Exciting Bug Light News in Maine!!

Apologies to you, Mombo, for starting a new Bug Light thread, but in my opinion this deserves it.

The Portland Press Herald reports today that Portland Breakwater Light (aka "Bug Light") will be relit after 60 years of darkness.

Extinguished in 1942 as part of a coastal blackout,a new solar-powered white light will be installed, which will flash every 4 seconds. It will be listed on maps as a private aid to navigation.

The 14-foot-tall light has one of the most unique designs in the world. It is modeled after the Choragic Monument to Lysicrates in Athens, Greece.

The August 14 re-lighting is part of a phenomenal restoration of the area around the light. During the war, a section of shoreline was filled in to accommodate the massive "Liberty" cargo Ship construction effort. After the war, it became a seedy, run-down eyesore. In recent years, the area has been turned into a lovely park.

Hats off to the Coast Guard, and the Cape Elizabeth/South Portland Rotary Club for spearheading the effort to re-light a Maine landmark.

For more on the Harbour Lights of Maine---including Bug Light---go to the "Latest Models" forum and click on the "New Series! The Harbour Lights of Maine" link.

That's great news Bill! I was intrigued by the unique greek designs of this beauty!
Bob

Here's a link to a page that has a photo of the monument:

Monument photo

Bill,

We were just there about a week agao and I agree they have done a fine job down in that area.

I've never been to that area before, but had been in Portland several times. I was a little concerned that it might not be the best area to travel into to see a Lighthouse.

I was pleasantly surprised.

Dennis

Yeah, the drive to the park still has its "industrial moments," but I understand that there's a revitalization plan in the works that may improve it. The park itself is a great start. Among other things, it offers a great view of Portland, which has one of the best skylines in the country as far as I'm concerned (the ugly Holiday Inn notwithstanding). A port city par excellence.