Statue of Liberty...a lighthouse?

I was wondering what others feel about this piece? How many consider it as a lighthouse? I am undecided about purchasing the piece. I am a collector of LIGHTHOUSES. Granted she has a light and stands in a harbor, but the purist in me say the historical intent of her creation was not for navigational purposes but rather was a gift from the French to celebrate our Centennial. I am interested in other opinions.

Doc John

Well, Doc, the National Lighthouse Center considers her a lighthouse:
http://www.lighthousemuseum.org/nylights/slibrty.htm

This is a topic that has been debated ad nauseum. At this point there appear to be no right or wrong answers but many opinions. Personally I feel the price is a bit high for a light that is/isn't a light. It will be interesting to see how many are sold.

I have seen SOL, and While impressed, I will not be getting one. When I first heard HL was doing this piece I thought I might get it, but the more I thought about it, I decided it was not what I would consider a lighthouse. Yes I know was used for a while as a harbor light, I just don't think it is a lighthouse.

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Weasel58



[This message has been edited by Weasel58 (edited 02-25-2000).]

When I heard that HL was coming out with the SOL piece, I had mixed emotions about it. In the actual sense of the word, it is a "light"...but in the purest sense I've got my doubts about it. It can go either way, I guess, but I doubt that I'll purchase one. Like Weasel said, and I agree, I just don't consider it a lighthouse.

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Brent

I have my order in for one. I guess it hits my interest as a special collectible (small c, because it is time limited but not piece limited) I think in another forum St John wrote how Navesink was a special piece for HL and the Younger's. My thinking is Liberty is a special piece too. I also wanted to get something to commemorate 2000. What better than a HL. All that said I really didn't think she was a lighthouse until I really started reading about them and saw somewhere she was listed as a lighthouse


George

I agree with the previous post. I bought her and fell in love with the piece, but it does seem to be out of place with my other HL lighthouses. I may purchase a special glass showcase type thing for it to sit in separately on my mantle. She most likely will not be in the curio.

I can't wait to place mine in my curio among my *other* lighthouses. I can't wait to have curious visitors ask, "Why is *that* in there?" so I can reply, "It's a lighthouse, like the rest of 'em." I never pass up an opportunity to illuminate others on the matter of lighthouses. I think that the personal discovery that SoL *is* a lighthouse just might be enough to draw others into our wacko world.

I can't penalize the designer of the SoL for creating something other than a cone to light our waterways, even if her symbolic light is more important than her physical light historically. Just because she inspires us in ways beyond the capability of the meaning of other lighthouses, just because she was a gift, just because she looks different are not reasons to discriminate against her, imo. She is the ultimate manmade lighthouse. She'll be top-shelf, center in one of my curios.

But as SThompson and many others have said,



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-Art

While I agree that the Statue of Liberty doesn't look like other lighthouse, I like he and will be receiving mine shortly, I hope.

I think that she epitomizes the guiding light for us all.

A lighthouse helps us keep away from danger and points the way to the safe harbor. Lady Liberty means alot to many of us for that reason. To me, She is America's Light(Liberty Enlightening the World).
Yes, I have already had guests ask why SOL is on my lighthouse shelves. They receive the above answer.

My "Liberty Enlightening the World" is in my Harbour Lights display at College of the Redwoods library. It is the most asked about "light" in the display. Everybody accepts the fact that she was designated as a lighthouse when she was first lit.

I guess it's simply "in the eye of the beholder."

Rich

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Art,
I agree with ya! Plus she just inspires me!

Rusty

Thanks for all those who helped me make a decision. The web links were especially helpful...and educational. The statue definately DOES merit a place with my other Harbour Lights.

Doc John

We have already purchased a domed case to put
SOL in when we bring it home. With luck it will fit on our piano as the centerpiece. She is a beautiful light and a focal point in the lives of many people.

I at first had intended not to buy this piece. I felt the same as many who did not consider it a "real Lighthouse" but after seeing it and reading about its use as a working lighthouse, I reconsidered. I now own Liberty enlightening the world! I too intend to put it under a special glass dome and place it on the piano. It is a great piece for Harbour lights. And IMHO your collection is not complete without it! I think Art express my sentiments exactly!

Dale

I Love the "Lady of Liberty". Guess it is part history and part just the beauty of it. And of course the fact my grandparents talked to me about coming to the US and seeing her welcoming them to the country of their dreams. . Better stop now before I start getting teary...

KYKEEPER - Pat

I have to agree with you Pat. I too had my grandparents immigrate from Ireland. They said it was the most beautiful and welcoming site to see the Statue of Liberty as they came into the New York harbor. They went through processing at Ellis Island where they had to stay for several days. The Statue of Liberty was the beginning of hope for a new and better life for many people. I'm proud to add her to my collection!

I questioned the lighthouse stature, however, it was maintained and operated at the expense of the U.S.Lighthouse Board, under the direction of the president of the USA. I have won more than the price of two pieces betting that it is a lighthouse.

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JIM "POPZ" IRWIN

Thanks for settling this question. I can't wait to back there someday and see "LADY LIBERTY LIGHT" again in person.

KYKEEPER - Pat

Art, Sean, et. al

I appreciate the "Buy what you like" advice, but HL is on a tear with these first few 2000 releases and that list is growing more and more each day.

The SoL piece for me was too much to pass up, though. At first, I thought that some people were saying that they would not be buying this piece and that would be of help to keep the final edition number under control. But after seeing and admiring it up close, this one will sell very well for Y&A.

John needs to start a "number of jelly beans in the jar" contest by having forum users guess the final edition number of SoL and the winner receiving an AP. Or some suitable prize.

Steve