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American Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 565
Rockland,
Maine 04841
Phone: 207-594-4174
Fax: 207-596-1091
info@lighthousefoundation.org
The American Lighthouse Foundation is a
Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to the
preservation of America's historic
lighthouses & lightships and
their heritage.
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Forgotten Window “Sees Light of Day” at
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
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History is not
always easy to see, touch or find. In fact, some of the most fascinating
vestiges of our historic past manage to remain obscured by circumstances
and time itself until one day they are discovered, often times in
unsuspecting fashion.
A recent
discovery at Maine’s Pemaquid Point Lighthouse by the contracting firm
working with the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) this summer to
restore the iconic beacon uncovered an item of historic interest
previously unknown – a lost window on the east (or ocean) side of the
tower’s base.
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Note the lintels and outline of a
lost window on the lighthouse
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The American Lighthouse Foundation is undertaking the exterior restoration
of the1835 Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, with J.B. Leslie Masonry Contractors
of South Berwick, Maine, performing the professional masonry work on the
light tower. During a recent phase of the project, which included work to
cut out the deteriorated mortar joints between the granite stonework, masons
removed the cement “shroud” that had long obscured the well-defined outline
and lintels of a window.
“By examining the stonework, it is my guess that the original masons who
built this tower back in the early 1800s were not the same folks who |
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
The rediscovered window is
located along the tower's base
on the east or ocean side
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eventually did away with the window on the lighthouse,
though they appeared to have used the same type of granite,” said Jim
Leslie, president of J.B. Leslie Masonry Contractors. “There is a
distinct difference between the quality of workmanship used throughout
the rest of the tower’s construction versus the work to eliminate the
window by filling it in.”
Though the one-time window had to be concealed once again
in late-July to repoint and recoat the historic tower, the American
Lighthouse Foundation and the Maine Historic Preservation Commission
ensured that |
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the window’s existence was photographically documented prior to the
continuation of the remaining phases of the exterior restoration project.
“The 2007 exterior restoration of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is very much
history in the making, but to uncover a long-forgotten vestige of the
beacon’s past at the same time, is really exciting,” said Bob Trapani, Jr.,
ALF executive director.
Trapani went on to note, “This discovery will become a neat human interest
item for the volunteers of the Friends of Pemaquid Point |
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Lighthouse (a chapter of ALF) to share with the many
thousands of visitors who climb the tower each year. So from both a
historical perspective and educational opportunity, the lost window is
allowing us to ‘see into’ another glimpse of lighthouse history
previously unknown.”
This fascinating piece of newly discovered history has
also piqued the |
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse under
restoration in summer 2007
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interest of individuals like ALF
historian Jeremy D’Entremont and ALF president Timothy Harrison, who are
both now delving into their extensive collections of records and images to
learn if there is any recorded mention of the window that may explain the
mystery surrounding its existence.
As ALF historian Jeremy D’Entremont notes, “Historic research and
restoration often lead to intriguing surprises, and every fact that's
uncovered provides another piece of the overall puzzle. Somewhere, there may
be correspondence or other information that would shed some light on this
window and the reasons it was blocked. We'd certainly welcome any
information about that.”
D’Entremont went on to say, “What we can say for sure is that the
restoration is also serving to show us just how skilled the builders were.
The first keeper, Isaac Dunham, wasn't exaggerating when he wrote, "A better
tower and lantern was never built in this state." I have no doubt that
Dunham would also approve of the current work being carried out by the
skilled crew of J. B. Leslie Masonry Contractors.”
ALF president Timothy Harrison echoed D’Entremont’s sentiments about the
historical significance of such finds, noting, “To lighthouse historians,
this is like discovering gold. While there are many old photos of Pemaquid
Point, most do not show the lighthouse from this angle showing a window, so
this is a rare find.”
Harrison concluding saying, “It reminds me of the port hole window in the
keeper's house at Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. In that case, many
old photos showed the porthole window, but modern era photos did not and
everyone assumed it had been removed. But, during restoration in the early
1990's the window was uncovered and still in place with the glass still in
the window.”
The nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation is dedicated to the mission of
lighthouse preservation and education, but the organization cannot perform
this work without the ongoing financial support of people just like you. To
make a donation to ALF or to the exterior restoration of Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse, call (207) 594-4174 or mail to American Lighthouse Foundation,
Pemaquid Point Project, PO Box 565, Rockland, ME 04841.
Posted: 8/2/2007 |
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