Lighthouse Trivia

Anyone want to play some Lighthouse Trivia? Lets see how good our knowledge of lighthouses are!

How to play/Rules:
1- Someone starts by asking a valid lighthouse related question.
2- Players can post additional questions for help if needed.
3- The CF member who answers it correctly most ask the next question after the CF member who asked it acknowledges it is the correct answer.
4- -----------------------------------
5- More rules to follow, if needed.

Anyone care to start? If not, I'll come up with one later today.

May I go first? I would suggest one more rule, the 'asker' should ask from memory also. Another game allowing research would be cool.
Okay, asking from memory: Name the first 8 west coast lighthouses.

^^^

I thought there were more than 8.

There were the first eight built by Gibbons & Kelly and then another eight by others. To begin the Lighthouse Board commissioned only the first 8 and they are still known as such. Since the first eight built are not the same as the first 8 lit, it might be easier to name the first 16.

Okay, I'll give it a shot. Perhaps you can tell us which of these are wrong and someone else can fill in the missing ones.
In no particular order....(and I assume you mean the first 8 U. S. lighthouses because you mentioned the Lighthouse Board)
1) Alcatraz
2) Old Point Loma
3) Point Wilson
4) Pigeon Point
5) Cape Meares
6) Point Fermin
7) Point No Point
8) Point Conception

1,2 & 8 are right. Yes, US lighthouses, I should have said.
Hint: All are Ammi Young cape cod lights, though 2 have the tower separate from the dwelling.

1. Alcatraz
2. Old Pt Loma
3. Point Pinos
4. Santa Barbara
5. Cape Dissapointment
6. Ft Point
7. Humbolt Harbor
8. Pt Conception

You are only missing one. Santa Barbara was one of the second eight and was a Cape Cod. As for the last..think eggs.

South Farrallon Island
I got them backwards. I thought SFI wasn't until the second batch.

For giggles here are the second batch of eight.
9. Santa Barbara
10. Point Bonita
11. Crescent City
12. Umpqua River
13. Willapa Bay
14. Cape Flattery
15. Smith Island
16. New Dungeness

Right on all 16!!!
Only 7 of the 16 remain,
Old Point Loma
Point Pinos
Farallon - part of the tower only
Crescent City
Cape Disappointment
Cape Flattery
New Dungeness

I really like the little Cape Cods. That would be my lighthouse to live in.
Your turn.

Good first question, but maybe a little hard for most of us to list from memory. Maybe a one lighthouse answer, or a year, or a state, etc.


Eric's turn to ask a trivia question.

Loon, maybe eliminate requirement #4? As Sandy posted elsewhere, memory is the first to go. Most in-depth questions are not going to be posted from memory, and most answers to those are going to be researched.

That said, who doesn't enjoy trivia questions about our favorite subject?

Judy

OK here goes. Between 1894 and 1907 there were 5 tall octagonal skeletal towers built to almost identical specs. Only difference was height of the towers. Today three of these towers remain. Cape Charles VA, Hillsboro Inlet Fl, and Rawley Pt WI. Name the other 2 towers of this design that no longer stand.

I'll give you a hint both towers meet the same fate.

OK by me to remove rule #4. As rule #5 says, "More rules to follow, if needed".

Rule #6 - Pay not attention to rule #4.

Is Cape Fear one of them?

I'm going to guess...Cape Fear and Parris Island.

They were Rawley class towers. Hog Is. VA and Cape Fear NC. Both were torn down. Cape Fear had been replaced by Oak Is. (the one with the 67 foot piles. I'm not sure why Hog Is. was demoed, not sure the island is still there. I didn't answer from memory, went to the article in Lighthouse Directory. Regarding, my previous question being difficult, I thought of the hardest one I could, since I was playing against the best.

^^^

I only got one of them. I've been to Bald Head Island, and I remember seeing 8 concrete slabs. Parris Island was a total shot in the dark.
I didn't even know about Hog Island. It was a really good question.

So, is it my turn now?

Yep Hog Island and Cape Fear are the missing "Rawley" class towers. Cape Fear was dynamited in 1958 when Oak Island came online. Hog Island was dynamited in 1948 as the island was rapidly eroding away. Wvlights0 you get the next question.

Lighthouse friends has a cool picture of what they call Cape Fear. Actually this is a picture of Hog Island.

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/capefearexplosion_2006.jpg

Which light was first destroyed by hurricane, then by storm, then Confederates, then erosion?

I was confused...I thought wvlights posed the question. lol I was wondering why he gave the second lighthouse.

Anyway, for the question...I have a question. Is there a lighthouse in existance near where this one was?

WVlights0 got the last question totaly right so this is the current trivia question.

Sanibel Island

Tybee, I am really looking forward to your question, your last was a toughie! And by the way, I'm a she.

No, not Sanibel. I don't think its ever gone down. You're in the right neighborhood though.

I wasn't asking why wvlights got the next question. I was confused because I thought she was the one who ASKED the question, and not Weasel.

Sorry for the confusion.

Cape San Blas
Technically it wasn't desroyed by erosion. After losing 3 lighthouses at this site, the fourth was built as a skeletal so that if needed, it could be quickly dismantled and moved. Such was the case when the sea encroached the lighthouse in 1918 and the lighthouse was disassembled then moved inland.

Cape San Blas is correct.
Roland, I thought there had been 5 towers here and the fifth was the skeletal tower that had been moved several times. I'll have to check that out, sorry if I misled.
Brandt Point had more lighthouses, but Cape San Blas was so unfortunate, so many times.
Roland, your question.

What was the final name of the very first lightship to travel through the Panama Canal? (I say final because it was known by a number of names. I'm looking for the name it had when it was destroyed. HINT, HINT)

New Bedford. LV-114, sometimes called "Relief".
New Bedford was it's last name, but it never served as "New Bedford".
Destroyed in 2007...in New Bedford. Torched for $10,000 for scrap metal.


Judy

Right you are Judy.
It was built on the west coast then traveled through the Panama Canal to serve at Diamond Shoals. After Diamond Shoals, it was used for relief around New York/New Jersey, then served as a security vessel during WWII. Also served at Pollack Rip and Portland, ME harbor before being decommissioned in the 1970's. Plans to turn it into a floating Coast Guard museum never panned out, so the lightship was sold to the city of New Bedford, MA. The city planned to use it as a tourist destination, but the ship fell into disrepair and sunk in the harbor. It was resurfaced, but when the city couldn't sell it, they sold it for scrap.
Judy's turn to ask a question.

Nice question , Roland. I got to see that lightship one more time just weeks before it was turned into scrap.

Okay, next question:

What US lighthouse tells the mariner without making a sound if he is heading east, west, north or south?

Judy

Cape Lookout?

Tybee, you are correct. Cape Lookout's daymark, the black & white diamonds show direction. The black diamonds point north & south and the white diamonds point east & west.

Your turn,

Judy

There's one in New England, I think in Maine, that the keepers house is aligned with the directions. One gable faces north, one faces south, etc. Is its Nubble? Is this even what you mean?

Wow...I just took a guess based on the uniqueness of the daymark. lol

Let me think of one...I'll have one in an hour or so.

There is a lighthouse that was directly in the line of fire during a fierce Civil War battle between ships and a fort. It didn't even suffer a single scratch from a stray cannon ball. It still stands today. Which lighthouse is it?

Old Point Comfort ???

Nope...Old Point Comfort certainly did witness alot of history, but wasn't in the line of fire.

Cockspur Island?

^^^

Yep.

When Point Loma was finished its first order fresnel would not fit since it had been designed for Lewis lamps, so a third order was installed. Where did the first order go?

Cape Flattery


Judy

Exactly right. Sometimes its seems like they play musical lantern rooms, the way fresnels are moved around. Your turn Lighthouser.

