New Canal Light Collapses But
its Keepers are Committed to Seeing the Beacon Rise Up Again!
Anne Rheams,
Deputy Director of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, has provided the
following update on New Canal Lighthouse following the extensive damage to
the structure caused by Hurricane Katrina…
(Posted
11/30/2005) Just last Sunday the New Canal Lighthouse was standing in the
same position it has been since the storms. Monday a
strong cold front passed through and I
had a bad feeling. I went to take a look yesterday morning and that
feeling was confirmed. The wind and rain did in the shoring that we
intended to do (see photos posted on this page). The stairway that had
been holding it
up completely
collapsed so the first floor crumbled. The second floor is resting on the
first and is supported in places by the ground and pilings. The worst
part is the cupola. It completely snapped off, landed upside down on the
ground, and is shattered.
I immediately
called the architects who met Carlton and me right away.
They were very encouraging. Some thoughts: we won't have to shore it and,
therefore, we can put more resources into restoration; the first
floor was half
blown away anyway; there is a lot of historic fabric left that we can
use in the restoration; we can dismantle each piece, salvage the
historic parts and in so doing, really see how it was originally built
so we can replicate; and, last but not least, we can't
give up! It may take years to
get it back but it is a symbol of the restoration of the whole city. We
have had numerous inquiries from citizens who feel this way. We need to
restore it to a better condition that can withstand weather events. It will
make a great education center not only for ecology but also one that can
display the effects of a hurricane and the restoration of a historic
treasure.
Thanks to all of
you for sticking with us through this saga. Now our only
obstacle is insurance!! We have been waiting weeks for liability
insurance. While it was tough to get pre-Katrina, it seems to be a lot
tougher
post-K. The good news is that we have signed the first license with the
Coast Guard. After they review our report on the damage and a scope of
work for restoration, we will, hopefully, sign the license that allows
us to do the work. And,
of course, we need
funding. Any ideas on that will be welcomed!
