Volume XL • Issue I • October, 2015 4931 South Peninsula Drive • Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127 • www.ponceinlet.org • www.1ighthouselocker.org • (386) 761-1821 • [email protected] © Copyright 2015 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association. All rights reserved. 2 From the Executive Director 6 Event Calendar 7 Feature Article The Genius of Augustin Fresnel 15 Object of the Quarter 16 Volunteer of the Quarter 17 Thank You and Wish List 18 From the President of the Board of Trustees: Robert Riggio 20 Gift Shop The Quarterly Newsletter of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. From the Executive Director Dear Members, mission to preserve and disseminate the arrive before the holidays. maritime and social history of the Ponce de On November 1st, 1887, Principle Keeper Leon Inlet Light Station. Your contribution For those searching for gift that continues William Rowlinski officially lit the kerosene will help ensure this beacon continues to giving all year long, an annual lighthouse lamp atop the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse shine for generations to come. membership could be exactly what you (now Ponce Inlet) for the first time. This are searching for. One of the more popular momentous event established the Light Those wishing to donate to either the methods of supporting the Ponce Inlet Station as an active aid to navigation. Since Lighthouse Endowment Fund or Lighthouse Lighthouse, membership dues help fund the that day, the continued illumination of this General Operating Fund may do so by Association’s ongoing operations. Benefits magnificent beacon has guided mariners filling out the donation form attached to the of membership include free admission to along the Florida coast. This newsletter enclosed envelope and mailing it along with the lighthouse and museum, discounts commemorates the 128th Anniversary of the your method of payment to the Ponce Inlet on gift shop purchases, a subscription Ponce Inlet Light Station and the 43rd year Lighthouse at 4931 South Peninsula Drive, to the Association’s quarterly journal of the Association’s trusted stewardship. Ponce Inlet, FL 32127. Donations may also Illuminations, and more. With several levels be made online at www.lighthouselocker. to choose from, a membership option is Due to the rising cost associated with the org under the “Donate” tab. available to fit almost anyone’s budget. ongoing restoration, preservation, and interpretation of this important National Looking for that perfect gift? Great news! The As the Lighthouse adapts to meet the Historic Landmark, the Association turns to Lighthouse Gift Shop is receiving unique and challenges of the 21st century, we remain you, its members, for much needed support. exciting merchandise daily. We encourage committed to our mission and to the local all our members to browse our extensive communities. Whether on-site, via the As a self-sufficient, non-profit 501(c)(3) selection of nautical and lighthouse-themed web, or through educational outreach, corporation, the Ponce De Leon Inlet products for their holiday shopping needs. the Association will continue to foster a Lighthouse Preservation Association takes wholesome, family-oriented environment great pride in its ability to operate without Have a friend, spouse, or relative who that encourages people to come together tax-funded support at the federal, state, or is impossible to shop for? Consider a to discover and appreciate our unique and local levels. Lighthouse Memorial Brick. Featuring the fascinating history. light station’s official logo and up to three Please consider the value of the educational lines of text, memorial bricks are a unique On behalf of the Association’s Board of programming provided to students, the and personal way to express your love and Trustees, I would like to express my heartfelt museum’s many interpretive exhibits, the appreciation during the holiday season. appreciation for your continued support site’s incredible beauty, and the historic Each laser-engraved brick is guaranteed for and wish you a happy holiday season. importance of this venerable Light Station life and will remain installed in the light when deciding which organizations to station’s memorial walkway in perpetuity. With warm regards, support during this and the coming year. As Additional full-size and miniature duplicate always, membership dues and donations are bricks are available at the time of purchase. Ed Gunnlaugsson Ed Gunnlaugsson 100% tax-deductible. Measuring 4”x8” and 1.5”x3” respectively, Executive Director duplicate bricks are wonderful conversation The Association depends on the generosity Ponce Inlet Lighthouse pieces in either the office or home. Be sure of members like you to continue its ongoing to order your bricks today to ensure they Preservation Association Staff Administration Maintenance Dept. Gift Shop Ed Gunnlaugsson Tom DiTusa Valair Mitchell Executive Director Maintenance Manager Gift Shop Manager Mike Bennett Bob McLean Nick Warenyk Director of Operations Dave Doiron Gift Shop Manager Ellen Henry Stump Madison Donna Doan Curator Chuck Wescoat Joanne Roberson Kevin Nichols Danielle Charshee Mary Wentzel Matt Ricco Programs Manager Danielle Szemborski Dean Vanderbleek Andrea Georgiou James Powell Joseph McDonnell Antje Nordman Registrar Dawn Smoke Bill Teasley Karen Huffman L.H. Beaconette: Nelly Administrative Assistant/ Bookkeeper 2 October 2015 