Phase I Restoration of Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse Update
Phase One of the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse restoration project being carried
out by Abcore Restoration Company has commenced at the island. Below is an
update provided by the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse president Don
Doucette…
(Posted August 4, 2005) “Keith was excited - said the
logistical process of setting his equipment in place was completed
several weeks ago. Staging has been erected around the dwelling and that
he and his crews have reached the hands-on point. Mainly, they have been
removing the "overlayment" of more recent building material from
the dwelling's exterior. Here lies the exciting part - Keith is
gathering a wealth of information regarding the adornment of the
original 1871 facade - original paint samples give clues to the exact
parts of the building where the original black, red and white motif was
applied. Various configurations of nail holes, bits of original
moldings, flashing
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
"It's screaming
architectural details" were Keith's passionate words.
scars and other
evidence mentioned, but not remembered, helped print a partial verbal photo
in my mind.
"It's
screaming architectural details" were Keith's passionate words. "Screaming"
in the good sense of the word, in that, for many decades the evidence has
remained hidden, muffled, waiting for a knowing mind and skilled hands to
interpret this architectural brail, if you will
And now,
Keith knows dimensions and types of needed wooden and flashing materials and
is specialty milling the required wooden stock on and off site. This will
enable him to begin to repair and replace and
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
eventually
restore the original 1871 building exterior. He knows, now, the early
placement of many of the original components of the building. There
will be fewer gaps and spaces to invite unwanted future building
deterioration.
He
will be able to match the tower shingles
symmetrically
with the red slate mansard roofing making the building more pleasing to the
eye. I believe he said his crew had already worked to replace some tower
shingles.
Keith
also said that before he begins the button-up phase of the exterior, he
would have the committee members out to better illustrate what he is so
capable of communicating. Also, as he works, photos are taken so there is an
ongoing record of the work.
This is
but a brush stroke of what Keith explained to me, and as a layman, this is
my best effort from recall.
It is my
opinion that Keith should be recruited and encouraged to present his Pomham
story to lighthouse lovers and the general public. He truly has many
pertinent tales to tell. Who better than he?”
