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Taiwan Declares its Independence at Lighthouse Relighting Ceremony
In a speech before relighting the Fuiguiqiao Lighthouse, former Taiwan president Lee Teng-hui declared Taiwan a separate independent sovereign nation separate from China.
In ceremonies that took place at the lighthouse on February 28, the former president stated, "Our Light of February 28 will beam across the world to declare to the world formally Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation country, and Taiwan and China are two countries on both sides of the Taiwan Strait." He stated that the relighting ceremony is a milestone on the march to democracy and liberty that will never be turned back by the Communist Chinese government.
As the light in the lighthouse was turned on a huge map of Taiwan was shown on the wall of the lighthouse located 10 miles north of Tamsui, the oldest town in northern Taiwan.
It is interesting to note that last year Jim Streeter, co-chair of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society, (CT), Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF), visited Taiwan. At that time Taiwanese Lighthouse Director Lin-Chung Fa presented him with a gift to ALF, a cut-glass paperweight, one of only ten ever made, with the emblem of the Directorate General of Customs, Ministry of Finance that runs the Taiwanese Lighthouse Service. The emblem has a lighthouse on it. This summer the rare cut-glass cut lighthouse paperweight will be on display at the Museum of Lighthouse History in Wells, Maine.
Announcement from the History Channel
LIGHTHOUSE Seeks Warm, Loving Home.
They’ll build you one--free!
Do you have a friend or spouse who's obsessed with lighthouses?
The HISTORY CHANNEL is launching a historical building series, and their professional builder will create, on your property, (preferably on the Great Lakes) a historically accurate and beautiful lighthouse!
THE KICKER-- IT MUST BE A COMPLETE SURPRISE TO THE
RECIPIENT (SPOUSE, RELATIVE, BEST FRIEND)!
And you or the recipient must own the land the lighthouse will live on. A second home, or a home the lucky recipient is away from for long periods of time, is ideal. You are a great candidate if you've got ocean, lake, or river front property. This will be a historically accurate replication, and we want the appropriate picturesque location.
All phases of the building will be filmed, so plan on a film crew and busy builders swarming the property for several days. The video crew will also capture the presentation to the stunned recipient. This is for outgoing friends or couples with a sense of adventure and fun. This is not a gift for just anyone, the recipient should be someone who truly loves and appreciates the beauty and history of lighthouses.
If you know that person and want to surprise him or her please email the History Channel and tell them a little about yourself, the giftee and the proposed property.
Email the producers at: pickabuild@yahoo.com
Restored Buoy Lights for Sale to Benefit Preservation
Original Antique AGA acetylene buoy lanterns recovered from the Persian Gulf --ca. 1918. Fully restored, polished and catalyzed clear coated
Height from base to bird spike- 36"
Width-------------------------------------14 1/2"
Weight-----------------------------------120 lbs.
200mm Fresnel lens included inside
Height with optional wood pedestal--------64"
Constructed of high strength Bronze, copper, and glass
Lanterns are clear coated catalyzed industrial finish. No polishing needed!
Cost:
Lantern-------$2995.00 USD (plus applicable tax if in Michigan)
Wood Pedestal with Bronze makers plate---$595 USD
Electrification with 50 watt bulb 120v-------------------$200.00 USD
Steel anchor wall mount brackets----------$350.00 ea.
Crating - $95.00 - Professionally wood crated and secured in foam.
Shipping cost: Approximately $95.00 plus crating cost. (Some western states and zip codes higher, call for exact quote)
These are being offered for sale as fundraiser for the American Lighthouse Foundation. However, you must you must mention the American Lighthouse Foundation when you call. Photos of the buoy lanterns can be viewed at www.LighthouseFoundation.org. For more information or to order one call Steve Gronow at 810-599-5147
Jacobsville Lighthouse sold
Michigan’s Jacobsville Lighthouse, which was up for sale, now has new owners. The lighthouse, originally built as the Portage River Lighthouse at the entrance to the Portage River on Lake Superior in Jacobsville, Michigan, will now be a Bed & Breakfast. For more information you can visit their web site at www.jacobsvillelighthouse.com or e-mail mditty23@sherbtel.net. Hopefully they’ll advertise in a future issue.
