Lighthouse

The light in our beloved lighthouse has been turned back on after several months of restoration work on the tower. I understand that interior brickwork has been re-pointed, a new steel ladder has been installed at the top of the spiral staircase, interior & exterior metal work has been repaired and re-painted, glass enclosing the lantern area has been replaced, new lightning protection has been added, and a replacement ground-level door (with period hardware) has been installed. Unofficial observers report that everything has been done with great care to historic standards. Hats off to the Florida contractor, Alex Klahm Architectural Metal and Design, for their fine work.

The relighting of the light in the lighthouse is a welcome symbol of hope for family and friends still in mourning over two recent deaths, 2 1/2 year old Charlotte Castro (see yesterday's post), and Rita Horn of Ohio (who died suddenly Tuesday evening; she was the mother of islander Sundae Horn, and grandmother of Emmet, Caroline, & Mariah Daisy Temple).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of early twentieth century itinerant salesmen, entertainers, and preachers who found their way to the island. You can read it here.