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Florida's St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its light tower this coming October. The site of Florida's first lighthouse, the current tower was first lit on October 15, 1874. This year also marks the 175th anniversary of the old tower, which was lit in April of 1824.
William R. Russell, head keeper at St. Augustine from 1873 to 1875, saw the greatest changes of any keepers. Russell was responsible for extinguishing the old tower's light for the last time and lighting the new tower for the first time.
This October 15th, the public is invited for an anniversary celebration from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission for both the tower and the museum will be just $1.25 per person. Children will have the opportunity to play Victorian games and make home-made ice cream. From 2-3pm, a party, complete with cake and ice cream, will take place.
In conjunction with the lighthouse's 125th anniversary, a children's drawing contest will be held. Children ages 12 and under are asked to submit their own 81/2x 11 inch drawing of the St. Augustine Lighthouse by October 1st. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift certificate from the St. Augustine Toy Company. All drawings will be on display at the lighthouse.
Drawings must be mailed before October 1 to St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Drawing Contest, 81 Lighthouse Av., St. Augustine, FL 32084.
St. Augustine Lighthouse will be celebrating its 125th birthday this
October 15. Photograph by
Joseph F. Manuel of La Marque, TX.
This story appeared in the September 1999 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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