouse handle will be a bed & breakfast while the assistant R e s t o r a t i o n have a replica keeper’s side will be a museum. Initiative has picked it win- keeper’s house built. It’s the continuation The Los Angles Yacht ning lighthouse of the restoration project of the decommis- Club has started a to received new sioned lighthouse. The square pyramidal drive to restore the was built in 1895 and de- window and Angel’s Gate Light- Photo U. S. Coast Guard doors. With commissioned in 1995. The Coast Guard house in San Pedro in over 500,000 votes received, the winner is was going to tear the tower down until a Los Angles’ busy har- New Canal Lighthouse in New Orleans. The local group fought to keep it standing. The bor. Built in 1913 the Carrabelle Lighthouse Association has lighthouse was destroyed in 2005 by Hurri-

U. S. Coast Guard Photo U. S. Coast Guard 73-foot Romanesque cane Katrina and Rita. Built on pilings, the been working with the Franklin County style lighthouse is in square building with the tower mounted Tourist Development Council to improve need of repairs. If the repairs are not done, on the roof was knocked over by Katrina, the lighthouse grounds. The restoration of the light will be moved to a modern steel only to be held up by the center staircase the tower was completed in 2007. pole. The LAYC estimates the repairs will to the second floor. Rita came through and cost around $2 million. Other Florida completed the job that Katrina had started. news includes Getting to The New Canal Lighthouse is being rebuilt the announce- the San Luis from the salvage materials from the de- ment of the Obispo Light- stroyed building. They will receive 16 new new Florida house should windows and two doors in the restoration “Visit Our Lights” license plate. On May be easier in of the building. Since 2005 Jeld-Wen has 28, 2008 Florida’s Governor Crist signed the future. Ac- given new windows and doors to one light- the bill authorizing the new plate. The cess is con- house each year. The Company picks 12 Florida Lighthouse Association raised the U. S. Coast Guard Photo U. S. Coast Guard trolled by the lighthouses, from the 50 nominated, with necessary $65,000 to have a new plate Pacific Gas & Electric which owns the America voting on the final three. Then the made. The members also wrote hundreds Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant that Company picks the winner based on need, of letters to their representatives to get the surrounds the lighthouse. The California overall restoration plans and historic pres- plate approved. Conservation Corps, the California Depart- ervation requirements. The previous three The town ment of Parks & Recreation, and PG&E lighthouse winners were; Umpqua River in s e l e c t m e n all want the trailhead moved away from Oregon, Thomas Point Shoal in Maryland the entrance to the nuclear power plant, and Wind Point in Wisconsin. of Rockport, MA have but finding a new location is a problem The price of the three Great Lake light- voted to ac- because of the steep cliffs and loose soil. houses that were auctioned off by the Fed- quire the The path leading to the lighthouse will be eral Government did not come close to the Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse from the realigned and shortened. This will include last lighthouse auction in price. The Duluth Coast Guard. The island, located just of the part of the trail a new foot bridge and an 80 Lighthouse in Minnesota sold for $31,000. coast of Rockport, is owned by the state’s foot cable staircase. An earlier agreement Cleveland Harbor East Breakwater Light- Audubon Society as a bird refuge and the with PG&E included $1.5 million to make house in Ohio sold for $10,000 and Con- Society must give the town an easement the lighthouse more accessible including a neaut Lighthouse, also in Ohio, sold for for the 1.8 acre lighthouse grounds. Main- shuttle van. $35,000. The two lighthouses in NY Har- tenance funds must also be approved at a After fourteen years and almost $2 mil- bor sold for large sums: West Bank Light- Town meeting. The station being estab- lion, the light station is now complete. The house sold for a whopping $245,000 and lished in 1835and the current lighthouse Tybee Island Lighthouse was restored in Old Orchard Shoals sold for $235,000. was built in 1896 and is still an active aid