Proposal could move lighthouse to shore
A proposal to move Alabama’s Middle Bay Lighthouse to the mainland, as part of a park to be built by the Alabama State Port Authority, seems to be gaining momentum. The Alabama Lighthouse Preservation Society supports the move.
Great Lakes Research offers $500 reward
The Association for Great Lakes Maritime History has announced that they are accepting nominees for the 6th Annual Henry N. Barkhausen Original Research in Great Lakes Maritime History award which also carries a $500 cash prize. Guidelines for entry, which must be submitted by May 1, can be found at www.aglmh.org/barkawd.html. You can send entries or inquiries to: AGLMH Research & Publication Committee, c/o Fred Neuschel, 77 Esther St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
New Battle at Currituck Lighthouse
For years the Currituck County, NC, government officials battled the nonprofit Outer Banks Conservationists OBC) for ownership of the famous Currituck Lighthouse. At one point the county commissioners, along with United States Congressman Walter Jones, even tried to circumvent the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act thinking that they were above the law in their attempt to get ownership of the lighthouse.
After a lengthy legal process the United States Department of Interior ruled that the nonprofit Outer Banks Conservationists, the group that spent millions to restore the lighthouse and open it to the public, was the rightful owner and the deed to the lighthouse and the property were given to OBC.
At that time certain officials said that one way or another they would wrestle control of the lighthouse away from the nonprofit, no matter what the federal government said or ruled.
Now the County Government is going to build a five-foot fence that we will call the "Mini Berlin Wall" in between the Whalehead Club and the Currituck Lighthouse, thus preventing visitors to the lighthouse from using the public facilities that were paid for in part by the Outer Banks Conservationists.
In their ongoing battle the county commissioners apparently don’t care if the fence will hurt tourism and prevent many of the approximately 100,000 visitors annually from visiting the lighthouse. In fact the fence will hurt the Whalehead Club, a restored private "hunt club mansion" owned by the County, more than it will hurt the lighthouse. Apparently county officials still don’t care, they seem to be on a vendetta of enforcing county zoning ordinances that were enacted many years after the lighthouse was built as their apparent vengeance for their unsuccessful attempt to own the lighthouse.
Even the people who run the historic Whalehead Club, a tourist attraction in its own right, are against the fence but not the county commissioners who have not wavered in their stand.
The original plan called for the creation of the Currituck Heritage Park with a single ticket to visit the Whalehead Club, the Currituck Lighthouse and the state wildlife education center. A one-way drive would go through the Hunt Club property to the road next to the lighthouse. Restrooms were built and paid for in part by the lighthouse group with the agreement that they would be open to everyone. The fence would nix all that.
County officials said they would not erect the fence if they could buy the lighthouse. However this is not allowed or legal under the current covenants of the deed, nor is the lighthouse for sale. But the county government continues to do everything and anything it its power to continue to attempt to gain control of the Currituck Lighthouse away from the people who saved it. What amazes many people is that over the years the county has refused to compromise on anything to do with the lighthouse, they’re not even good losers. Maybe its time for the State of North Carolina to step in and seize control of a county government that seems to be out of control.
County officials say the fence could be installed before the month is over.
If you’d like to write to the county commissioners with your comments, suggestions or thoughts their names and addresses are listed as follows:
Paul R. Martin
107 White Heron Dr.
Currituck, NC 27929
Elden L. Miller, Jr.
P.O. Box 127
Moycock, NC 27958
J. Owen Etheridge
169 Maple Knoll Rd
Shawboro, NC 27973
Ernie Bowden
2155 Sandfiddler Rd.
Corolla, NC 28927
S. Paul O’Neal
893 Waterlily Rd.
Coinjock, NC 27923
Another Lighthouse Person is Lost
Bruce Donovan, of Bethany Beach, Delaware passed away March 5 after a long battle with cancer. Bruce was a key person in the restoration of several important structures in the Delaware and Outer Banks areas. He was a skilled carpenter who provided his services to the restoration of the Harbor of Refuge and Indian River Life Saving Station both in Delaware. Bruce and his wife Karen also provided the skills necessary to create the replica uniforms for reenactment crew at Chicamocomico Life Station.
