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 American Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 565

Rockland, Maine 04841

Phone: 207-594-4174

Fax: 207-596-1091

info@lighthousefoundation.org

The American Lighthouse Foundation is a  Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization dedicated to the

preservation of America's historic lighthouses & lightships and

their heritage.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Update – Late Winter 2007

By Don Doucette, FPRL Chairman

smoke on the Bay that result from more severe winter cold. Providence harbor’s commercial shipping and Green Airport traffic continue to pass the lighthouse as usual. Predictable winter gatherings of pelagic birds frequent the Bay near Pomham as flying flocks, while others float and bob in groups on the choppy waters. As for the winter-bearing Pomham Light, its steadfast presence is appropriately and constantly displaying a comforting red glow when required.

As we entered the fall and early winter period, small experimental work parties concentrated efforts toward island grounds work. There were various logistical elements which had/have to be explored and fine tuned. These small work parties began to clear the island grounds of more glaring debris which had accumulated during time. Every bit of unwanted material must be hauled off island for disposal. Foreign objects cleared, a lawn mower will finally begin use this spring after a long absence. Retaining walls and fences are being cleaned and cleared and will be eventually reestablished and painted where needed to further enhance the beauty of the recent lighthouse exterior renovation. Minor periodic professional maintenance of the building exteriors will be a constant process given the extremes of weather.

Don is a former resident of East Providence, and so, made this project uniquely special. Several of our board members, Dave Kelleher and Rob Charbonneau, also worked with local East Providence individuals to help provide protection and support for the lighthouse model as well as a suitable public location for permanent display.

Rob Charbonneau engaged Bill Lizotte, owner of Bill Lizotte Architectural Glass and Aluminum, Inc. of East Providence (which included family and staff members) to fabricate and donate a protective sturdy glass and aluminum case. Bill and Kathy Lizotte also attended the unveiling as special guests.

Dave Kelleher negotiated with an East Providence Library staff coordinator, Eileen Socha, to permanently display the model at the Riverside Library complimenting their one year anniversary celebration. The model can be presently seen any time during normal library hours while the actual lighthouse is nearby to view, best done with a short trip north from Riverside on the East Bay Bicycle Path, weather permitting, or seasonally admired from the Providence/Newport Ferry or private boat.

Other special guests at our annual meeting included the Trapani family. Bob Trapani, our guest speaker and Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation, presented for our members and friends a timely visual/verbal narrative entitled, LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION – NOT A MOMENT IN TIME, BUT A JOURNEY.  Also, the existing FPRL board was voted as retained for the coming year 2007 with the addition of two additional board members. Mike Tripp, a CPA will come aboard as our new FPRL Treasurer and will enhance our accounting system. Our other new board member is Fred Bieberbach, a maritime consultant. 

General access to the island presently remains problematic – it is the wish of the FPRL board to begin this year, various fun and fund raising community events which will appeal to our members and the general public. For starters, look for an Old Time Pomham Clam Bake in late June (23^rd) 2007 at Francis Farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. We need volunteers to work as event planners and workers. Other varied social functions are being considered while the board discusses the next phase of restoration possibilities. As always, adequate funding needs are ever-present.

And…if we could personify the old place thus, it might say as a child receives a special Christmas gift with eyes of glee and wonder, “Thank you for my light. Christmas came early for me in late July, 2006, when you gave me the best Christmas present ever, my own light in my own lantern. You see, the light is my heart and that was extinguished and given away decades ago. Its memory was my sustaining warmth while I sat vacant and shivering. Yes, I know of the skilled hands which restored my exterior, you did not know at times, it tickled and I giggled. I know of each and every one of you who donated gifts, time and skills to help return my heart and for this, I will be forever grateful. Thank you for my special early Christmas gift of light nestled in the beautiful new Victorian design wrapping.”

Photo by Don Doucette                              

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse standing sentinel

 on the Providence River during the

 cold winter months

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©2007 American Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 565 - Rockland, ME 04841

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