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Rewards Offered
There are now a number of rewards being offered for missing pieces of our nation's maritime heritage. As time goes on much of our nations lighthouse history continues to disappear - as people die, their memories die with them. And much too often, after their deaths, relatives dispose of old photographs especially those of people that no one seems to know who they are.
Perfect examples of this are . . . . .
- The Big Sable Lighthouse Keepers Association in Michigan is now offering a $100.00 reward for a photograph of the tower before the iron sheeting was put around it.
- The owner of Maine's Winter Harbor Lighthouse is offering a reward for the return of the station's log-books, which dated back to 1886. The Log Books disappeared from the lighthouse sometime before 1983.
Then there's the rewards being offered by Lighthouse Digest Magazine . . . .
- $250.00 reward for a photograph of North Carolina's first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
- $250.00 reward for a photograph of the first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse being blown up.
- $200.00 reward for a photograph showing both the original and current Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in one photo.
- $100.00 Lighthouse Depot Gift Certificate for photograph of the current Cape Hatteras Lighthouse before its stripes were painted on it.
- $100.00 Lighthouse Depot Gift Certificate for a photograph showing the stripes being painted on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for the first time.
Rewards are also being offered for a photograph of Bodie Island Lighthouse in North Carolina before its bands were painted on.
There must have been lots of photos taken of these lighthouses, but where are they? We've seen vintage east coast lighthouse photos show up in Arizona, so they might show up anywhere. They could be in attics, old trunks, old albums, in antique stores, etc. If you find one, send it via certified mail to Editor, Lighthouse Digest, P.O. Box 1690, Wells, Maine 04090. Rewards will be given on a first arrive basis, judged by the postmark date.
Lighthouse Artifacts needed for lighthouse museum
Although Lighthouse Digest has been working feverishly for the past 10 years to locate and save as many old lighthouse photographs, documents, photographs of keepers and family members, and lighthouse artifacts as possible, "It's a losing battle," says Tim Harrison editor of the monthly lighthouse magazine.
Harrison, who is also president of the American Lighthouse Foundation (a non-profit group that is dedicated to saving lighthouses and their history), says they now need the help of the American people to help find and save lighthouse history, before it's too late. He says, "Unfortunately much of what is left of America's lighthouse history is falling into the hands of private collectors and will never be displayed for the public to see, enjoy and learn from. We need to save this memorabilia for future generations. The American Lighthouse Foundation and Lighthouse Depot have started a lighthouse museum in Wells, Maine and are hoping that former lighthouse keepers,their descendents and others will donate or loan items to the museum. Donations or items loaned can be sent to the American Lighthouse Foundation, P.O. Box 889, 2190 Post Rd., Wells, Maine 04090.
Pledges and funds needed to purchase artifacts from antique dealers
A perfect example of rare lighthouse artifacts beyond the financial reach of non profits is a scarce 1850's United States Lighthouse Establishment "Banjo Clock", in working order that is now being sold by an antique dealer for $5,500.00. Harrison said, "Since all of our money is committed for lighthouse restoration, we have no funds to purchase this rare lighthouse artifact, or other artifacts that would be vital additions to the museum enabling us to preserve these items for all to enjoy well into the future."
The Foundation is now appealing for pledges to help cover the cost of the purchase. Pledges can be sent to Timh@lhdigest.com or donations can be sent to American Lighthouse Foundation, Artifacts Account, P.O. Box 889, Wells, Maine 04090.
Harrison said, he personally does not like to purchase artifacts, saying he would prefer to see them donated or loaned to the museum, but sometimes, "We simply have no choice but to make an appeal for funds."
Lighthouse Festival
Plan now to attend the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in Alpena, Michigan, October 13, 14, 15, and 16. This is probably the best lighthouse event in the nation. There are lots of lighthouse groups with exhibits, tons of lighthouse gifts items for sale, lighthouse authors autographing books, helicopter rides, airplane rides, boat tours, speakers, auction and much more. All of the area lighthouses are open to the public. This is a great time of the year to visit Northern Michigan, with lots to do before and after the festival. You visit Mackinac Island, area forts, shop in Mackinaw City. For a complete Program of Activities and Events and area motels call the Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-425-7362, tell them you are attending the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival and want the program of activities and information on where to stay.
Rockland Breakwater Donation
You may remember that recently Harbour Lights announced that they would donate $5.00 from the sale of each replica of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse to the Friends of Rockland Breakwater in their efforts to save and restore the lighthouse. Lighthouse Depot has announced that they will double that donation and will donate $10.00 from each replica that is sold by Lighthouse Depot, either in its store, on its web site or through the catalog.
The replica is available as item #42228 for $69.95 plus shipping by calling 1-800-758-1444. The Friends of Rockland Breakwater is a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation and they need to raise $250,000 to restore the lighthouse and open it to the public. It is the only lighthouse of its style in the nation and a vital landmark that needs to be saved.
Personal Appearances and Autograph signings
Aug 26 - Lefton Lighthouse Autograph signing by Stephen Lefton Sharp from 1pm to 3pm at Lighthouse Depot in Wells, Maine. This year's Special Event piece is a replica of Gay Head Light available as item #53528 for $45.00. You do not have to be present to order an autographed replica. This is also a great time to order a replica of one of the Lefton Lost Lights. The detail on these replicas is exquisite and you will not be disappointed in the quality. Advance orders are being taken at 1-800-758-1444. A full information email will be sent soon.
Sept. 23 - The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society annual dinner meeting. This promises to be the biggest and best yet. This year's guest speaker is Tim Harrison. For more info contact John McPherson at jhmj@concentric.net
Sept. 30 - Personal appearance and autograph signing by Bill Younger founder of Harbour Lights at Lighthouse Depot in Wells, Maine from 1pm to 3pm. This year's special event piece will be a replica of "Hatteras on the Move" which will be available for sale on this day only. You do not need to be present to get one autographed as advance orders can be placed by calling 1-800-758-1444. The Hatteras on the Move is available as item #42632 for $65.00. A complete flyer will be sent soon 
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