Restore Cedar Island Lighthouse

The Long Island Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society had their second meeting with the Suffolk County Parks Department in discussions of "what to do." The County was very receptive, and we have begun the process of evaluating the entire scope of the project.
We agreed on initial steps to:
1) Fix the hole in the doorway. Hopefully put a steel door in so we can evaluate the lighthouse interior when needed in the future.
2) Draw up a "stewardship agreement" with us to maintain the vegetation around the lighthouse. Cedar seedlings are growing from the foundation and poison ivy is overgrowing the steps.
3) Allow us to file an application for the National Register.
4) Bring in an lh restoration expert to evaluate what needs to be done to restore the oil house and the lighthouse structure.

Although the County in their support commits no money, the cooperation and receptiveness in becoming part of the process is gratefully accepted and appreciated.

See the following for a chronology of concern and admiration for this lighthouse.
http://www.lighthousekeepers.com/forums/Forum15/HTML/000041.html
http://scroope.net/longislandlighthouses/cedarisland.htm
http://lilighthousesociety.org/projects/restorecedarisland/default.htm

Here's a pewter pin created from one of Bob Scroope's photos of the lighthouse. You can get the pin as part of a set of 5 Long Island Lighthouse pins - This is from Series 1 - New Series coming out in 2002.

See the following link for more information: http://www.lilighthousesociety.org/giftshop/pinsetseriesone/default.htm


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KRISTIN ERIN SCROOPE
kristin@scroope.net
http://www.scroope.net/lighthouses/lhlist.htm
http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org

[This message has been edited by kscroope (edited 11-24-2001).]

Here's a photo of the lighthouse (pin above was based upon this photo).


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KRISTIN ERIN SCROOPE
kristin@scroope.net
http://www.scroope.net/lighthouses/lhlist.htm
http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org

An old thread...
Cedar Island, NY Status Wildbird99 0 06-26-1999 09:28 PM http://www.lighthousekeepers.com/forums/Forum5/HTML/000106.html


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KRISTIN ERIN SCROOPE
kristin@scroope.net
http://www.scroope.net/lighthouses/lhlist.htm
http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org

The Long Island Chapter will be signing the stewardship agreement with the Suffolk County Parks on Saturday March 24, 2002 at the Lighthouse tentatively at 11 am. We have also got an exploratory application in for a architectual review of the lighthouse.

Congratulations on this significant achievement, Bob & all the LI Chapter. I will look forward to reports on the work you are able to do at the Cedar Island Lighthouse.

Dave

Way to go Bob & USLHS, LI Chapter. This is such a great structure, even though it is gutted, and I think that, once finished, will be a real jewel for LI. Keep up the good work.

Ron

Went over to Cedar Point County Park yesterday afternoon to look for a good spot to hold the Long Island Chapter's press conference/kickoff announcing the restoration of the Cedar Island lighthouse.

We found a nice wooded area that has a view of the lighthouse in the distance. Saturday, March 23rd is going to be a very exciting day for all of Long Island lighthouse folks!


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Diane

Now that Race Rock is a reality, the time has come for Cedar Point. I have visited this light a couple of times while I was tied up at Sag Harbor. I consider it a very unique structure well worth a restoration effort.

A tip of the Captain's hat to those who are leading the charge.

Bob

http://www.lilighthousesociety.org/projects/restorecedarisland/default.htm

March 23, 2002, 11:00 AM at Cedar Point County Park: The Suffolk County Parks Department and the Long Island Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society will officially announce a joint effort to preserve the Cedar Island Lighthouse. The County and Chapter are already at work on a stewardship agreement which will be signed at the event and a grant that will allow for a thorough architectural assessment.
Come join us for the kickoff!
- Bob

[This message has been edited by rscroope (edited 03-12-2002).]

Wish I could join you then, Bob. This is great news - things certainly looking up for Cedar Island. I know that you will have some pictures to share with us, the next best thing to being there! Good job to all the LI Chapter folks who have brought this effort forward.

Dave

This Saturday, please join us!

Who's coming?