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION Preservation Association is dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of the maritime and social history of Sept. 8, 2015 – May 259, 2016 May 30, 2016 – Sept 5, 2016 the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station. Open Daily from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm Open Daily from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 5:00 PM) (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 8:00 PM) 2015 Board of Trustees FALL 2015 TOWER CLOSURES Bob Riggio President OCTOBER 27, 2015 (TUESDAY) NOVEMBER 25, 2015 (WEDNESDAY) Tara Lamb TOWER CLOSED FROM 5:30 PM UNTIL 6:00 PM TOWER CLOSED FROM 4:15 PM UNTIL 6:00 PM Vice President MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP OPEN UNTIL 6:00 PM MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP OPEN UNTIL 6:00 PM Robyn Hurd (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 5:00 PM) (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 5:00 PM) 2nd Vice President Judy DiCarlo Treasurer FALL 2015 SPECIAL HOURS OF OPERATION Cheryl Cunningham Secretary OCTOBER 9, 2015 (FRIDAY) DECEMBER 24, 2015 (THURSDAY) Wilda Hampton OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 8:30 PM MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP Trustee Emerita (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 7:30 PM) OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 4:00 PM Tami Lewis (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 3:00 PM) Earl Davis OCTOBER 17, 2015 (SATURDAY) Gladys Davis OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 8:30 PM DECEMBER 25, 2015 (FRIDAY) Kristi Drumheller (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 7:30 PM) MUSEUM CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY Ellen Pagliarulo Judy Huggins NOVEMBER 26, 2015 (THURSDAY) DECEMBER 26 & 27, 2015 MUSEUM CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY (SATURDAY & SUNDAY) MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP Advisory Committee NOVEMBER 27 & 28, 2015 OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 7:00 PM (FRIDAY & SATURDAY)) Julie Davis (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 6:00 PM) Tony Goudie MUSEUM AND GIFT SHOP Edson Graham OPEN FROM 10:00 AM UNTIL 7:00 PM Dave Sweat (LAST MUSEUM ADMISSION SOLD AT 6:00 PM) Brad Blais Professional Upcoming Meetings Affiliations OCTOBER 19, 2015 (MonDAY) DECEMBER 21, 2015 (MonDAY) American Alliance of Museums BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND QUARTERLY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING American Assoc. for State and MEmbERSHIP MEETING (CLOSED TO GENERAL PUblIC AND MEmbERSHIP) Local History (OPEN TO GENERAL MEmbERSHIP) Florida Association of Museums Florida Lighthouse Association NOVEMBER 16, 2015 (MonDAY) Florida Trust for Historic Preservation BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING National Trust Forum (CLOSED TO GENERAL PUblIC AND MEmbERSHIP) US Lighthouse Society Port Orange & South Daytona Chamber of Commerce Daytona Beach/Halifax Area Fall 2015 Climb to the Moon Schedule Chamber of Commerce Florida Attractions Association OCTOBER 27, 2015 (THURSDAY) JANUARY 23, 2016 (SATURDAY) ILLUMINATIONS is published quarterly 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association, Inc. NOVEMBER 29, 2015 (FRIDAY) 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM Subscription is a benefit of membership in the Association. ILLUMINATIONS JOURNEY TO THE TOP OF THE PONCE INLET LIGHTHOUSE AND EXPERIENCE THIS NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK welcomes letters and comments from IN All ITS glORY. JOIN THE OLD LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER ON A PERSONAL TOUR OF LIGHTHOUSE AND LANTERN our readers. ROOM, AND ENJOY BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, PONCE INLET, AND SCENIC INLAND WATERWAYS. TOAST THE SETTING SUN WITH A SPARKLING BEVERAGE AND ENJOY DELICIOUS HORS D’OEUVRES BY THE LIGHT OF THE FUll MOON WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER AND FRIENDS. OFFERED ONLY ON THE EVE OF EACH FUll MOON, THIS SPECIAL EVENT IS LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS ONLY. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE BY CAllING KAREN AT (386) 761-1821 EXT. 10. PRICES ARE $25 FOR NON-MEmbERS AND $20 FOR MEmbERS October 2015 • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station • October 2015 3 KeeperKeeper ListingsListing Battelle Memorial Institute Kristine & John F. Bradley Mark & Amy Albenze Ponce Inlet, FL Henry Pate South Orange, NJ David & Jennifer Ahrend Ponce Inlet, FL Port Orange, FL Thomas Bush Brad & Anne Blais Brochure Displays, Inc. Port Orange, FL Ponce Inlet, FL Terry McDonough (Endowment Fund Donor) Richard & Diane Boynton Daytona Beach, FL Exeter, NH Julius & Becky Erlenbarch Chuck & Michelle Cameron Tom & Peggy Ellwood Ponce Inlet, FL Daytona Beach, FL Ponce Inlet, FL (Endowment Fund Donor) Phyllis Campbell (Endowment Fund Donor) Ponce Inlet, FL Earl & Gladys Davis Bill & Judy Carrico Inlet Harbor, Inc. Ponce Inlet, FL Longwood, FL Dick Neland Cheryl & Jim Cunningham Ponce Inlet, FL L. Keith Casagrande Ponce Inlet, FL Daytona Beach Shores, FL Robert & Mary Darge James Morris New Hudson, MI Port Orange, FL Halifax Humane Society Joe & Judy DiCarlo Ponce Inlet, FL Mary Ann Redinger Frederick & Shirley Eckersen Brian Layman Wealth Ponce Inlet, FL Port Orange, FL Management of Dr.