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Abcore Restoration Company’s Handiwork
Was On Display During ALF’s Site Visit to Pomham Rocks
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With Phase One of the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse restoration
project quickly coming to a close, representatives from the American
Lighthouse Foundation and their chapter – Friends of Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse, met Abcore Restoration Company president Keith Lescarbeau at
the |
Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont
(L to R) David Kelleher, Keith Lescarbeau,
Don Doucette and Bill Collette
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historic site on December 15, 2005 to walk through and review the amazing
transformation at the historic site.
The American Lighthouse Foundation, through a 25-year lease of Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse with ExxonMobil Corporation, signed a contract with Abcore
Restoration Company of Rhode Island in June 2005 for the purpose of
returning the majestic 1871 beacon to its former glory. Abcore staged their
equipment and commenced work at the site in July. Since that time, Abcore
has applied their expertise and talents to Phase One of Pomham Rock’s superb
restoration.
Working through the intense heat of summer and right through the icy
overtures of winter, Abcore Restoration Company has done more than
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Pomham Rocks Light Station
in East Providence, RI
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simply ‘work’ at the lighthouse. The
passionate crew has literally placed their heart and soul into the
complex restoration of Pomham Rocks, which includes the lighthouse and
former oil house located behind the elegant beacon.
Phase One of the restoration included stabilizing the
light tower that surmounts the mansard roof of the wooden structure,
which was leaning seven degrees. In addition, Abcore crews rehabilitated
and saved 40% of the dwelling’s original exterior clapboard siding and
replicated the remainder of the siding that was damaged beyond repair.
Crews also removed |
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numerous layers of
paint before restoring the structure’s original cream-color daymark. Lost
ornate architectural features were returned thanks to Abcore’s ability to
locate the profiles of the original hoods and aprons that adorned the
windows and upper facets of the building.
Layers of blue paint were removed from the granite foundation of the
structure, the original profile of the steps at the back of the lighthouse
was returned and a “lost” window previously hidden by contemporary siding
was uncovered and reestablished. In addition, the red slate mansard roof was
returned to its former glory, extensive rot to the dwelling’s wood frame was
repaired and a new roof was established on the restored oil house as part of
the exterior restoration.
Phase One of the overall $283,000 restoration project at Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse will conclude in January 2006. The Friends of Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse are planning a re-lighting ceremony at the site in summer 2006 to
commemorate the historic site’s return to its former glory. |
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Phase Two, which includes the restoration of the light’s
interior remains in the planning process and hinges on additional
fundraising.
The December 15th inspection party included
ALF board of directors Bill Collette and Jeremy D’Entremont, FPRL
officers Don Doucette and David Kelleher, and ALF executive director Bob
Trapani.
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Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont
(L to R) Abcore Restoration crew
members Al Vincenzo, Kenny Reid and
president Keith Lescarbeau
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Comments on the restoration of Pomham
Rocks Lighthouse following ALF’s site visit…
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“The visit to the newly restored Pomham Rocks Lighthouse on a relatively
mild and calm December day will remain in my memory for a |
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
(L to R) Keith Lescarbeau explains to
David Kelleher, Don Doucette and Bill
Collette how the light tower has been
supported by additional braces during
the restoration process
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long time. Seeing the 1871 structure sitting there
majestically on its rocky perch with its silhouette shimmering in
the calm waters of Narragansett Bay was something to behold.
Keith gave us a detailed tour of the house and explained
each aspect of the restoration process. It was apparent from his tone
and his expressions that he was very proud of the work that he and
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Al and Kenny had
accomplished. I really think that he fell in love with the place and has
placed his heart and soul into the job. The fact that he put electric
candles in the windows and flashing lights around the lantern room
speaks volumes.
Each time that I had the pleasure of going out to the light and seeing the
great progress made, I have always left the island uplifted in spirit and
very proud to be a small part of this restoration project. Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse has been in very good hands these last few months, now it will be
our turn to continue to care for her and love her as much as Keith and
company have.”