Just got home from our day at Cedar Point County Park. We have offically announced the kickoff of the Long Island Chapter's stewardship agreement with Suffolk County for the long-term preservation of the Cedar Island Lighthouse.

Had a great turnout -- about 70 people -- and about 40 people braved the high winds and cold temperatures to take a hike out to the lighthouse.

We had several representatives from government -- US Congressman Felix Grucci, NY Assemblyman Fred Thiele, a representative from NY Governor Pataki's office, along with the Suffolk County Parks Commissioner.

Sold a bunch of merchandise, gave away some freebies, and had another successful raffle. Thanks to all our friends at Harbour Lights for their support!



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Diane

Glad to hear the event went well, Diane. Hopefully Bob or someone got a few photos and will share with us? Get any of those government folks signed up as members?

Dave

Bob got photos? Need you ask? LOL. Yes, he was taking them, as usual. I'm sure he can't wait to share them.
I don't know if any of the govt people became members, but they were definitely sporting our new "Restore Cedar Island" lighthouse pins on their coats.

The walk to the lighthouse was pretty brutal in the wind today, but worth it to see that they replaced the door with the big hole in it and were able to open up the new one to us so we could take a peek inside.

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KRISTIN ERIN SCROOPE
kristin@scroope.net
http://www.scroope.net/lighthouses/lhlist.htm
http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org


[This message has been edited by kscroope (edited 03-25-2002).]

I think I finally thawed out!

This is all great news about lighthouse lovers, politicians, government at several levels, and the community getting together to preserve another important link in America's lighthouse heritage!

Special recognition to the Long Island Chapter USLHS, Bob Muller and Bob Scroope who I know have been working on this for years now.

Glad the event went well!

I spent the day roaming around Gateway National Park- Sandy Hook Division. it was Orientation Day for Sandy Hook Volunteers.

I know this is probably a stupid question- Any chance you will be selling those beautiful pins? Possibly at the Spring Regional?

Dennis

Yes, we are selling the pins!
We'll definitely be bringing them to the Spring Regional...we'll also have our new 2002 pewter pin set there.
I'm adding the pins to the online gift shop too so you would be able to purchase them online via PayPal if you don't get a chance to see us at any upcoming events.
My dad will be posting the photos for the pins soon so you can get a peek at them (I just uploaded them) - Might be faster to when I get around to setting up the giftshop webpages themselves.

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KRISTIN ERIN SCROOPE
kristin@scroope.net
http://www.scroope.net/lighthouses/lhlist.htm
http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org

One of the nicest lighthouse pins I've ever seen! Great job!

http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org/events/2002/march23cedarisland/GrucciStephenDSC 00066.JPG"[/URL] width=423 height=320 border=1 alt="The back">
Stephen Presents Congressman Grucci with
the First $1 Donated to Cedar Island Restoration

http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org/events/2002/march23cedarisland/TheileScullyDSC00 072.JPG"[/URL] width=423 height=320 border=1 alt="The back">
Assembleman Thiele with Suffolk Parks Commissioner Scully


Hardy LH Enthusiasts walk the Mile to
Cedar Island Lighthouse into 30 mph Headwinds


One of our Senior Members, Marion Roll Smiles
with Accomplishment After Making the One Mile Trek


http://www.LILighthouseSociety.org/events/2002/march23cedarisland/ChapterClimsD SC00 079.JPG"[/url] width=423 height=320 border=1 alt="The back">
Long Island Chapter Club Members
Surround the Lighthouse with Enthusiasm




[This message has been edited by rscroope (edited 03-26-2002).]

Here's the latest Update:
The County is working on two issues:
1.The removal of bird manure from the lighthouse, for safety reasons. This may require the use of an outside contractor. If so, funding will be needed.
2.The installation of a door into the tower, for access to the tower and lantern room. This is likely to be where restoration work begins.

The National Register nomination was completed by Chapter members.

The Suffolk County Parks has a new volunteer working on seeking out anyone with photos of the interior, or any other information.