In 1999, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse was moved approximately 1600 feet from the ocean.

How close to the ocean was the lighthouse when it was first lit in 1870?

Judy

1600 feet.

John, you got it!
Your question next.

Judy

Who let John play? He hasn't been too timely lately!

Just kidding John, I know you are very busy.

I think we've waited long enough for John.

Anyone have a new question?

Name the 5 newest lighthouses in the US, and when they were built.

We may need a definition to get this right, but here goes.
1962 Sullivan Is. SC
1958 Oak Is. NC
1950 Cape Sarichef AK
1950 Scotch Cap AK
1949 Long Beach Harbor CA
Good one again!
Revision:
1967 Ambrose NY
1966 Diamond Shoals NC
1965 Chesapeake VA
1964 Frying Pan Shoals NC
1964 Savannah GA
All Texas towers. You don't make it easy Tybee.There are more recent 'lighthouses' built by the Coast Guard, steel towers with no enclosure, like 2001 Chandeleur LA, but they don't seem like lighthouses to me.

^^^^

You were right the first time. I don't consider the steel towers 'lighthouses.'

You're up!

I think of the Texas towers as lighthouses, they were manned.
Which lighthouse was fueled by its own natural gas deposit, til it ran out?

Texas towers are lighthouses. They were active aids to navigation as well. Not liking them doesn't rewrite history. I bet the mariner in need of direction or warning or help was glad they were there.

There were also some lighthouses built later than Sullivan's that were replicas or reproductions such as Roanoke Marshes & Roanoke River lighthouses in North Carolina, which did not become active aids, but do serve a purpose of preserving history.

Onward to wvlights0 new question.

Judy

Its funny how each person counts lighthouses. For Tybee's question I was only counting 'official' lighthouses. To me a lighthouse has some part that you can go inside and is set into land (not a chain). Lahaina barely counts under this definition. When I am counting lighthouses I've seen, I counted Roanoke Marshes, since it is a replica and the original no longer exists. I did not count it as a lighthouse seen when I went to a Harbour Lights dealer in Nags Head, which is a replica of Hereford Inlet, since the original still exists. I did count it as seen when I saw Diamond Shoals, a Texas tower from the top of Hatteras, even though its was just barely and I have no picture to prove it.

As for the next question...
Which lighthouse was fueled by its own natural gas deposit, til it ran out?

I don't know the answer to the question, but back to the explanation of mine...I also was not including Harbour Town and the Governor's Lighthouses either (1975 and 1990) as they are not considered real lighthouses.

Barcelona NY, (also known as Portland Harbor)

Right Eric, your turn.

This lighthouse built between 1826 and 1827 was destroyed along with the island it stood on by a hurricane in 1846.

Many Florida lighthouses were affected by this 1846 hurricane, but I think only one also lost it's island.

Sand Key ?

Yes the lighthouse and island were both Sand Key. The Great Havana Hurricane of 1846 was thought to be a Cat. 5. Damage was felt as far north as Boston. Key west lighthouse was also destroyed, but the island was still there after wards, though only 4 of the roughly 600 homes on the island survived. Sand Key as an island would come and go over the years.

Your Turn....

What lighthouse toppled into the ocean, in October 1927, after the island it was on had been erroding into the ocean for several years prior?

Tucker's Island was home one of the first resorts and a 2 story lighthouse with a square tower centered on the roof. Built in 1868 the light served for nearly sixty years. Most of the island washed away in a storm in 1920. Tim Harrison's "Lost Lighthouses" has a series of pictures showing the collapse of the lighthouse into the ocean in 1927. (just happened to have it handy)

Laura, you are correct.

Your turn..........

Point Sur is on a large rock just off shore. In California, what is this known as?

I have tried without success to post a picture, but here is a link showing this huge rock.
http://marinas.com/view/lighthouse/165

Big Sur ???

No. Large rocks, just offshore, have a name. There are several of these along the coast. The low neck of land connecting to the shore is called a tombolo. The lump of rock is also known by a Spanish word. Hint: there is one (another large lump of rock just offshore) south of Point Sur that gave its name to a city.

It's a Morro.

Yes it is. Some of these morro rocks are so impressive. Your turn Eric.

This lighthouse has spent more time out of service then in service since it was first lit in 1825. It would first go out of service from 1836-1846 and then again from 1861-1866 only to be turned off for what the lighthouse board figured would be the last time in 1878. It was relit in 1978 and is still in service today.

Eric, was it also out in the 90s after Andrew? Not sure I have the right one.
I meant to ask before, how did you know the picture of Cape Fear exploding was really Hog Island? Very good!

Yes it was out again in 92-96 forgot about that... Seems this light has been around for 183 years and only been lit about 60+ of those years.

As for Hog Island, I have a book on the history of NC lighthouses and the pictures of Cape Fears' demolition are different than the one on Lighthouse Friends. I did some digging and found a book in VA lighthouse history and it has a nice photo spread of Hog Island's demolition. The photo on Lighthouse friends was one of those photos. Cape Fear lighthouse had trees and brush around the tower, Hog island was more of a denuded landscape. Here is a link to the Virgina Lighthouse book's bit on Hog island. (may not work with Firefox)

http://books.google.com/books?id=h8ajK-9QWWsC&pg=PA54&lpg=PA54&dq=hog+island+destruction+virginia+1948&source=bl&ots=e95Hhjo_SI&sig=0GouUtxY6vQvKYdO2qJMeilliME&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=resulthttp://www.e-mailanywhere.com/#PPA54,M1

From the first contractor on his way by ship to build Cape Florida being lost at sea, to the attack by Seminoles killing one man, burning the tower and trapping the keeper at the top, to the impressive reconstruction led by a news paper editor, its a story that would make a movie few would believe.
Thanks for the information on Hog Is. I enjoy figuring out details like that also. Now I have the name of another good book.

OK Your turn Laura.

You are welcome for the link. If you want to see a picture of Cape Fear's demolition look in the book "Lost Lighthouses" By Tim Harrison

According to "Lost Lighthouses" Cape Fear had a first order fresnel, wonder what happened to that one?

Next question: Which Lake Michigan island gained a lighthouse and lost a king, both in 1856?

To answer your question about the lens from Cape Fear. An antiques dealer in Wilmington bought the lens and sold pieces of it for years. 2 of the flash panels are on display in the Bald Head Lighthouse keepers quarters. The Fall of 05 OBLHS newsletter had an article on one lady returning a prism she purchased back in the 60s. Look for the story on page 8 of this link. Actually now that I've looked back at that issue there is also an article on the history of Cape Fear light.

http://www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org/Documents/oblhs-fall-newsletter-05.pdf

Eric Is Labriola's antiques still there in Wilmington NC? we used to stop by there when were in the area. I was not into lighthouses back then. I was into collecting glass insulaters at that time and used pick some up at Labriola's as he had a large stock in his shop. I do remember the large lens in the front of his shop.

I'm not sure. I haven't been to Wilmington in about 10 years.

Thanks again, Eric. I had misremembered that story as being about Cape Lookout's lens. That fresnel ended up in the Block Island Southeast light after a stay with the Coast Guard of nearly 30 years. Both stories are on the same page of "The Lost Light" book. Guess I need to study more.

Thought I'd move the current question to this page.

Which Lake Michigan island gained a lighthouse and lost a king, both in 1856?

Was it Beaver Island?

Judy

Yes! The lighthouse was St. James Harbor and the 'King" was Strang. Thats with no 'e' though he was strange. :p

Okay, new question:

Today, you could sit down for tea in the keeper's dwelling that housed just two keeper's during it's 68 years of service. Both keepers were of the same family. What Canadian lighthouse is this?

