Public Invited to Whaleback Lighthouse Ceremony
The American Lighthouse Foundation has announced that the public is invited to a ceremony announcing the transfer of ownership of Whaleback Lighthouse which is located offshore of the Maine and New Hampshire border. The event, which is open free to the public, will be held at 1 PM on March 7 at the First Congregational Church at 23 Pepperrell Road (Route 103) in Kittery, Maine, which is about two miles from Route One. For more information you can call 207-594-4174 or visit . www.LighthouseFoundation.org.

Lighthouse Merger Proposed
In order to save costs, some officials have proposed that the three biggest lighthouse organizations in the world should merge into one. The proposal would merge Trinity House, which is responsible for all navigational aids in English and Welsh waters; the Northern Lighthouse Board, which manages Scotland and Isle of Man lighthouses, and the Commissioners for Irish Lights, which manages Ireland’s lighthouses. However, it seems most officials at Trinity House and the Northern Lighthouse Board claim no meaningful cost savings would be made and others claim the merger could be so complicated and take so long that it would take years to recoup any savings that might be reflected, if any at all. The debate will go on and in the end it will be the politicians that make the final decision. We wonder how much history and historical artifacts might be lost should a merger of such magnitude take place. Also the regional maritime pride associated with the organizations would surely be damaged. Stay tuned.

Lucky Clark Dies
We are saddened to report on the passing of lighthouse preservationist, Lockwood “Lucky” Clark, owner of the Windmill Point and Isle La Motte Lighthouses on Lake Champlain, Vermont. Clark was 92 years old. Cards of condolence can be sent to Rob and Claire Clark, P.O. Box 494, Champlain, NY 12919.

Last Month’s Trivia Questions and Answers

1. I was a Civil War Veteran who later became a Lighthouse Inspector for the United States Lighthouse Service. My last name could be considered morbid since it also refers to what some people are buried in. What is my name? The answer is George W. Coffin.
   Congratulations to Jeanne Hudspeth from California whose name was randomly selected from among the correct answers.
   
   
2. Today I am part of what has been described as the largest intact restored lighthouse station in America. My color scheme is quite different today from the time when some people tried to destroy me by setting a fire. What lighthouse am I?The correct answer is Tybee Island Light Station in Georgia.
   Congratulations to Anita Norris from New Jersey whose name was randomly selected from among the correct answers.
   
   
3. This is a two part question. I served as the keeper of twin lighthouses. The fact that I was a direct descendant of the Mayflower Pilgrims should give you a clue as to what lighthouse station I served at. What was my name and what is the name of the lighthouse where I was the keeper?The correct answer is Frank Allen Davis who, for 17 years, was the lighthouse keeper at Plymouth Light Station in Massachusetts.
   Congratulations to Troy Rudy of Pennsylvania whose name was randomly selected from among the correct answers.
   
   We wish to thank everyone who entered last months Lighthouse Trivia Contest. Prizes have been sent to our winners.
   

This Month’s Trivia Questions

1. The first public reading of the Pledge of Allegiance in the United States took place at what lighthouse?
   
   
2. This is a two part question. I was originally a twin lighthouse that replaced previous twin lighthouses. Then I was moved to become another lighthouse. Later I was moved again, but kept my name. Harbour Lights has a replica of me in its Little Lights. What is my current name and what was my previous name?
   
   
3. What is the name of the lighthouse where the first east to west Trans-Atlantic airplane flight crash landed?
   

Send your answers to one, two or all three of the trivia questions listed above to: . One name from each of correct answers to each trivia question will be randomly drawn for a prize from Lighthouse Depot. The winning names and the answers to the above trivia questions will be published in next month’s Depot Dispatch. When submitting your answers, be sure to include your full name and mailing address so we can mail your prize to you should your name be drawn from among the correct answers. Please submit only one answer per person per trivia question. Multiple entries will not be accepted; only one answer per trivia question will be accepted. Since winning entries are drawn at random, one person could possibly win more than one prize. Have fun researching lighthouse history and good luck!

When submitting your answers, be sure to include your full name and mailing address so we can mail your prize to you should your name be drawn from among the correct answers.

Lighthouse Digest Uncovers More Lost History
The March issue of Lighthouse Digest magazine is packed with stories that you will not find elsewhere, including images of what is believed to be a lost Rhode Island Lighthouse, a mystery photo of members of the sister organization to the Lighthouse Service, an image and story of a lighthouse from WWII used for propaganda, a lighthouse at an airport, a book review with extremely rare photos from lighthouses on the west coast, and the story about a lighthouse keeper who served at an east coast lighthouse that was later destroyed. Another story is about a man who served as the keeper at the only lighthouse moved from one coast to the other. Also, among its many other stories, this issue also introduces the “Lighthouse Digest Hall of Fame.” If you are not yet a subscriber, or would like to order a gift subscription you can call 207-259-2121 to subscribe or go on-line at www.LighthouseDigest.net.

