ALF begins Phase II “Wellness Program” at
Pemaquid Point Light
By Bob Trapani,
Jr.
On March 16,
2010, the historic Pemaquid Point Lighthouse started another round in
its overall “wellness program” with the beginning of Phase II
restoration of the 1835 light tower.
Like people,
lighthouses require regular “check-ups” and a solid routine to ensure
they remain in tip-top shape; something that is especially
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
J.B. Leslie Company, Inc. began work
on the interior of Pemaquid Point Light
on March 16, 2010
important when
dealing with 175 years of “wear & tear” on a structure.
Pemaquid Point
Light’s latest prescription for long-term preservation is a $83,000
restoration project designed to address the light tower’s interior health,
which is being funded by the American Lighthouse Foundation through a FY09
Federal appropriation sponsored by U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins.
The American
Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) has contracted with J.B. Leslie Company, Inc. of
South Berwick, Maine, to facilitate the Phase II restoration work at the
site.
During the first
week of restoration, the sound of hand tools in action could be heard
echoing throughout the interior of the 38-foot sentinel as
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up view of brickwork with
its
joints cut out and ready for repointing
skilled masons
worked to clean out deteriorated mortar joints between the tower’s
brickwork in preparation for repointing the interior of the structure.
Before the
dust settled on their initial efforts, Jim Leslie, president of J.B.
Leslie Company, Inc. noted, “It was great to get started on this phase
of new restoration work at
Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse. Our crews enjoy working on historic structures. It is very
satisfying knowing that we can play a small part in helping preserve
history.”
Al Spier, a
foreman for J.B. Leslie Company, Inc. echoed Leslie’s sentiments, saying,
“We work on a number of historical buildings, but lighthouses are special –
there’s just something about them that is fascinating to be a part of.”
In addition to
repointing the brick interior of the light tower, the scope of work for
Phase II restoration includes items such as: The removal of old coatings
from the exterior of the brick entryway building, repairing
damaged brick,
and then recoating, as well as making repairs to existing windows,
repainting the interior staircase and cleaning the staining on the
exterior of the tower prior to recoating.
The American
Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) and its chapter – Friends of Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse (FPPL),
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Al Spier (bottom) and Jim Leslie
working inside the light tower
serve as
caretakers of the light tower at Pemaquid Point, which is federally owned by
the United States Coast Guard and licensed to the nonprofit group for
preservation and public education purposes.
Facilitating Phase
II restoration at the site is a team effort that includes ALF and FPPL
funding and managing the project, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission
and U.S. Coast Guard approving of the preservation treatments and overseeing
the project and J.B. Leslie Company, Inc. conducting the actual professional
restoration work.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close up demonstration of how old
mortar is removed with hand tools
such as the hammer and chisel
This latest
restoration work will be completed prior to the start of the 2010 summer
season.
Thanks to the
volunteer efforts of the Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, the light
tower is open to the public seven days a week from Memorial Day through
Columbus Day, and offers individuals or families a one-of-a-kind
cultural experience along the Midcoast of Maine.
Before...
A view of the
brickwork's mortar
joints just below the lantern prior to
Phase II restoration
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
After...
A view of the
brickwork's mortar
joints just below the lantern after
cutting out the joints in preparation for repointing
Jim Leslie demonstrates the process of
cutting
out mortar joints with hand tools
such as the
hammer and chisel
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Al Spier demonstrates
cutting out mortar
joints with hand tools
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
(L
to R) Bob Trapani, Jim Leslie,
Al Spier and Bob Kline
on March 16, 2010
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
(L to R) Jim Leslie of J.B. Leslie Company,
Inc.
discusses the exterior of the lighthouse with
FPPL chairman Marty Welt at a meeting
prior to the start of Phase II restoration
Recapping Phase I Restoration at Pemaquid
Point Light...
The American
Lighthouse Foundation, Friends of Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, the National
Trust, Lowe’s, the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and the U.S. Coast
Guard participated in a ribbon-cutting
ceremonyat the lighthouse
in September 2007 to commemorate the exterior restoration of Pemaquid Point
Lighthouse, with Maine’s First Lady, Karen Baldacci, serving as the guest of
honor.
Maine Preservation
would later present the American Lighthouse Foundation, Friends of Pemaquid
Point Lighthouse and J.B. Leslie Company, Inc. with a 2009 Honor Award for
their efforts on Phase I.
Maine Preservation
recognized ten different projects or individuals in 2009 who had
demonstrated a level of excellence in preserving historic and cultural
resources throughout Maine, with Pemaquid Point Lighthouse being one of the
projects honored.