Judy

Cape Enrage, New Brunswick has a tea room, but the rest doesn't. fit. I haven't studied Canadian lighthouses yet, still working on the Great Lakes and that's a job.

Laura, and all, here's another hint. It's a Nova Scotia lighthouse, and the keepers were a father and daughter.

Judy

Gilbert's Cove
Father and daughter keepers: Melanson

I waited to give someone else a chance.

Laura, you are correct! Sorry for the delay in responding to you.

Now, it's your turn.

Judy

Sandy Hook, NJ is the oldest standing US lighthouse. Which is the second oldest?

HEY NEWBIES! Come on and jump in. The water is fine. I'm barely a Wacko myself. No one here bites, they may nibble a little.

I gave up waiting for a newbie to take a nibble!

Boston Light?

Well depends on what you definition of is, is. The lower 60 ft of the Tybee Island Lighthouse dates to about 1773.

I thought only Clinton would say that!


Ok, I meant Boston Harbor. If we are taking about parts, or foundations, isn't part of Morris Island from 1767....or did they just move the plaque?

Well I'm not talking about the foundation. The current tower at Tybee is about 145 ft tall. The original height was about 100 feet. After the Civil War the top 40 feet of the tower was removed and a 85 foot section with a new lantern to house a second order lens was added to the top of the remaining stump.

As for Boston Harbor the current tower was 75 feet tall when built in 1783, in 1859 the lantern was removed from the tower and a section composed of a watch room and new lantern to house a second order lens was added bringing the tower to it's current 89 feet.

You're right Eric, both were raised in height and Tybee is older. Under any definition.
Your turn, give us a good one.

Ok here's one. This tower was first lit on January 1, 1858. It was destroyed in 1948 to make room for a parking lot.

Ponquogue, NY. LH Depot says it was lit 1/1/1878 but the Coast Guard and Rowlett say 1858. Wonder how you say that name, probably why the CG called it Shinnecock.

I've always called it Shinnecock Bay light. It was also called Ponquogue Point. Looking at pictures of the tower I would say the 1858 date is most likely. The tower looked a lot like Absecon, Cape May, Cape Lookout, and Pensacola towers which were all lit between 1857-1860.

When this lighthouse was lit in 1870, it was called Cape Orford. What is its name now?

Cape Blanco, OR

Right Eric, your turn.

This lighthouse which was destroyed in 1931 is the only one of the three "Whitefish Pt." style iron pile towers all constructed circa 1861 no longer standing.

These were considered experimental at the time. What made them unique was the bottom portion of the skeletal tower was vertical. Manitou Island, Whitefish Point and DeTour Point were all of this style. DeTour Point was demoed when DeTour Reef was built offshore.

In 1872, a flock of geese flew into this light, breaking the glass panes and damaging the lens.

I'll give my question to Bob, even though Eric hasn't said my answer is right yet. Glad to have another participant. Tough question, birds hit alot of lanterns and lens.

You guys are good. Yes the "Whitefish Pt." style towers were an experiment. But it seems they were well constructed.

Bob, now I'm just guessing, is it Bodie?

Bodie it is.

The engineer that came up with screwpiles had a disability. What was it?

I think I once read that he was blind.

Alexander Mitchell went blind when he was 20. I think that is amazing.

Ok, lets see...2 part question...Which lighthouse was used in the movie 'The General's Daughter' and what was wrong with it as portrayed in the movie vs real life?

Hint...Not talking about the daymark because it did look like that when the movie was filmed. I'm also not talking about the surroundings because its obvious that they were added into it.

But, there is something else that is very wrong with this lighthouse in the movie.

All I have been able to figure out is thats its Tybee. Only know that because I found a lighthouse site with a list (long list) of movies and the lighthouses they featured.
I'll guess, the movie had it on the wrong coast?

^^

It is Tybee, and it is on the right coast. But you'll have to have seen the movie and the lighthouse in person to get what it is. It has to do with the light itself.

No takers? Ok...WVlights got half of it, so she gets the next question. The other half is that Tybee in the movie rotates slowly. In real life, the light is constant and pulsates.

Now that is a detail type question. The only lights I would know the signal well enough to catch that a movie had it wrong would be ones I've just sat and watched. Good one Tybee.

Name a Winslow Lewis built lighthouse still standing.

Sapelo Island, GA. Surprising as it was abandoned due to an erosion issue.

Only 21 minutes....I thought it was harder than that. Your turn Eric.

Another answer would be Amelia Island, FL.

OK, here goes. What is the tallest US lighthouse on the Pacific? Tower height, not focal plane.

Sapelo is a better answer I think. Amelia Is was taken apart and rebuilt. As much as you read about Lewis' poorly built towers a few remain but several have been modified. Sapelo is as he built it.
I'm having trouble with your question...both Point Arena and Pigeon Point are 115 foot tall.

There is another. The tower in question is 138 ft.

You said on the Pacific, I read west coast. I found 3 taller lights in Hawaii.
Cape Kumukahi 125' Kalaupapa 138'
Aloha Tower 184'

Moloka'i also known as Kalaupapa is the one in question.

The Aloha tower was not built as a lighthouse, it was built as office space for the harbor and later the light was moved there.

What US lighthouse recently had its first order fresnel removed by the Coast Guard?

Cape Canaveral?

No, that one is in the museum at Ponce Inlet. The one I'm talking about, no one knows what the Coast Guard did with it.

Clue: the fresnel was removed from a seldom seen light. Information from Lighthouse Directory.

Clue #2: This is a west coast light.

Maybe this was too difficult, or just wrong time of year.
From Lighthouse Directory. (Somehow I didn't have the important part of the quote in here, fixed now.)
Since most people will never get to see this light(though I tried and would love to get to see it) it is my humble opinion the Coast Guard should give this fresnel to an accessible lighthouse, like say.... Cape Hatteras.

Anyone have a new question?????

I've not heard anyhthing about the lens being removed. But then again who get to this light... well I know 1 person who has been 4 or 5 times.

4 or 5 times, must be CG or a rancher?

Nope, she is just very persistent. She doesn't take no for an answer she takes it as a challenge.

Just to get this going again, here's an easy question:

Which lighthouse island is inhabited by goats?

Cape Romain?

Molokai, Hawaii

Lighthouse Loon had the answer I was looking for. He's up!

What lighthouse was only considered a lighthouse from 1886 till 1902?

Statue of Liberty

Bert, You got it !!!

Your turn!!

It's been over a couple days since the last question was answered.

Fair to say its open for anybody to ask a question.

Which West Point graduate was involved in the construction of which lightstation, the first of its type built in the U.S.? I believe this one is not very difficult, but interesting nevertheless.

General Meade was a West Point graduate. Didn't he design several lighthouses? I think there was even one or two that he built and then later destroyed during the Civil War.

Carysfort perhaps? (Reef Lighthouse)

Laura, I do not believe General Meade destroyed any lighthouses. Some were blow up by the South so the North could not use them and the one at Mobile Bay received much damaged from cannon fire from ships.

Eric, I was going from memeory, there was some northern general who destroyed his own lighthouse, maybe I was thinking of Mobile Bay. Stuck in my mind because I couldn't imagine destroying a building I have built, and yes any building I have been involved in building is "my" building. I'll have to see if I can find the book this evening. There was also Barton Alexander who built (or was it designed) the second Minot's Ledge,. He was a West Pointer also.

Perhaps you mean Orlando Poe, West Point graduate and Union Civil War general who designed many of the Great Lakes lighthouses while he was the chief engineer of the Lighthouse Board right after the war. He was instrumental in designing Spectacle Reef, one of the Great Lakes' first off-shore lighthouses.
(By the way, you can read my profile of him here.....)
http://letstalklighthouses.blogspot.com/2008/01/biography-orlando-metcalfe-poe.html

Mystery Guest, we have several answers here ... whats the verdit?

