A Windy Day Visit to White Island Lighthouse Station
About $80,000 needs to be raised.
An Essay on Needed Repairs
By Alison Hiatt
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Lighthouse Kids, a group founded by Sue Reynolds to save the Isles of Shoals’ White Island Lighthouse, is presently working on raising money for major repairs on the island. After a trip to the lighthouse, I have made some notes as to what needs to be repaired.
First of all, the lighthouse itself needs to have its top half repainted. Although it has been repainted recently, this paint is out of date and it has become necessary to replace it with a different kind of paint that will last longer than the historically accurate materials. Due to the fact that it takes scaffoldings, barges, and many people to begin this paint job, $70,000 needs to be raised. This amount, though, would prevent future painting costs. Because there is already paint on the top half of the lighthouse, this needs to be removed before the painting can begin. This new paint is more like a waterproof, weatherproof plaster that goes on the lighthouse, sticking to it. It is made to stay on the lighthouse for many more years than the traditional paint used, and it will protect the lighthouse more, as well.
Additionally, the covered walkway between the Keeper’s Cottage and the lighthouse needs to be replaced. During a recent storm, it was swept halfway into the sea, and is lying in ruins on the ground. The small footbridge that connected them also was ruined. This makes it especially hard to go into the lighthouse, which is necessary for its upkeep.
White Island’s grounds need to be cleaned. Preferably, a barge should be sent out and volunteers would help in collecting the trash and debris from the ocean off the island, as well as the obsolete generators and trash from the walkways. This would not only enhance the look of the island, but also would help with reconstruction and maintenance.
Finally, Lighthouse Kids needs to procure a small boat in order to make the trip from the mooring to the island. Due to the changing tides and numerous rocks, it is best for the difficult trip to be made with a rubber boat, possibly a Zodiac. This boat would cost somewhere in the range of $4,000 or maybe we can find someone who would like to donate a boat!
In conclusion, Lighthouse Kids needs to raise funds of about $80,000 to maintain the Lighthouse and put into commission all the ideas of which Sue Reynolds and Lighthouse Kids have thought. More than anything the top of the tower needs to be resurfaced with Edison Coating, www.edisoncoatings.com, and the grounds need to be cleaned. This Lighthouse is an icon of the Seacoast, and no effort or expense should be spared in order to save it.
"Let the Light Live On!"