Masonry Repairs to the Base of Cape Elizabeth
Lighthouse are Completed
The American
Lighthouse Foundation completed an important project to repair the
deteriorating concrete base at Cape Elizabeth Light on October 30, 2008,
as part of the ongoing preservation of one of Maine’s most iconic
beacons.
Maine
residents and visitors alike may recall the fact that Cape Elizabeth
Lighthouse
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
The concrete base of Cape Elizabeth
Light has been restored
received high profile public
attention at various times throughout the 20th century, which
added to the already rich history and allurement of the this lifesaving
sentinel.
According to
American Lighthouse Foundation historian Jeremy D’Entremont, “Cape Elizabeth
Light was immortalized in a few of Edward Hopper's paintings in the 1920s,
one of which was reproduced on a 1970 postage stamp commemorating the 150th
anniversary of Maine's statehood.”
J.B. Leslie
Masonry Company of South Berwick, Maine, was contracted by the American
Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) to perform the restoration
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
(L to R) Jake Johnson & Ken Morse of
J.B. Leslie Masonry Company repair
surface spalling on the top of the concrete base
work on the
base of the lighthouse, following consultation with the Maine Historic
Preservation Commission.
The
consultation process yielded the conclusion by the Commission that based
on lab analysis identification; the cement’s composition was original
grappier cement that likely dated back to the light’s 1873-74
construction. According to state historic
preservation
officer Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr. “This may be the first known use of
cement construction in Maine, making it especially significant.”
ALF executive
director Bob Trapani, Jr. explains the need for the restoration work. “This
project addressed years of surface spalling on the concrete base, which was
caused in part by the recurrent freeze-thaw cycles and previous incompatible
cement patchwork repairs. Both the original cement and contemporary patches
were failing at different locations on the base, especially along more
vulnerable areas such as the overhangs, corner edges and top surfaces.”
J.B. Leslie
Masonry Company’s crews repaired spalling concrete surfaces on the north,
east and south sides of the light tower’s base, as well as along the top of
the structure.
The
rehabilitation process encompassed the removal of failing cement down to
hard substrate, cleaning the exposed locations before patching the
areas with a
natural cement that closely replicated the original grappier cement,
priming the repaired locations and finally recoating the structure.
“In utilizing
a special mixture of natural cement to replicate the original grappier
cement, we wanted to make sure it was fully protected against the
elements;
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Jim Leslie applies a final topcoat to
the base of the lighthouse
therefore, a high
quality elastomeric primer was applied over the new cement before recoating
the finished work with an appropriate topcoat,” said Jim Leslie, president
of J.B. Leslie Masonry Company. “This system of coatings will protect the
historically-correct cement and provide maximum durability.”
The $11,300
masonry base restoration project at Cape Elizabeth was made possible by a
generous $8,800 donation to ALF from Cape Elizabeth resident William
Kourakos and a $2,500 contribution from the New England Lighthouse Lovers, a
chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
The project
contract called for J.B. Leslie Masonry Company to apply a final topcoat to
all of the repaired locations along the concrete base of the lighthouse;
however, in seeking to ensure the structure contained a consistent shade of
white on the entire base, his company went the extra mile.
At the conclusion
of the repair work, Jim Leslie purchased the proper paint and volunteered
his company’s prep time where necessary, and subsequently recoated the
entire concrete base. This kind contribution to the project made a sparkling
difference in the end.
Summarizing the
project, Jim Leslie concluded, “I personally find this work fulfilling after
all these years (over 20) of being in the business. It’s amazing to see how
people really love lighthouses. To have a chance to help restore historic
treasures like lighthouses is very satisfying. It’s nice to know we are a
part of the team effort to protect Cape Elizabeth Light and to know that we
are now also part of its storied history.”
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
(L to R) Jim Leslie, Jake Johnson
& Ken Morse of J.B. Leslie
Masonry Co.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Jim Leslie repairs the flashing on
the base of the light tower
A view of the repaired concrete
overhang on
the east side prior to recoating...note
the beveled bottom edge
that was maintained
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A view of a repaired section
with an elastomeric primer
applied to the distinct location
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A view of a repaired corner edge
on the southwest side of the
concrete base
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Jim Leslie applies a final topcoat to the
base of Cape Elizabeth Light