The graduate has been identified, but none of the lighthouse guesses are correct. The construction of this first of its kind light in the U.S. was considered an experiment at the time. It turned out to be successful and many more of this type of light were built with many still in existence and operating today, although the light in question which replaced a lightship, was itself replaced over 60 years later by another type of light.

sounds like we're talking about a screwpile

In 1850 General Meade constructed the first Brandywine Shoals screwpile lighthouse, which replaced Lightship "N". Lightship N was sent to replace the first Minots Ledge which had been destroyed by storm. In 1911 the screwpile light was replaced by a caisson lighthouse.

Laura..

Basically you got it except at the time of the construction of Brandywine Shoals, Meade was a 2nd Lieutenant as he only became a General just before the Battle of Gettysburg. Also, the light was the first and only screwpile built at Brandywine Shoals with its claim to fame being it was the first screwpile built in the U.S.

Meade was later involved in the construction of Florida screwpiles at Careysfort Reef, Sand Key, Sombrero Key and Rebecca Shoal. He also was involved in the construction of 3 tall tower lightstations in New Jersey including Barnegat-1856, Absecon-1856-57 and the current light at Cape May-1857.

Your turn.

M.G.

If you were standing in the lantern room at Point Fermin, what lighthouse would you be able to see?

The inside of Point Fermin

LA Harbor or Angels Gate LH

Angels Gate is right. Didn't know that a few years ago when I was at Fermin. Your turn MG.

OK Roland, I should have said "other lighthouse".

Knew what you meant, just being a wise ^$$! :p

Your turn Mystery Guest.

I'll pass and let someone else start a new one.

I'll take it.
What was the very first lighthouse in America to have a flashing light characteristic? (Otherwise known as a blinkin' beacon).

How about the same name as your store Roland.
Cape Cod or better known as Highland Light, MA!

C'mon, the question wasn't up 5 minutes!!!
NO Fair!
Seriously Ruthie, good job!
When the original Cape Cod Light was constructed in 1797, it was thought that mariners would confuse it with Boston Light. A primitive rotating "curtain" was installed, with the purpose of covering over the light for 30 seconds to make it appear as a "flash". Never worked very well, however, and it was removed when the then brand new Winslow Lewis lamp and reflector system was installed in 1812.
You're up Ruth.

What can I say Roland...I'm not that knowledgeable about lighthouses...but I am pretty fast at finding information on the internet. :rolleyes:

This one will be easy...what lighthouse was used in the movie The Majestic

Pt. Cabrillo.

There was not a doubt in my mind that you would get this one first Eric.

Your turn.

OK which lighthouse property was used in the Mel Gibson movie "Forever Young"????

Point Arena, CA on a clear day.

You got it Wickywacky

AND A NEW QUESTION: IN 1963, THE LAST CIVILIAN MEMBER OF THE LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE RETIRED FROM THIS LIGHTHOUSE. THIS LIGHTHOUSE ALSO CLAIMS MANY "FIRSTS" AND "BIGGEST". IT IS.........

navesink

NOT EVEN 'WARM', ROLAND.

Yeah, knew Navesink had probably more firsts than any other lighthouse, wasn't sure about the last civvie, though

Boston - Little Brewster
http://lighthouse-news.com/2008/05/29/americas-last-lighthouse-keeper/
Though I don't know how it would be biggest.

Both of you are cold. You'll need to go west to get warm for this lighthouse.

It always pays to read the question carefully. You did not ask which lighthouse had the last civilian lighthouse keeper.

Maybe you need the question again. "The last CIVILIAN member of the Lighthouse Service RETIRED from THIS LIGHTHOUSE . This LIGHTHOUSE, also claims many "FIRSTS" and "BIGGEST. IT IS ...(REFERS TO THE NAME OF THE LIGHTHOUSE). OK???

This lighthouse keeper in question was appointed by the Lighthouse Service, not a Kennedy, who I last understood was a Senator from Massachusetts.

It appears you are referring to the Boston Harbor Light, but it was manned by Coasties. In today's New York Times, there is a story about the death of the last civilian lightkeeper, Frank Schubert, of the Coney Island Light. See link below

Do you have different information?

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990DE5DB153CF930A25751C1A9659C8B63

OKAY-HERE ARE THE FINAL CLUES:

THIS MAN RETIRED ACCORDING TO THE ARTICLE I READ IN 1966.

THIS LIGHT IS NOT ON THE EAST COAST, SOUTH COAST, NORTH COAST, OR WEST COAST.

IT IS " SMALL" IN STATURE BUT IT CONTAINS THE LARGEST TYPE OF THIS LENSE (OVER 12 FEET HIGH AND WITH AN INTERIOR SPACE OF 8 FEET) AND IS THE ONLY LIGHTHOUSE WITH THIS TYPE OF LENSE.

PLEASE ANSWER THE NAME OF THIS LIGHTHOUSE AND IF I DO THIS AGAIN, MAY GOD HELP ME. MANY MAHALOS

I started to think it was a Great Lakes light, but another part of the US came to mind. Hawaii !!!

Would the answer be ..... Makapu`u ???

You got it Loon. I was running-out of clues. Many, many Mahalos for getting MAKAPU`U LIGHT as the correct answer. IF you get the time, the Hawaiian History of this light's name is very cool. ALOHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wickwacky, please don't give up on us. The cold has just slowed down the thinking process. Great question.
(Imagine a little hula dude in this location)

The "Mahalos" clue was a good one.

Here's the new trivia question:

Name the lighthouse that is part of the campus of a frequent March Madness participant?

south bass island

or avery point

Very tricky Loon! I spent 2 hours looking last night. Found a few lighthouses at colleges, but none that I had heard of.
Is it time for a mercy clue?

Too late for clues, Roland got it with his second guess.

Avery Point is part of the University of Connecticut campus.

My first hint was going to be "one of their nicknames sound like their from the Northwest Territory" - Answer = "UCONN" sounds like "Yukon".

Hey Roland think I can return the favor and win your websites "Guess the Lighthouse" game!

Roland is now on the clock.............

Shows what I know about basketball. I found Avery Point, but it didn't sound like a famous basketball team.

I wouldn't call the University of Connecticut Huskies a famous basketball team, but they do qualify often for the NCAA tornament. Not that I watch basketball that much, there just on ESPN and local news sports reports often.

If you thought it might be Avery Point and had checked the Harbour Lights Offical Collectors Guide, you would have gotten it.


Roland is still on the clock .........

Well Loon, I just checked the rolls and didn't see an entry with your name on it! Can't win if you don't identify the mystery photo!
Okay, here's a trivia question for you.
This lighthouse was constucted in 1874. Until 1910, it was known as Big Sable Light. By what name do we know this lighthouse as today?

Au Sable From NPS bulletin:

Au Sable Light

That was close, but Laura, it's yours. Nothing left to be said, you've included it all.

This lighthouse would have been named Racoon Island Lighthouse, but for poor eyesight.

The Graves,MA??????

No, Gulf Coast.

Matagorda Island LH??

Nope. It should have been called Racoon Island but instead it was called.....

The Island that should have been called Racoon Island?

The namers of the island thought they were seeing one thing but they were really seeing racoons. There is no longer a lighthouse here, but over the years two very different lights have stood on this island.

I know there is a Dog Island on Florida's west coast.

Farther west, but you are getting the right idea.

Bear Island or Bear Cub Island?

(a guess because the structure of a raccoon is similar to a bear.)

No, neither of those. Was there a Bear Cub Is. light? This was a Mississippi lighthouse.