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 13 WHAT’S NEW IN EDUCATION OUTREACH 2008 WAYS & MEANS HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS AND A MISSED OPPORTUNITY Marty Hudspeth Bill Volpe I have ordered new Society pins and they Another year has passed, another annual report written, another batch of numbers re- should be ready for the March meeting. I corded, another album of memories archived. Clearly, 2008 contained many highlights, have gone back to the smaller pins and they a few lowlights, a missed opportunity and an ongoing Speaker shortage in North Jersey. are being made by the same company that There were stories from attendees about their experiences at sea. One Navy veteran remi- made the 2008 Challenge pins. nisced about being assigned to a Caribbean lighthouse as a lookout for German ships in I will not be at the March meeting. I will the days following Pearl Harbor. Another told of visits to a relative’s house where he was be in Florida; but Anthony Albence, Dixie a Keeper. Then there was the lady in the assisted living facility that tried to persuade me Amento, and Sheila Hines will take care of to give her one of the lighthouse diorama display miniatures, and when I gently declined Ways & Means. her request, she asked if I was available. I have thoroughly enjoyed being the chair There were highlights, like the honor for NJLHS to provide two speakers for the 150th of Ways & Means for the last 4 years; but anniversary of the lighting of Barnegat Light, the hosting of the USLHS group for a tour I will be giving it up at the end of 2009 of the Sandy Hook Keepers Quarters and Lighthouse, the first Speakers Bureau talk while when my term expires. So hopefully there cruising the lower NY Harbor and the enjoyment of providing NJ primary school children is someone in the membership who would and Pennsylvania Dutch students from Kutztown, PA with their first lighthouse climb. like a rewarding experience and would like There were also some lowlights, like receiving a call while en route to Sandy Hook advis- to take over. ing that the group decided to cancel and then on the very next day, another group stood us up. And there was the senior center at the northernmost exit on the Garden State Parkway RECIPE CORNER and the assisted living facility off route 206, who both agreed to purchase Education Kits but never followed through. Marty Hudspeth Marinated Flank Steak There was also the missed opportunity. In early Fall while conversing with a neighbor, I Yvonne Miller Thies discovered that her Grandfather is one of the last surviving members of the United States Lighthouse Service. She later informed me that he would be visiting her over the holidays ¾ c. reduced-sodium soy sauce and I was invited to meet with him. Unfortunately, on the day of his visit he was delayed ¼ c. canola oil several hours, conflicted with a commitment of mine, so the opportunity was missed. ½ c. water 3 scallions, chopped However, on behalf of the NJLHS, I did provide the neighbor with a miniature of Sandy 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped Hook Lighthouse and some NJ Lighthouse literature, advising her that no trip to NJ is 18-oz. flank steak or larger complete without a visit to a lighthouse. She would later tell me the gift “made his day”. In large resealable plastic bag, Combine Her grandfather is Harlan E. Sterling, age 91. He was featured in the April 2008 issue soy sauce, oil, water, scallions, and garlic. of the in an article entitled “The Last of his Kind.” He spent most of Mix well. Add steak. Seal bag, squeezing his career on lighthouse tenders, with some temporary duty as Keeper of Maine’s Seguin Island Lighthouse. He now resides in Georgia. out excess air; refrigerate at least 2 hours or more. Remove steak from marinate. Trans- In all, we provided 39 talks, addressed 1,512 attendees, traveled 3,157 miles, placed 20 fer marinates to small saucepan; set aside. Education Kits and received over $500.00 in donations. Grill or broil steak, turning once until me- dium (I use George Foreman Grill & grill Anyone interested in joining the Speakers Bureau Team is welcomed. Please call me at for 15 min. each side). While steak is cook- 732-846-2196. ing, bring marinate to a boil. Reduce heat Many thanks to Speakers: Mike Boucher, Jim and Nancy Cope, Brett Franks, Bill Geil- to low. Simmer for 5 min. To serve, slice fuss, Kate Moser, Faith Giamboi and Joe Kelly. Without their efforts, our program would steak across the grain; serve with marinate. be in serious trouble. Serves 6. also supplied lighthouses, it also ferried WORD SEARCH ANSWERS The NJLHS cookbook is available lighthouse keepers and officials on busi- from Ways & Means. The cookbook includes 150 recipes from NJLHS ness from one assignment to another and members, family & friends. $8.50 thus each tender had accommodations for ea.,S/H $3.00, ea. add. book $1.50. passengers as well as the crew. The “Lilac” was taken out of service in 1972 and until 1988 it was used by Sea- Lighthouse Tender “Lilac” farers International Union in Piney Point, Continued from Page 10 Maryland as a training vessel at the Harry along with supplying lighthouses. For the Lundeburg School of Seamanship. It was buoys side of her duties, the sides of the scrapped in 1988 and sat at the scrap yard ship were vertical, with little to no protru- until 2003 when it was bought by a non- sions to hang up the buoys being retrieved profit group of historic ship enthusiasts. It or placed in the water. A derrick and winch currently sits at Pier 40 on the West Side of would handle the buoy. Since the tender Manhattan.