– David Kelleher, FPRL Treasurer
“The restoration that Abcore has completed at Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is
simply outstanding. Keith and his crew went the extra step to make
everything right…the house looks like new. I also thought the |
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Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont
(L to R) Bob Trapani & Bill Collette
listen as Keith Lescarbeau talks about the restoration
of the oil house
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PowerPoint presentation that Keith showed
us during our site visit was very impressive. We were able to see what
Abcore was up against at every stage of the project. You could the
dedication of Keith and his crew as we learned of the painstaking time
required to remove all the exterior clapboards on the lighthouse – then
save and reuse as many |
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of the original
boards as possible. I also was impressed at the process of paint removal in
areas that had to be returned to bare wood for restoration – the effort was
one of great patience and skill. WOW.... I cannot believe all the things
these guys have done!”
–
Bill Collette, ALF Vice-President
“Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a real gem. There's something about the
brightly colored lighthouse and oil house on the tight little island that
makes them look almost like pretty little models from a distance. I had |
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
ALF Historian Jeremy D'Entremont descends
the lantern room ladder
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only seen the island from the nearby bike path and from
passing boats until I had the opportunity to visit with members of
Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse and the American Lighthouse
Foundation to check out the almost completed restoration of the
exterior. After seeing the place up close, I'm even more of an admirer
of this attractive, historic building. It's no wonder the Lighthouse
Board decided to build several lighthouses following this same basic
design; the architecture is charming.
I also couldn't have been more impressed by the work of
the |
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Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse and restoration expert Keith Lescarbeau.
Once this group got the restoration ball rolling, things happened amazingly
fast. The Friends put forth a tremendous effort to make it happen, and
great community support was an essential ingredient. I was very pleased
when I heard that Keith Lescarbeau was hired to do the work. Having seen
the impeccable restoration he did at Plum Beach Light, I knew he'd again go
above and beyond the terms of his contract. Keith is not only a very
skilled craftsman; he's a dedicated preservationist who has a contagious
enthusiasm for every detail in the restoration process. He is absolutely
the perfect man for the job, and he surrounds himself with other top-notch
workers.
I can't wait to see the eventual restoration of the interior. When Keith is
finished, I have no doubt that the building will actually be better suited
to stand up against the harsh forces of nature than it was when it was first
built in 1871. I tip my cap to everyone who's had a hand in this process!”
– Jeremy
D’Entremont, ALF Board of Directors
“Nothing is more exciting and energizing as a preservationist
than seeing firsthand a lighthouse restoration project being carried out in
superb fashion like Abcore Restoration Company is facilitating at
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Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont
(L to R) David Kelleher and Bob Trapani
on the way to the lighthouse
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Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. Prior to the
site visit, FPRL president Don Doucette stated that he thought it was
very important that ALF representatives have the opportunity to
“actually see and touch the structure,” now that Phase One of the
project is coming to a close, noting that “all the words and photos
cannot |
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portray the big
picture of the restoration without a site visit.” Needless to say, Don’s
sentiments were right on. I was previously very impressed by all of the
updates and photos that the FPRL have shared in an ongoing fashion since
July, but seeing firsthand the transformation of the historic light station
– and listening to Abcore president Keith Lescarbeau explain all the
intricacies of the restoration project, was beyond my expectations. Both the
visual and narrative aspects of the site visit were very enlightening, but
just as impressive was seeing the unbridled passion and dedication of the
Abcore crew. You could plainly see that this wasn’t just a ‘job’ for them
but rather a labor of love.”
– Bob
Trapani, Jr., ALF Executive Director
Restoration Highlights…
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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One of the goals in 2006 is to
reestablish the light back in the lantern of the historic Pomham Rocks
Lighthouse
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A close-up view of
the new red slate
that adorns the mansard roof
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Profile view of Pomham
Rocks Lighthouse
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A view of the light
tower's restoration
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Abcore Restoration
Company's fine work is evident by the restored clapboard siding, copper
spouting and granite foundation
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up look at a restored ornate
window on the mansard roof
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
An overview of the restored clapboard
siding and windows
on the lighthouse
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View of the restored oil house, which
sports a new red roof
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Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
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