Speaking of Bear Cub light...

http://www.lib.unc.edu/blogs/morton/inde...-nc-april-1972/

Cat Island Light

The two lighthouses looked like this.
http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/catisland1831.JPG

http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/catisland1871.JPG

CAT! Why didn't I think of that??? I've got 2 co-dependant cats around me every day! lol

Right!
From Wikipedia....
The 1831 masonry tower, built under Winslow Lewis, supposedly had no foundation. In 1868 this was replaced with a cottaqe style screwpile. Like many others in the area, changing channels meant the light was abandoned and finally burnt down in 1961.
http://lighthouse.passchristian.net/cat_island_lighthouse.htm
Your turn Roland.

This was the last US lighthouse to be converted to electricity, (1962).

Lime Kiln, WA.

Lime Kiln was the last in Washington State to be converted in the 1940's. This lighthouse was converted nearly 20 years later.

Not sure I have the right one. Conimicut Lighthouse, Rhode Island - established 1868, electrified 1960.
Now I think I have the right one...Burnt Island, ME, built 1821, electrified 1962.

Many publications say Conimicut, but Burnt Island was a full two years later.
It's back to you Laura!

I wouldn't have gotten it right if you hadn't given the year Roland. That made me keep looking. Okay here goes: Stephen Pleasanton is berated today for his penny pinching when it came to lighthouses, but there is something else he did, which even today we should all be very grateful for. What did he do?

He hid lots of founding documents from the British during the war of 1812.

Yes, including The Declaration of Independence! You wouldn't be able to visit it in DC except for Pleasanton. Your turn Tybee.

Which lighthouse property was used as a juvinile corrections facility?

Georgetown LH SC was used for a few years, but not now.

Thats the one. I didnt realize that was so easy. lol

Finally one that I could have answered!

But as usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short!

I had no clue.

This one isn't too difficult if you do lots of reading. Which lighthouse has been replaced or rebuilt the most times and how many times?

I'm going to guess and say Tybee Island, 6 times

Cape San Blas, current tower is the 4th, and even it had to be relocated once in 1918 to keep it from being lost.

Brandt Point, Mass. Some books say 10 towers, some say 8. I don't think anyone really knows.

Brandt Point or more commonly Brant Point is correct. Laura is also correct in that I've seen 7-10 listed in various books, but believe 9 or 10 towers is correct. Laura's up.

Next question:
What was the first US lighthouse built with a fresnel as its original optic?

Edited to say:"US lighthouse" otherwise I won't know the answer.

I hadn't caught that Brandt (Brant) was spelled 2 different ways. That always amazes me. My mother's family spelled their last name 3 different ways. Her birth certicate said Waldron, while the name she used was Walden. Some of her family used Waldon. When making her arrangements a few days before she died, I was able to get all the names for her obituary spelled right, afterwards some guy "corrected" them all to the same spelling, and I could not get them straight again.

Sankaty Head Light, Nantucket Island, MA 1850

Right, fresnels were tested at several other lighthouses, but this was the first lighthouse to START with a fresnel. Your turn MG.

Which light was the last manned one on the Great Lakes?

Door County walkers might see this light.

Sherwood Point?

That's it. Your turn Tybee.

MG

Name the standing cottage style lighthouses in the Carolinas and Georgia.

Define your terms. Do you include replicas? Moved cottage lighthouse, no longer recognizable? Etc. Good one.

Standing, as in you can go see them, whether they were moved or not.

Hint about replicas: I consider the Governor's and Harbour Town lighhouses to be real and standing.

I knew I needed clarification! ...and what are Governor's and Harbour Town replicas of?

Okay, here goes...
Roanoke River replica of 1866
Roanoke River 1877
Roanoke Marshes replica of 1877
North River 1866 (now community bldg.)
All in North Carolina, none in South Carolina or Georgia. Why do I feel like I missed something?

Actually, there is one in South Carolina. I threw Georgia in there as a curve ball.

Haig Point (Daufuskie Island), SC

Don't forget Bloody Pt. SC as all it was was a cottage with a light in it's upstairs window. http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=654

Maybe we needed a definition of "cottage style"?

What's the verdict Tybee?

WVlights got all of the North Carolina ones, Shortcake get Haig Point, Weasel got Bloody Point, which I don't count because the lightroom has been turned into a bathroom.

I was looking for the NC ones and Haig Point. I guess since wvlights got the majority of them, its her turn. I guess from now on, I should clarify a little better.

How about Shortcake takes it? She got the hard one. I only checked in to report that the light at Heceta is out. there's a bearing out.

Ok, Shortcake is up!

What Lighthouse is surrounded by signs that say "Warning Venomous Snakes"?

Matagorda Island

Roland,

I don't know about Matagorda? I haven't been there, although I tryed couldn't find a boat out to the island.

So this may or maynot be a good answer.

But it's not the answer I was looking for! Sorry!

Cape Romain?

Roland, why so blue?

Nope, not Cape Romain either! Further South.

However again, this may or maynot be a good answer, as I haven't been to Cape Romain yet either, so I don't know.

But it is NOT the answer I am looking for!

Clue.... Roland was right about the body of water, as it is on the Gulf of Mexico.

Tchefuncte River

Roland,

Technically Tchefuncte River is not on the Gulf of Mexico. It is on Lake Pontchartrain. However it is in the Gulf Coast Region. And very near the Gulf.

The Lighthouse that I am looking for is on the Gulf of Mexico waters.

Keep those guesses coming!

However if nobody gets it by tonight, I will give the answer myself. As I don't want to keep the game in limbo for a week while I'm away.

Port Pontchartrain use to have some.

Cedar Key

Sabine Pass, Louisiana

Matagorda Texas Art

My error someone already guessed Matagorda. Igo along with Lighthouse Loon and guess Sabine. Art

Mystery Guest.... YOU GOT IT!

Cedar Key Lighthouse on Seahorse Key Island is the correct answer!

You are next!

Now that you mention it, I think I remember reading about that on lighthousefriends.com.

What is the oldest continuously operated lighthouse in the world?

La Coruna Spain, Tower of Hercules. Art

That's it. Your turn Art.

Who was "The Waving Girl" and what lighthouse did she live at?

Florence Martus. For 40 years, she waved to every ship that came in and out of the Savannah Harbor. She lived in the Elba Island lighthouse which is no longer there.

Tybee_Sullivan BINGO! I suspect you are from the Savannah area and had an advantage. Art

Yep...I lived on Hilton Head Island for 2 years, and have been to Savannah quite a few times. The Tybee Island lighthouse was the one responsible for turning me into a lighthouse junkie. lol

Question: In 1889, over a period of four months, this South Carolina lighthouse was dismantled and reassembled 1 1/4 mile farther inland due to encroachment of the ocean.

Hunting Island SC

^^^

Yep...And, if you've ever been there, that says alot considering the tower now is probably about 300 yards from the water. I can't imagine there being another mile of land at one point.

Mystery Guest is up

Its been 3 days. Does someone else want to go?

Sorry for the delay as my computer isn't working and I'm using a friends.


The first public building to use natural gas was a lighthouse. Can you name it as well as the other name it has been known as and its location?

Barcelona (Portland Harbour) - NY

Congratulations Hilari, you got it. I suspect you probably live close to it or have been there or both. Your turn.

Bringing this back up.

I will put an interim question on the site until HCS responds. This lighthouse sits on a Cape that is the most northern point of this countries mainland. this country is in the eastern hemishere.

Is it Slettnes Fyr, Norway?

Laura, Let me add another hint. South of the Equator

...and I thought it was tough to begin with! So, its in the eastern half of the southern hemisphere, on the northern most cape of this particular country. What is it west of?

