Rockland Breakwater’s “Keepers” Return and
Ready the Lighthouse for YOUR Visit
The heart and
soul of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse — its modern day keepers — have
returned for the season with a lot to share with the general public in
2010.
As of Memorial
Day weekend, Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is once again open every
weekend, holiday and during other special events through Columbus Day.
Photo by Craig Mathieson
Volunteers returned to Rockland
Breakwater
in May to spruce up the lighthouse
before the 2010 visitor season (L to R) Bob Trapani, Jr.,
Brian Trask, Sally Cran, Marilyn Trask,
Colleen Richmon and Eric Davis
There are new
preservation improvements to the historic site such as the interior
restoration of the light station's boathouse, which was completed this
spring.
In addition, one
can never get enough of the spectacular panoramic views of Rockland Harbor
and West Penobscot Bay obtained from atop the light tower — scenes that make
the walk over the breakwater to the lighthouse more than rewarding. This
unique opportunity to climb the lighthouse, enjoy seascape vistas and go to
sea without needing a boat is made possible thanks to the keepers of the
light.
During the weeks
leading up to Memorial Day, volunteers of the Friends of Rockland Breakwater
Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, spent many
hours at the light sprucing things up and giving it a renewed shine.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Eric Davis applies a primer to
the staircase treads before
repainting efforts
“Even though
over 100 years old, we want the lighthouse to look as presentable as
possible when welcoming the more than 15,000 visitors that we anticipate
having over the course of the 2010 open house season,” said Eric Davis,
chairman of the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Volunteers
prepped, primed and painted the light tower staircase, performed various
types of housecleaning duties throughout the tower and the adjacent
two-story keeper's house, set up the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
welcome area and merchandise inventory, and reestablished safety and
educational interpretive signage.
“High moisture
content inside the lighthouse and various weather conditions outside, some
of those weather conditions proving severe, take their toll on the physical
structure," Davis said. "Constant maintenance is required aside from
professional restoration work on the structure, from scraping and painting
to minor repairs and other general housekeeping tasks.”
“It's very similar
to being a homeowner,” Davis said. “Our ‘home’ just happens to be located
seven-eighths of a mile out in Rockland Harbor, so the maintenance schedule
tends to be more accelerated due to the site being so exposed.”
The Rockland
Breakwater Lighthouse is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, holidays
and other special event days from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day
weekend, weather and volunteer availability permitting.
Volunteer
docents are available to point out the various features of the
lighthouse as well as answer questions concerning the lighthouse and its
history. Lighthouse-related items are also available for
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
FRBL volunteers attended a volunteer
orientation before Memorial Day to
become more familiar with the
operational aspects of the open
houses
purchase in the
gift shop.
When visiting the
lighthouse, remember that it requires a long walk on uneven blocks of
granite, so wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Also, there are no
restrooms in the lighthouse and pets are not permitted inside. Children need
to be at least 42 inches tall to go up in the tower and there is a $1
suggested donation to climb the light tower.
For more
information call the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse at 542-7574
or visit
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Colleen Richmon sweeps
clean the stairs leading
to the second level
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Marilyn Trask cleans the
windows on the second level
of the keeper's house
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Sally Cran and Brian Trask work on
cleaning the brick walls in the former engine room
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Eric Davis wire brushes rust from
the staircase treads before
priming efforts
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A view of the tower staircase following
the prepping and repainting project
