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In 1997, the Avery Point Lighthouse in Groton, CT, the only lighthouse built as a memorial to all other lighthouses, came dangerously close to being the victim of the wrecking ball. Thanks to the efforts of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society (APLS), a Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, restoration of the lighthouse has now begun.

A major portion of the money needed to start the restoration project has been raised through a special personalized dedication/memorial brick program called the “Brick-buy-Brick You Can Save A Lighthouse.” Special personalized dedication/memorial bricks are being sold at a very reasonable cost which provides everyone the opportunity to become part of saving this significant piece of maritime history.

The bricks will become a permanent part of the light’s landscaped walkway and apron overlooking Long Island and Fishers Island Sound where, on a clear day, six different lighthouses are visible.

The brick program has attracted various civic groups and organization, such as the Lions, Elks, Chamber of Commerce, etc. to participate. Bricks purchased by individuals from almost every state in the union as well as England and Canada will be represented in the walkway. A Submarine Veterans group has purchased a total of sixty-five (65) bricks, one for each submarine lost at sea. Two grammar school classes, one in Georgia and one in Massachusetts and a church Sunday school class in Waterbury, Connecticut also purchased bricks.

Jim Streeter, co-chairman of APLS, has requested that every lighthouse and lighthouse organization participate in this program. “This lighthouse was built as a memorial to all other lighthouses and it is important that each and every lighthouse and lighthouse organization be represented in the walkway” he said. Once the restoration is completed thousands of visitors and lighthouse lovers from throughout the world will be visiting the lighthouse. “It would be wonderful for visitors to the lighthouse to view a brick from a lighthouse or lighthouse organization they are familiar with.”

Although the initial restoration work has begun on the lighthouse, additional money is needed to see the project through to completion. It is hoped that the “Brick-buy-Brick” program will continue to be a major factor in the fundraising effort. Over the past two years approximately 850 bricks have been sold. If the total number of bricks sold exceeds 1,000, the engraving company will waive shipping fees. This savings, amounting to over $3,000, would go directly toward the restoration project.

See the following page for an application form to purchase a brick.

This story appeared in the December 2003 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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