Saturday August 24th at 5:30pm, the Chapter and SC Parks will sponsor a Lantern Light Walk at Cedar Island to the lighthouse.

Info from Bob Muller this morning: "Some bad news regarding Cedar Island: The steel door installed by the County in March has been smashed in. Someone (probably more than one person), spent a good amount of time, and had the appropriate tools, to vandalize this poor lighthouse once more."

Cedar Island Lighthouse to be on 2003 Suffolk County Budget

Hi All,
3 years of lobbying has finally paid off! This photo will appear on all
copies of the recommended and adopted mandated budget for 2003.
This will put the photo of lighthouse in the hands of all the Legislators, County Executive, and other political entities in Suffolk County.
Bob

Way to go, Bob...

...And can we assume 1) that you did this lobbying AND 2) You took this photo?

Long Island Lighthouses have a real champion in Bob Scroope!

Thats great news Bob!

I just accidentally ran into these in the Suffolk County Parks Press Release Archives...thought we might as well have them posted here...

Oct 16, 2002 - CEDAR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTER
Long Island Lighthouse Society Gains Important Step in Restoration of Lighthouse
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/pressreleases_arch.cfm?ID=814&dept=10&thisyear=2002

Aug 30, 2002 - HISTORIC SUFFOLK COUNTY LIGHTHOUSE VANDALIZED
Suffolk County Parks Seeks Information Relating to Lighthouse Destruction
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/pressreleases_arch.cfm?ID=804&dept=10&thisyear=2002

Jul 18, 2002 - SC PARKS TO HOST HISTORIC LANTERN WALK AT CEDAR POINT
Lighthouse Society To Raise Funds for Restoration of Cedar Island Lighthouse
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/pressreleases_arch.cfm?ID=740&dept=10&thisyear=2002

Apr 26, 2002 - SUFFOLK COUNTY PARKS RECEIVES GRANT FOR LIGHTHOUSE RESTORATION
Initial Funding Will Provide Assessment Cost for Complete Restoration Project
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/pressreleases_arch.cfm?ID=670&dept=10&thisyear=2002

Bob Muller reports,"...we just learned of it Thursday the 21st, is the news that preliminary work on the Cedar Island lighthouse should begin within the month. The work, funded by the Suffolk County Parks Department, will include the removal of toxic material and the sealing of the structure to keep out vandals and wildlife. The next step will be to have an architectural assessment conducted, from which the plans for restoration and fundraising will be developed. We hope to have all of this completed in 2003. Much like the building of a lighthouse itself, the foundation of a restoration project is of the utmost importance for a successful completion. The Parks Department should be applauded for its efforts."

Bringin' to the top for reference.
Bob

As an FYI, to add to something Bob Scroope mentioned in another thread:

Tuesday, November 16 is the date scheduled for the architectural assessment of the Cedar Island Light by Walter Sedovic and Shelley Smith of Walter Sedovic Architects (www.modernruins.com). Take a look at their resumes -- it'll give you an idea of the standards the Long Island Chapter of the US Lighthouse Society has for its preservation work.

These lighthouses aren't just old buildings; they're parts of the legacies of families and communities. A major part of our efforts at Cedar Island has been to respect, preserve, and memorialize the legacies of the light's many keepers, such as Sineus Conkling, Lyman G. Sherman, Nathaniel Edwards, Charles Mulford, John F. Anderson, Hubbard Fordham, and William Follett (the light's last keeper), and their families. These folks are why we keep high standards for preservation and historic interpretation.

It's kinda neat that the effort to preserve the Cedar Island Light began here on these message boards in 1999. In the five years since, there's been an awful lot of behind-the-scenes work required to make the progress we have thus far (stewardship agreement with Suffolk County, National Register status, $160,00 in preliminary interior work, oil house restoration, historic research, fundraising, special events, educational programs, etc.). But that sort of foundation is necessary for a responsible and successful project.

In short, thanks to all you Wackos for helping to keep the Cedar Island Lighthouse restoration project rolling along! That's why I thanked you in the Acknowledgments section of my book.