Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse Getting Some TLC

Earlier this week, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, New Hampshire, was surrounded by scaffolding. This represents the beginning stages of a much-needed facelift for the beloved icon, also known locally as Fort Point Light.

The last time the lighthouse received a new coat of paint on its cast-iron exterior was in 1998, when the Coast Guard hired a contractor to remove the lead paint and to repaint the tower inside and out. In 2001, Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL), a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF), was granted a license to care for the lighthouse. Since then, volunteers of FPHL have painted the stairs and woodwork inside the 48-foot tower, along with providing educational tours for more than 12,000 visitors. Under the group's care, the 1903 oil house near the lighthouse was restored, and the 84-foot walkway leading to the tower was rebuilt in 2006.

In the past couple of years, peeling paint and rust have began to plague the structure, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. FPHL's board of directors decided that it would be best to hire a contractor well versed in preserving historic structures to carry out a thorough repainting, at a cost of $30,000. The bulk of the funds have been raised through small donations at open houses and other events, memberships, and sales of souvenirs. New England Lighthouses Lovers, another chapter of ALF, donated more than $3500 to the project.

Performing the work is the J.B. Leslie Masonry Company of South Berwick, Maine. ALF was a recipient of a Maine Preservation 2009 Honor Award for preservation work at Pemaquid Point and Cape Elizabeth lighthouses, carried out in both locations by Leslie.

As the work began, Bob Trapani, executive director of ALF, commented, "In a single day, the appearance of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was transformed into an active work site with scaffolding enveloping the light tower, but this historic moment -- a few years in the making -- was only made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in raising vital funds and public awareness for the popular beacon's care."

Ross Tracy, chairman of FPHL, said, "The many seasons of hard work and gifts from our generous donors have culminated in the painting of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. This high-visibility project lets the public see our preservation efforts first hand and, hopefully, illustrates the power of volunteers and the unwavering dedication to their historic cause. I think past keepers like Joshua Card and Elson Small would be pleased with the work of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and the American Lighthouse Foundation and would be proud to know that it was their service and labor that was the motivation for today's preservation accomplishments."

"The staging around the tower, which will help facilitate much TLC on the light's exterior," Trapani added, "is also symbolic in nature. It speaks to the vigilance of its modern day keepers, and to the generosity of visitors to the lighthouse and the local businesses who help support the mission of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Without this kind of effective teamwork, the history unfolding at the lighthouse today would not have been possible."

The work will be completed over the next few weeks, leaving the lighthouse in like-new condition. The constant assault of wind, waves, and salt air guarantee that the preservation of the lighthouse will always be an ongoing project.

Top photo by William Marshall
Aerial photo by Jeremy D'Entremont

New book on Thacher Island!

Thacher Island, off Rockport on Massachusetts' Cape Ann, is one of my favorite places in the world. I'm happy to announce that there's a new book available that tells the fascinating story of the island's twin lighthouses in words and hundreds of historic photos -- "Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Massachusetts," written by my good friend Paul St. Germain and published by Arcadia Publishing, the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.

Here's more info from Arcadia:

Off the coast of Cape Ann, Thacher Island’s twin lights are the last remaining operational twin lights in the nation. Throughout history, the lighthouses have played an important role in the Revolutionary War, World I and II protecting the coast from enemy submarines.

In over 200 vintage photographs, local author Paul St. Germain captures the history, adventures, and intimate stories from over 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island.

A portion of the profit from the sale of the book is being donated to the Thacher Island Association toward its restoration efforts.

Highlights of Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Cape Ann:
• Traces the history of the island from 1771 until 2009 through vintage photographs
• Illustrates why and how the two towers were built, and how the island got its name
• Features historic photographs from both public and private collections
• Showcases the lives of many of the lighthouse keepers and their families


Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher Island Association, a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport resident for 15 years and can see the island from his home.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Finer Details of Pemaquid Point Light’s Restoration Getting Plenty of Attention

By Bob Trapani, Jr.

The “heavy lifting” of Phase II restoration at Maine’s Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is winding down, and as it does, the attention is shifting to ensure all the finer details of the project are addressed – details that matter and ultimately separate a good project from a great one.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

Photo of the Day: Boston Light at sunset

\

I posted this photo a few months ago. I just played with the contrast and hue a bit, so that it looks quite different. I'm not sure which version I like better.

Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On"

Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On", originally uploaded by nelights.

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, performed at the "Dessertfest" fundraiser for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on April 24, 2010, at the Kittery (Maine) Lions Club. Here, they perform the perfect song for a lighthouse event, "Shine On."

Desserts and music -- what more do you need?

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse held a successful "Dessertfest" at the Kittery Lions Club in Kittery, Maine, on Saturday evening, April 24. Nearly 100 attendees chowed down on a variety of sweet delights from area restaurants while enjoying a smorgasbord of tunes.

The following establishments donated food and/or gift certificates for the event:

BG's Boathouse, Black Trumpet Bistro, Brazo, Café Mirabelle, Dinnerhorn, Old Ferry Landing, Margueritas, Me and Ollie's, Muddy River Smokehouse, the Oar House, Popovers, Common Man, Rosa, Chef's Cove Café, Noel's Café, 401 Tavern, Toot Sweet, and Sweet Caroline's Thrift Shop.


Gary Sredzienski entertained with his incredibly versatile accordion playing and with tales of his exploits as the swimming "Creekman." (Check this link!)

Gary brought along several of his collection of beautiful accordions and many artifacts that he has recovered while swimming in local waters.





Here's a clip of Gary in action:

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, also entertained with several songs. They included a perfect song for a lighthouse fundraiser, "Shine On."

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, now cares for two lighthouses: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, NH, and Whaleback Lighthouse in Kittery, Maine. This event was a fun way to raise funds and awareness for the preservation of these historic structures. Thanks to all who donated and helped, and all who attended! And thanks to Bob and Ann Trapani for the photos.

Volunteers Nina Trapani, Ann Trapani, and Susan Tisbert

Good Weather Allows for Restoration Efforts to Reach the Top at Pemaquid Point

Since the start of Phase II restoration at Maine's Pemaquid Point Lighthouse on March 16, 2010, the early spring weather has been true to form – unpredictable.

Despite a couple of northeast gales, buckets of rain at times, and even a coating of snow in late March, there has been more than enough interior repointing work, etc., to keep the crews of J.B. Leslie Company busy over the

last month while waiting for better weather.

Click here to read the rest of this story!