Bob Trapani, Jr., president of the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation said, "From lending his talented skills as a finish carpenter on work trips to giving his time and knowledge on lighthouse tours, Bruce time and time again demonstrated his commitment to helping to save Delaware’s lighthouse heritage."
Bruce also had an incredible knack for portraying John Long, Indian River Life Saving Station surfman in first person lecture and reenactments.
At 56 years of age, Bruce has been lost all too soon to the lighthouse community and his dedication will be missed.
Condolence cards can be sent to his wife at, Karen Donovan, 505 Collins Rd. Bethany Beach, DE, 19930
Last month’s Trivia Answer
The first issue of Lighthouse Digest Magazine was published in May of 1992. Over the years the magazine has grown from a newspaper style magazine to a full color glossy publication with subscribers in all 50 of the United States as well as Canada and a number of other nations. What lighthouse was the cover story about in that first issue? Congratulations to Carol Bochert of Punxsutawney, PA whose name was randomly picked from among those who submitted the correct answer, which was Heron Neck Lighthouse in Maine. We have sent Carol a copy of the beautiful hard cover, full color, coffee table style book, Lighthouses of Australia.
This month’s Trivia Question
The building of the 110-foot Trinity Shoals Lighthouse 20 miles off the coast of Louisiana began in 1873. How long did it take to build the lighthouse or in what year was construction completed? Send your answer along with your full name and address to Dee@lhdigest.com. We will randomly pick one name from among the winning answers for a wonderful prize from Lighthouse Depot.
Collecting Harbour Lights
Did you know that replicas of lighthouses manufactured by Harbour Lights are the most sought after lighthouse replicas in the nation? Harbour Lights is constantly adding new lighthouse replicas to its line and they can all be found in the Lighthouse Depot Catalog or on line at www.LighthouseDepot.com. If you have favorite lighthouses, like the architectural design of certain lighthouses, or have memories of visiting various lighthouses and want a highly detailed replica, then Harbour Lights replicas are for you. Starting or adding to a collection can be fun, educational and rewarding.
For example, consider a replica of Clark’s Point Light in Massachusetts #42285, which had the largest gathering in U.S. history for a relighting ceremony.
You might also consider a replica of Maine’s remote and picturesque Little River Lighthouse #42305 that is being restored by the volunteers of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
How about a replica of Portsmouth Harbor Light, NH # 42259, which was the last lighthouse that Connie Small, "The First Lady of Light" was stationed at?
Maybe you have attended or are planning to attend the annual Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena, MI and you’d like the Alpena Lighthouse #42312.
The list goes on and on, so be sure to visit Lighthouse Depot for all your Harbour Lights collecting.
Presque Isle Range Light For Sale
Michigan’s Presque Isle Range Lighthouse on Lake Huron, near Alpena, Michigan, is For Sale. The lighthouse includes a fuel barn now a restored as guesthouse; restored dinner house, restored garage with apartment, storage barn and generator house. The 1870 light station is selling for $1,750,000 from Graham Real Estate in Harbor Spring, Michigan. They can be called at 231-526-6251 or visit their web site at www.grahamre.com. If you speak with them ask them if they’ll consider making a donation to the American Lighthouse Foundation for future lighthouse preservation.
Gifts, Collectibles, Clothing and More
Lighthouse Depot is dedicated to "Saving Lighthouses, One Gift at a Time," so if you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone, or thinking of adding some more nautical décor to your home, Lighthouse Depot has something for you. If you’re looking for something educational, Lighthouse Depot has a wide selection of books and videos. Look around you today, no matter where you are, you’ll generally find someone wearing a lighthouse sweatshirt, jacket, or other lighthouse related item. When looking for clothing, don’t forget to think of Lighthouse Depot. Remember, everybody loves lighthouses; they stand for everything that is good.
Clearance Central
Also don’t forget to visit the Lighthouse Depot Clearance Central where you’ll find an ever-changing variety of discontinued and closeout items.
Lighthouse Depot supports the efforts of the nonprofit American Lighthouse Foundation. To learn more, join or make a donation visit www.LighthouseFoundation.org. 
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