Okay, this one has four names according to the Lighthouse Directory. Fuguejiao (Fu-kuei Chiao, Fukwei Chiao, Cape Fukwei) The northern most lighthouse in Taiwan. Built in 1897, a cast iron lighthouse, encased in concrete 1962. http://163.25.29.178/eng_sunshine/undredQuestion/31.htm
Am I closer?
Art, what is the lighthouse in your avatar?

Laura , Answer to your first question almost everthing is west.

I had to go look at a map. Most everything is west of Taiwan????
Even if I'm not right, you should go look at the site at the link above. I think its an elementary school site all about Taiwan's lighthouses, in rather bad english. Complete with a lighthouse cyclopedia!

Laura , I reiterate South of the Equator. Any one else going to guess?

Laura & et al, One more hint. When I visited this country I found out they raise Deer like we raise cattle. Art

and this is supposed to help? I was driving most of the day and I thought I would see if someone with a better global sense could get it. I really thought Taiwan was south of the equator. Excellent question Art.

Laura, My atlas shows Taiwan at 25 degrees North.
Try googling: overseas deer farming. Art

Yeah, I finally figured that out about Taiwan. Its harder to find a map on the internet showing the equator than you would think. I enjoyed the elementary website though. They love their lighthouse.
Okay here goes, New Zealand - Cape Reinga, a 33 ft tower built 1941, focal plane 542 feet! On North Island.
http://www.newzealandlighthouses.com/cape_reinga.htm

Cape Rienga, New Zealand ???

Laura @ Lighthouse loon Cape Rienga is correct. Since Laura was about 1:30 hours earlier she wins. Laura the next questions to post is yours Art

Sorry, didn't completely read Laura's response.

Sorry Loon, I felt the need to explain why I didn't know where the equator was, but your answer gave me hope that I finally found the right lighthouse.

Next question: There was once a lighthouse with an octagonal dwelling with an integral tower on the west coast, lower 48. What was its name?

Laura, I found a hexagonal lighthouse which no longer exists. The Ano Nuevo lighthouse in California. Art

The hexagonal structure that supported the lantern at Ano Nuevo was a water tank, according to lighthouse friends. The light I am speaking of was an octagonal dwelling. Hint: I recently bought a print of an old photo of this light at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive, by Cape Disappointment, so this light was not too far from this area.

Willapa Bay Lighthouse Art

I am only finding the "Cape Cod" of 1858 for Willapa Bay.
This one was in Oregon, "Two-story, octagonal dwelling on a cluster of piles."

Laura, I believe I've got it! Desdemona Sands OR
Art

Yes! Your turn, Art.
I bought several prints of old photos this last trip. Including the picture of Heceta Head through a stone arch, that no longer exists. I really enjoy the old pictures.

First hint: The US lighthouse is located on a military reservation.

Might as well start with a cornerpiece - New Point Loma, CA.

Laura, Wrong coast Art

cape canaveral

St. Johns or St. Johns River, both on Mayport Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL

Cape Henry, VA both
Old Point Comfort, VA

Tybee is correct it was St Johns, but he is correct with both answers. Actual two other lights in Florida meet the criteria. Pensacola and Canaveral.

This lighthouse's fresnel was shot by a 30-06 in 1986. The FBI never found the clown who did it.

St Augustine

Wow...That one didn't even last an hour!


You're up!

This lighthouse is located on the 45th Parallel, exactly midway between the North Pole and the Equator.

Google search turns up: Old Mission Point Light in Michigan Art

According to Wikipedia...
and

Google gave it to you Art, it's yours now.

Here it is: In eastern UK. Situated amongst the buildings in town. Art

Scotland -Burntisland East Breakwater Light
According to Lighthouse Directory (they have a picture too)

Laura, Not the one I am thinking about. Mine is an active lighthouse. It sits in a residential area of town. Art

Three more possibilities....
all from Lighthouse Directory
I'm thinking North Foreland, maybe because its soooo old. 1691, and its the second light at this station

Laura, The one I had in mind was Southwold, which I visited two years ago. Your turn. Hope some others try to guess. Art

Southwold, UK Lighthouse

Image from different angle

Paul, could you take the next question? I have come down the flu or something and can't think.

I just do images... Not real good at trivia!

I'll take it...

This lighthouse was electrified in 1933, and the first-order Fresnel lens was replaced by a third-order lens relocated from the discontinued Sapelo Lighthouse in Georgia.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is it. Did you know the original name of the light was Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse?

Wow, I actually remembered both of those tidbits, in fact several of my early Ponce postcards the light is named Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse..

Wow, I actually remembered both of those tidbits, in fact several of my very early Ponce postcards of the light say that it was called Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse in the beginning..

MG, you got it..And, yes I knew that. I guess that's not the best name for a place...

OK, here you go.. What's the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Americas?

Gibbs Hill Bermuda Art

Nope, the folks at Gibbs Hill have it on their website but they were beaten by several years..

While Bermudans claim Gibbs Hill LH(1844) is the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Americas, the oldest is actually Morant Point LH (1841) in Jamaica.

Correct!

Now that we have the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Americas, What's the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the U.S.?

I will guess New Cape Henry Va. Art :rolleyes:

Long Island Head Light

Good guesses, but both the New Cape Henry and the last cast iron at Long Island Head were built in 1881 whereas the oldest U.S. surviving cast iron was built in 1846 and deactvated in 1954. To say the least it is not a well known light.

That would be 1843 or 44, that's why I included the link about Long Island Head Light...

another site says..

That would make Juniper Island Light the 2nd one constructed

Reading the entire article,it appears to me that the earlier cast iron light was replaced by a newer cast iron in 1881 and thus it only had a life of 38 years. If it wasnt replaced, then it would be the oldest as well as the earliest. The question was which was oldest not the earliest.

One man's replaced is another man's remodeling or in lighthouse speak massive restoration..

This site has pictures of both the 1844 lighthouse and the 1881. Apparently different
lighthouses entirely.
http://www.lighthouse.cc/longislandhead/history.html

I was joking!

Well.... I have been misled by the word 'rebuilt' before.
So is MG right?

According to the lighthousefriends website, the following sentence is written about the light I was seeking and it is not Long Island Head. Of course, they could be wrong.

MG


"The iron tower is similar to the ------- ----- Lighthouse and is the oldest surviving cast-iron lighthouse in the United States."

Want another clue? Let me know.

Juniper Island Light

Paul has it. BTW, it's on an island in Lake Champlain off of Burlington VT. Saw it many years ago by boat, but hard to see now due to tree growth on the island.

Hey Paul! Its your turn, thats what happens when you get the anwer right.

While waiting for Paul to list one, someone might want to try this one.


What was the first public works project authorized by the 1st U.S. Congress?

Cape Henry?

Old Cape Henry is it. It is said that Pres. Washington selected the first keeper at OCH
from a list of applicants prepared for him.

Either Paul of Laura is next.

MG

What is the oldest standing lighthouse in the world?

La Torre de Hercules Spain. Art

Okay so it was an easy one. Your turn Art.

Laura, Your last question should have been easy for Art because basically the same question was asked on 2/09 and Art answered it correctly on 2/12.

I was gone and didn't read all the back questions. I'll plead ignorance.

Here it is. First lighthouse in UK to be equipped with alternating electrical current. Art

Souter Lighthouse

MG

Souter Lighthouse Website

MG, Your Correct! Balls in your court for next question. Art

In what year was the first U.S. lighthouse agency formed, what was its name, what was the total number of colonial lighthouses initially put under the agencies control and last but not least, name as many of the lights as you can?

I hope this isn't too difficult.

