One of the problems in Texas is that most of our lighthouses have disappeared. Where lighthouses are so prevalent, they become a part of the culture such as in the Great Lakes and the East coast. So, those of us who know about them, treasure the few lights we still have in Texas. However, since only one of those lights is really in the public domain, most people don't know or care about them. Collector clubs don't last for long - except for the one in Austin. I think they still are in existence.

Anyway, Billy, I had the same experience; I grew up not too far from the Point Isabel Lighthouse but didn't really develop an interest until much later. Of course, when I was a kid, we had to cross over to Padre Island by boat - dates me a bit!!