Blown Up Lighthouse Featured
One of the newer replicas featured from Harbour Lights is the Bishop and Clerks Lighthouse in Massachusetts that was destroyed when it was blown up. It also has the distinction of having the shortest lighthouse keeper in history to have served there. Later this year, Lighthouse Digest will publish images of this lighthouse when it was blown up and other images of lighthouses being destroyed including some images that have never before been published or seen by the public. But, you’ll need to be a subscriber to the magazine if you want to see the historic images.

What’s the Editor Wearing?
Last month we offered the following bonus contest question. The editor of Lighthouse Digest just ordered a new clothing item from Lighthouse Depot and says he can’t wait to receive it and wear it. Look through the Lighthouse Depot Catalog and see if you can guess what he’ll soon be wearing as he goes to one of his many lighthouse speaking engagements. The correct answer was the Lighthouse Service Micro Suede Jacket. This wonderful jacket has all the look, feel and texture of natural suede in washable, weather-resistant microfiber! Soft as a glove, the classic, full-zip jacket is fully lined and features two front pockets, two breast pockets, plus an interior security pocket, and features the emblem of the United States Lighthouse Service. Congratulations to our winner, Vicky Willis, from Florida, whose name was randomly selected from among those who submitted the correct answer. We’re sending Vicky a prize.

Bonus Question
What is the title of the sixth lighthouse book authored by the editor of Lighthouse Digest? Send your answer to . One name will be randomly selected from among the correct answers and sent an autographed copy of the book.

Heceta Turned Off
Although Oregon’s Heceta Head Lighthouse has been turned off because of a mechanical problem, the lighthouse remains open for tours. The mechanism that rotates the light needs to be overhauled.

Lighthouse Exhibit at Port Huron
A new exhibit about Michigan’s Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, the Huron Lightship and Women Lighthouse Keepers on the Great Lakes will be on display at the Port Huron Museum in Port Huron, Michigan, until March 15. The exhibit contains many rare and seldom seen vintage photographs. For more information call 810-982-0891.

New Lighthouse Book
If you place your order now, you can receive an autographed copy of the new book, Lighthouses of Bar Harbor and the Acadia Region by Tim Harrison, editor of Lighthouse Digest. The new book, part of the Images of America series, has over 200 historic images, and informative text of these remote lighthouses, most of which are on islands. Although the book will be released at the end of March, by placing your advance order now, a few weeks ahead of time, you can be assured of being among the first to receive a copy, plus it will be autographed or personalized to your request. It can be ordered on line by clicking this link Lighthouses of Bar Harbor and the Acadia Region, or you can call 207-259-2121 or by visiting www.LighthouseDigest.net.

Spring Arrives Soon
Spring is not that far off and the Lighthouse Depot catalog is loaded with many products perfect for the time of year when we all renew ourselves. Along with spring cleaning, you might consider a few new touches for your home from Lighthouse Depot, such as, the Lighthouse Lace Curtains, the Lighthouse Designer Blinds, the Landmark Bath Ensemble or the decorative Cape Hatteras Lighthouse 2-sided clock. But don’t stop there, there are so many new items to choose from that you’re bound to have a blast planning new décor for your home from Lighthouse Depot.

Clearance Central
Be sure to visit the Lighthouse Depot Clearance Central for an ever changing selection of discontinued and close out items. Wow, with so many new items arriving for spring, Lighthouse Depot has lots of discontinued and close out items in the Clearance Central for you to choose from. Some of the neat items marked down include the Seashore Flag, the Harbour Lights replica of Maine’s Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and the unique lighthouse wine glasses. But, don’t wait too long, once they are sold out, they are gone forever. Have fun browsing!

Photos & Stories Wanted
Do you have access to historic images of lighthouses keepers and their memories? If so, we’d like to hear from you so we can publish the images and memories to help preserve the history for future generations. We’re also interested in your personal lighthouse stories. Perhaps visiting a lighthouse has some favorite memory, perhaps a favorite vacation, a spiritual happening or how your interest in lighthouses has changed your life, or perhaps lighthouses have helped to develop new friendships. Whatever the situation, if you have a story you’d like to share with others, please feel free to e-mail

Saving Lighthouse History
When you purchase lighthouse or lighthouse related products from Lighthouse Depot you are actually helping to save, document and report on lighthouse history for future generations.

Until next time, have a beaming week!

Lighthouse Depot, helping to save, lighthouses, one gift at a time.

We support the efforts of The American Lighthouse Foundation. You can too!

Lighthouse Depot
P.O. Box 427
Wells, ME 04090
1-800-758-1444