MG

MG,
Need clarification here.
You say the first US lighthouse agency, yet you specify COLONIAL lighthouses. Do you mean the lighthouses which were built by the British colonial government and were added to that US agency when created? Or do you mean an agency which oversaw the colonial lighthouses on future US soil?
Taking a shot at the former, as I believe there was no colonial agency, all of these lights were either privately owned or built by individual colonies.
The US Lighthouse Establishment was created by Congress in 1789. I believe there were 12 lighthouses and 7 spar buoys that were transferred to this branch.
8 of these lights were Boston, Brant Point, Beavertail, Sandy Hook, Tybee Island, New London Harbor, Charleston Harbor, Cape Cod

Just thought of another one, Portsmouth Harbor

Cape Ann (Thacher’s Island) Lighthouse was probably one of those first 12.. Cape Henlopen Lighthouse of Delaware another one..

Newburyport Light was established in 1788 so it could have been one, also.

Very good job by Roland & Paul. US Lighthouse Establishment, 1789 & 12 are correct.

colonial (lower case) lighthouses is a description given in many books to the lighthouses built prior to the formation of the US and which were taken over by the USLHE IN 1789. There, of course, was no colonial agency.

Cape Cod is not correct as it was not established until 1797.

I've misplaced my book with the complete correct information, but I believe the others are correct. Paul is correct in that Newburyport was built in 1788 and I believe it was one of the 12, although not actually "ceded" (slow on the paperwork I expect) to the USLHE until 1790 according to another source I have. Cape Ann is definitely correct as it dates to 1771.

The only one that was missed is Plymouth, MA or Gurnet which was established in 1768.

Inasmuch as Roland provided the most information, he should probably go next unless he wishes to defer to Paul.

MG

Duh, MG, my bad! It was Gurnet I was thinking of, but somehow listed Highland. Cape Cod on the brain!
Paul, if you'd like, this Bud's for you!

Interim Question.
What US river had/has Lighthouses covering about 80% of it's navigable channel? Art

Hudson River ???

Potomic

Detroit River is 32 miles long, with I think 12 lighthouses?

I have been out foxed.I was thinking of the Hudson River although the Detroit river meets my criteria, although my map shows only 7 lights. As to the Potomac unless you include the Chesapeake Bay I am not sure it applies. The Loon and Laura win. Either one submit the next question. Art

The following are all listed as Detroit River Lighthouses..

Boblo Island Light
Detroit Lighthouse Depot
Detroit River Light
Grosse Ile North Channel Front
Livingston Channel Upper Light
Mariners Memorial Light (River Rouge)
Old Pelee Passage Light
Tri-Centennial Park Light
William Livingstone Memorial Light
Windmill Point Light

Detroit River Lighthouses Website

On Lighthouse Directory I also found:
Canadian-
Bar Point Pier
Hackett Reach Range Rear
Ballard Reef (Livingstone Channel Light 77D)
US-
Detroit Waterworks Intake Crib

I am not positive that all these are actually in the Detroit River. Of the above, Grosse Ile, Boblo and Pelee Passage are inactive so they wouldn't count toward "coverage". I find it hard to determine what body of water a lighthouse is located in, for the Great Lakes. I have a book I could check, but my husband packed away all my lighthouse books while I was in Oregon, and I haven't had a chance to bring them back downstairs.

If you had a preference for green lanterns, what would be a good place to go?

My research finds that the Potomac does not qualify as only Ft. Washington light is still active on the river. Inactive lights are Jones Point and Piney Point on the river and Point Lookout on the Chesapeake Bay at the entrance to the Potomac.

After due consideration I find due to a small technicality the Detroit river did not meet my criteria. I said a US river and since half of the Detroit river is in Canada it is not totally a US river. Art

You are right Art. It always pays to read the question carefully and I need to remind myself of that fact.
I withdraw my question and Loon is up.

Then I'm the one who got it right! Have to add that the Detroit River was my original answer.

Since Laura has already asked a question, I will let her take this one.

Okay then, I will add to the question -
If you had a preference for green lanterns, what would be a good place to go in North America?

Dalhousie's range lights in St. Catharines, Ontario Canada..

There's a body of water not too far away where you could see more than 2...

BTW anyone else notice the google search engine now IN Lighthouse Directory? Very cool.

The Los Angeles Light has green lenses. ART

Green lanterns are common in a certain body of water.

The body of water is a river, and also a boundary.

The Savannah River on St. Patricks Day?

(A guess, but you can see 3 lights along it, and it is the border of SC and GA.)

...uh...I don't think so. Good one!

Niagara River

St Lawrence River

Farther east Eric. Perhaps this is a bad question. A book of mine said this is the traditional color for lanterns on this waterway, but in looking at Lighthouse Directory I am only finding two, maybe there used to be more. Still green lanterns aren't all that common, so maybe 2 is significant.

In that case the two Dalhousie's range lights are significant..

The body of water I was speaking of was the St. Lawrence River. You are right Paul, your 2 are equally significant and so its your question.

(I promise to have a good question ready next time before I answer a question)

You did read my post where I said ST. Lawrence river and said it was wrong. What's up with that?!!!!

Your up Eric..

No, Eric. We posted at almost the same time and I missed your answer.

Ok that freaked me out as you did say "No Eric."

Oh Well A question... a question...

This lighthouse was gutted by fire in 1959. The house was torn down and all that remains is the formally attached tower. The tower is open for climbing. It's always open.

Peninsula Point Lighthouse, MI

We have been there, but I couldn't find my image quickly.. You can't find the light quickly either, it is a little bit of a drive off the beaten path to get there and nothing else to see nearby.

Yes that is correct.

Yes it is a bit of the beaten path. One can see the Minneapolis Shoal just south of the point with a good pair of binoculars.

What's the largest lighthouse built on the Great Lakes?

Largest how? Tallest...greatest square foot of ground covered...

Not tallest, largest! Probably cubic feet..

Is it Sand Hills Light in the U.P. of Michigan?

You got it Debbie, your turn to ask..

Sand Hills Lighthouse

Not only was Sand Hills the largest lighthouse built in the Great Lakes but it was the last manned lighthouse built on the Great Lakes..

Sand Hills Lighthouse

Ok, I took it the last time there was a gap. Anyone want to ask a question?

Here's one. This lighthouse was the fourth built in Alaska.

Mary Island light in 1903

Right, you're up.

Many U.S. lights have animals in their names such as Owl's Head. There are OVER 20 lights with the names of four legged animals in their name. How many can the trivia players name? Have fun.

MG

Good one! I can only come up with 2. Both in Florida: Alligator Reef and Loggerhead Key.

Maine lights
Moose Peak (Mistake Island)
Bear Island
Deer Island Thorofare
Squirrel Point
Goat Island
Massachusetts light
Deer Island
New York lights
Buffalo Main
Buffalo North Breakwater
Buffalo Harbor South Entrance North Side
Horseshoe Reef
Pennsylvania light
Turtle Rock
Rhode Island lights
Hog Island Shoal
Newport Harbor (Goat Island)
Beavertail
Virginia lights
Wolf Trap
Hog Island
Michigan light
Beaver Head (Beaver Island)
Ohio light
Turtle Island
Washington light
Cattle Point

Add MICHIGAN:
Little Sable
Big Sable Pt
South Fox
Beaver Island Harbor

Don't forget Au Sable. I think thats 26 so far!

Does it have to be existing lights?
Dog Island, FL

My bad

It can still exist or be gone. There are at least 4 more that exist and 3 that don't exist that have not yet been mentioned.

Incidentally, in my original post, the over 20 figure only referred to existing lights, but including non-existing lights, there are over 30 with several of those having already been identified.

If I might make a suggestion, there are quite a number of lights with flying animal names as well as sea animal names which could be started if there is interest. I would be glad to check my records for the approximate numbers of each group.
Last but not least, what do you think of limiting the number of guesses to 2-3 per day per post to allow for more participation? Oops, one other thought is other interesting categories exist such as city names, colors, "edibles" excluding animals, professions, etc. Seems to me this is an interesting way to learn the names of lights that are not as familiar as the well known lights.

