Digest>Archives> June 2004

Keeper’s Korner

Tid-bits from the Tower

By Timothy Harrison

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No meals at Toledo

Plans to turn Ohio’s Toledo Harbor Lighthouse into a bed and breakfast have been set back with the rejection of a $500,000 federal grant to bring an innovative power system to the lighthouse that is surrounded by water. However, the lighthouse’s supporters plan to still have a centennial celebration at Maumee Bay State Park July 16-18.

HMS Detroit contract settled

The contract dispute, which has delayed completion of the replica HMS Detroit, is over with both parties looking forward to the commissioning of the ship. The contract dispute was settled out of court. When completed the three masted square rigged sailing ship, Canada’s “Flag Ship” of the British fleet in the War of 1812, will be a valuable historic accomplishment that will significantly expand tourism in the area. For more information call Project HMS Detroit at 519-736-1133 or visit their web site at www.hmsdetroit.org.

Seguin 200th booklets found

Recently found tucked away in a box in the corner of Maine’s Seguin Island Lighthouse were a number of copies of the Seguin Island Lighthouse booklet that was published for the 200th anniversary of the lighthouse in 1995. This is an amazing booklet that is packed full of historical information and rare photos of life at the lighthouse. Considering the book was published nine years ago and not widely publicized at the time many of you may not have this unique part of history in your library. Seguin Island Lighthouse is the highest lighthouse above water in Maine and its unique tower has a magnificent first order Fresnel lens that is still operational. You might want to order a copy now before they are sold out by sending $10.00, which includes shipping to Friends of Seguin Island, P.O. Box 866, Bath, ME 04530. Be sure you tell them you are ordering the book, Seguin 200.

History Illuminated

The National Trust and OSRAAM SYLVANIA partnered with LIGHT BOSTON to light up the oldest surviving public building in Boston.

Citizens gathered in the same spot at the Old State House building on July 18, 1776 to hear the Declaration of Independence read from the building’s balcony. However, this time they gathered to celebrate the illumination of this historic site with the world’s most advanced exterior lighting systems courtesy of OSRAM SLYVANIA with fixtures that were donated by Quality Lighting, a division of JJI Lighting Group.

The event, held on May 5th, was held as part of the celebrations to recognize National Preservation week. The new lighting design will conserve energy, improve public safety, and enhance the appearance of the historic Old State House while highlighting several architectural features.

New Keepers at East Brother Light Station

On the first of April East Brother Light Station off the coast of California, welcomed a new Captain and First Mate, Lucien and Isabella Spelman. “Our long-term dream is to own and run a bed and breakfast in Italy and this is the perfect prelude to it!” Lucien and Isabella both love to cook and are eager to host light station guests as their main duty on the island.

Most recently, Lucien was first mate with Hornblower Cruises, a stunt man and a flamenco guitarist. Looks like island guests can look forward to unique entertainment. Originally from Seattle, Isabella grew up around sailboats; it was she who convinced Lucien to step aboard and live on a boat.

Both Isabella and Lucien are absorbing the history of the lighthouse, the island, and the surrounding area. The couple will happily share these stories, give tours, prepare great food—and blow the old foghorn—for guests of East Brother Light Station. They hope you will give them the opportunity soon.

This story appeared in the June 2004 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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