at the Museum of Lighthouse History in Wells.
Harrison said the donation was greatly appreciated saying, “Donations during
these difficult times are at an all time low, and we desperately need money
to pay end of the year bills for the lighthouse.” He went on to say, “We had
hoped to complete the restoration this year, but because of a combination of
a lack of donations and bad weather, the lighthouse restoration probably
won’t be completed now until late spring, and that’s only if we can raise
some more money over the winter months. Currently we still need to raise
about $17,000 to pay Little River's year-end bills.”
Walker said the money from the Cape Cod Chapter comes from the fees paid by
guests for overnight stays at the remote Race Point Lighthouse, which is one
of the finest examples of lighthouse restoration in the nation.
In 2001, Maine Preservation listed Little River Light Station as one on the
ten most endangered historic properties in the state. In 2002, ownership of
the lighthouse and the island was transferred to the non-profit American
Lighthouse Foundation, which has been working to restore the lighthouse
since then. Future plans call for opening the island and the lighthouse to
the public for a variety of uses, such as overnight stays, education
purposes such as marine science studies, as well as public outings that
could include picnics, weddings, birthday parties, and tours.
Donations can be made to the lighthouse at Friends of Little River
Lighthouse, P.O. Box 671, East Machias, Maine, 04630 or by emailing
tim@lighthousefoundation.org or calling
207-646-0245.
