Friday, June 20, 2014

Lighthouse Open

This summer, in June & July, National Park Service volunteer, Lou Ann Homan, will open the Ocracoke lighthouse on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm for viewing.



















Although visitors will not be allowed to climb the tower (the steep ladder at the top of the spiral staircase, narrow passageways, and cramped quarters around the Fresnel lens in the 191 year old structure were designed only for a professional keeper), they will have an opportunity to step inside the lighthouse, examine the 5' thick brick walls, and gaze up to the top of the stairs.

Fresnel Lens



















Visitors will also have a chance to chat with Lou Ann who will be able to answer questions about the history and construction of this iconic symbol of Ocracoke village. Be sure to join her there if you are on the island on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the curious story of Vera/Charlie Williams. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052114.htm.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:56 AM

    404: page not found

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    1. Sorry about that. I published a link to a page that I hadn't yet uploaded (about Agnes Scott of Ocracoke). I have made the correction. The link is now to the story of Vera/Charlie Williams. Look for the story of Agnes Scott soon.

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  2. Anonymous6:28 AM

    We are hopeful that we will arrive early enough on Thursday in August to get to meet Lou Ann and see the interior of the lighthouse!
    NJ Reader

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  3. Will take the grandkids there when on the island next month.

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  4. Anonymous9:10 AM

    will LH record an out and about video to upload/post on her blog? Were she to do so, we could live vicariously as an OI Wednesday afternoon visitor.

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    1. I will ask her to do this. It sounds like something she would like to do.

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  5. Anonymous6:13 PM

    only for PROFESSIONALS? What's a professional?....probably someone with ladder experience.

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    1. I am assuming this is a tongue-in-cheek comment...but, seriously, the lighthouse keeper's job was extensive (the keeper maintained the grounds & the keeper's quarters, as well as the lighthouse & the light). He was on duty 24 hours a day, in all kinds of weather, and needed to be especially mindful of his job during storms and hurricanes. There could be serious consequences if the light was ever extinguished unnecessarily.

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  6. Anonymous12:46 PM

    A professional is usually an expert,however a expert is not necessarily a professional. How long do you have to do something to be considered an expert or a professional...since most people,including myself, seem to know everything how many people are really as expert as they try to be?

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