Page 14 1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 SUPPORT THE GOALS OF YOUR LIGHTHOUSE SOCIETY Children’s Mystery Books by Terry Webb S/H $3.00 1st book, ea add. book add $1.50

The Color of the Lighthouse, Children Activity Book NJ Lighthouse Print A Children’s Story by Elinor Dewire by Greg DiNapoli Manning the Light Weathering the Storms about $10.00 S/H $2.00 $15.00 S/H $2.00 $13.00 $13.00 by Elinor Veit $9.00 S/H $2.00

Mystery & Mishap Leaving the Lighthouse $14.00 $14.00 Lake Champlain Lighthouse Bingo Game Lighthouse & Lightships Lighthouse Book $13.00 S/H $2.50 of America New Jersey Lighthouse Bookmarks $6.00 S/H $1.00 $5.00 S/H &3.00

Sandy Hook model #1(top),#2 (Bottom) $2.50 ea., S/H 50¢ NJLH Decorative Tile (small) Cork Backing $6.00 S/H $3.00 $4.00 S/H $3.00 ea. add. $1.50 NJLHS Patch $4.00 S/H $1.00

White w/ Black Tote Bag Men’s Golf Shirt Royal, Burgundy, Banana w/ Society logo embroidered Assorted handbags hand made S-XL- $22.00 2X- 23.00, 3X -24.00 ea. S/H 4.00 approx. 18” x 16” $45.00 S/H $3.00 Women’s Golf Shirt Hibiscus, Banana, Lt. Blue $17.00 S/H $4.00 S-XL-$22.00 2X-23.00 3X-24.00 S/H $4.00

Email: [email protected] Mail check to: Phone: 609-877-1393 WE NOW ACCEPT Marty Hudspeth Call or email for MASTER CARD & VISA 15 Petunia Lane color/sizes and availability. Willingboro, NJ 08046 Visit the New Jersey Lighthouse Society web site to see many other items for sale www.njlhs.org

1989 – 20th Anniversary NJLHS - 2009 Page 15 SAVE THE DATES

IN THIS ISSUE Spring Meeting & Photo Contest Cape Canaveral Lighthouse P-7 Port Monmouth Challenge Photos P-8 Chasing Rainbows P-4 March 21 Community Outreach P-6 Delaware Bus Trip P-11 NEW Long Island Lighthouse Challenge Education Outreach P-14 From the Editor’s Desk P-2 May 16 & 17 Great Lake & Seaway Bus Trip P-5 NEW Historic Page of The Beam P-9 Summer Meeting & Picnic Kilauea Point Lighthouse P-4 Cape May Letter from the President P-2 Lighthouse News From Around The Country P-13 June 27 Lightship Tender “Lilac” P-10 Membership P-10 Memories Of Sandy Hook P-7 Maryland Lighthouse Challenge National Lighthouse Stewardship Bill P-7 September 19 & 20 Officers & Board Members P-2 Pharos Philatelic Corner P-6 Fall Meeting Photo Contest P-11 Program Signals P-12 Bayonne Recipe Corner P-14 September 26 Recognition Awards P-3 Relighting of Barnegat Lighthouse P-5 Romer Shoal Lighthouse P-1 NJLH Challenge Then & Now In Postcards P-6 October 17&18 What New In Ways & Means P-14 Word Search Puzzle P-5 Winter Meeting TBA December 5

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