Eric, Paul listed Hog Island VA.

Cat Island, MS

Maine
Ram Island
Ram Island Ledge
Whaleback Ledge
New Jersey
Hereford Inlet
Horseshoe Range East Group Rear also Lower Front and Upper Front
Should these count????

Alligator reef, FL

I'm sorry I didn't look close enough.

Washington Skunk Bay

I Think we have beat this thread to death. Here is some more:Horse Island ME,Seahorse Fl, Squirrel Point Me,Turtle Island OH and Wolf Trap VA. Let go on to a new Trivia question. Art

Ok, here's a new trivia question. What light(s) that Forum members have visited in the past may have something to do with the Opportunity Drawing in some shape or manner?

US lights?

us lights, they's lights, everybody's lights.
Sounds like a catchy child's verse, doesn't it?

Roland, you were singing in another thread. I think either you are giddy with spring, maybe giddy with tormenting forum members, or into the cooking sherry. And once again, you didn't answer the question. I think its probably the torment thing.

Here's a really left field guess because you use a pencil to draw. Oak Island. That lighthouse looks like a pencil.

Please use the eraser attached to the pencil and scratch out that answer.

Hmmm!!!!!

Forum members have visited many many lights, but most recently they've been to Sabine Pass, Pass L'outre, New Canel and a few others.

What is the 'oppourtunity drawing?'

If you haven't voted as of yet, this post will explain it.
http://www.lighthousekeepers.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=45;t=000092;p=1#000017

Toledo Lighthouse

One of my first lighthouse visits was to the NEW CANAL LIGHTHOUSE in New Orleans before Katrina. I have also visited the site after Katrina. The site was cleaned up and is totally bare. I am a donor to the Save the Lake group. Art

Last thread died 7 days ago after my last response.

New question: What is the most southern lighthouse in the US?

Sand Key, FL is at latitude 24.45394, Port Isabel TX is at 26.07782 but then there is Hawaii!
Napo'opo'o is a post light at latitude 19.47917 while Cape Kumukahi, a skeleton light is at 19.516322. So, it would depend on your definition of lighthouse. I beleive it would be Cape Kumukahi.

Let's not forget that there are 2 lighthouses in Guam, and it is a US Territory and it is south of Hawaii.

You're right, I was wondering about Puerto Rico for the same reason.

My question means within the fifty states.

So its not Cape Kumukahi?

Laura, Although Hawaii is one of the fifty states Cape Kumukahi is not the answer. Some would consider the lighthouse as a minor light, but in most books it is listed as a lighthouse.

Got to disagree with you AZ. You did ask for lighthouse and Cape Kumukahi was a lighthouse in the sense that it had a keepers house, and it was a primary seacost light. The keepers house was destroyed in 1960 by a lava flow that split and went around both sides of the tower. It was a lightstation.

Kalaupapa, HI Latitude 21.20961
We've gotten into the lighthouse definition thing before and I'M sure we will again.

To end debate: Ka Lae light southwest point of Big Island. You can deabate whether it is a lighthouse or not. Note in quote below it is referred to as a lighthouse.

"This is the main and only blinking beacon lighthouse type warning device for the south point in case you are a boat and haven't already recognized that there is land here. Note that the Kalalea Heiau is in front of it so the Hawaiians really had the idea first of putting a navigation marker at this location."

Next question???

Since Laura's answer was Cape Kumukahi which is just down the road I make her the winner. Laura you have the next question. Art

AZ, I think both Eric and I thought you were saying that Cape Kumukahi might not be considered a lighthouse, when I now believe you were talking about Ka Lae. I didn't answer Ka Lae because I looked at the current light, it was a post light and I figured it wouldn't be considered a lighthouse. However, your answer made me look back at it again and it is very interesting. While the first light in 1906 was " A lens-lantern supported by a thirty-four-foot wooden mast" the second in 1929 was "a new forty-five-foot-steel tower was installed at the point, and its beacon was connected to a wind turbine making Ka Lae Light one of just three wind-powered lighthouses in the U.S. Lighthouse Service. A gasoline-powered generator was also located at the station to provide electricity for the dwelling and backup power for the light." The third and present light "thirty-two-foot concrete pole" was erected in 1972. So, at one point it had a lighthouse and keepers house.
For the next question, why don't we just stay here. What are the other two wind-powered lighthouses?

Quotes are from Lighthouse Friends

Rose Island in RI and Ladies Delight in ME-??

I had Rose Island and Boston Harbor, but looked and you are right. In the 1930s Ladies Delight was powered by a wind driven generator. Your question Sandy.

Oak Island Lighthouse, NC is the second tallest concrete tower (148' tall) built by the United States. What is the tallest U.S.-built concrete tower?

Ponce de Leon, FL or Big Sable, MI?

Nope.

At 162' tall, she sits today as an abandoned decaying monument to another era.

Morris Island SC Art

Nope.

Location was originally discovered by sailors from Christopher Columbus’s 1504 expedition.

I got it, not a US light but a US built light; therefore it is the Navassa lighthouse in the West Indies. Art

Yep!

http://www.lighthousedepot.com/lite_digest.asp?action=get_article&sk=2802

Your turn, Art.

Sandy

P.S. Took me the better part of 6 years to find details on this light and happened to read all about it in a Lighthouse Digest publication while on vacation this past February. The source for information on Oak Island to compliment a picture taken in October of 2002 indicated "Oak Island--the second tallest cement tower built by the U.S. . . ."

We all know that Michigan has the most lighthuoses,of those with lighthouses which state has the fewest? What are the lights? Art

Mississippi

The Biloxi Lighthouse

Mississippi used to have several, but only has the one light today.

Stephanie, Correctomondo. You did not fall in the trap and name Round Island and Ship Island both destroyed by Katrina. Art Your question next!

What Lighthouse carry's the name of a city in one state, yet the Lighthouse is in another state?

Cleveland Ledge, MA

Sabine is a city in Texas and a parish (county) in Louisiana. Sabine Pass Light is in Louisiana.

Sandy

Portland (OR) Head. ME

Presque Isle (MI) PA

Roanoke(VA) River NC

St George(UT)Island. FL

These are all good answers. However Sabine Pass is the answer I was looking for. The town of Sabine is in Texas and the lighthouse is across the Sabine River in the state of Louisiana.

So Sandy you are next!

What is the name of the lighthouse whose “crown stone” is frequently, but mistakenly, reported as a Mason-Dixon Line marker?

Fenwick Island Delaware

Good for you Nancy!!

Your turn.

Sandy

Which lighthouse, built in 1836, has been called " the lighthouse of the presidents?"

Piney Point Art

Art, You are right and quick. Your turn.

Both Trinity House and the Northern Lighthouse Board have a lighthouse with the same name. What is that name?

I have been looking and haven't found two lights with the same name, but I found so many Skerries that I had to figure out what that meant. "Skerry" is an old Norse word that means a rock in the sea.
Still looking for an answer to your question though.

Start Point

Well Done! You have next question.

Which U.S. light has the name of a state, but the light is located in a different state?

Old Michigan City Lighthouse, IN

Stephanie

That's one of them. There is also another one.

MG

Tennessee Reef Light, FL

Sandy

Sandy, That's it. Your turn.

Stephanie,

I'm away until Monday and not near a computer--can you take it?

Sandy

???? That's a new one on me! ??? Never heard of it. Is it a gone but not forgoten light?

The Keepers Daughters of this Lighthouse saved the town from the British in the war of 1812. By beating on drums and making such noise that the British thought they were out numbered.

Scituate

Scituate is the correct answer.

HCS your guestion is next.

Stephanie,

It was still standing in 2004 when this picture was taken.

Sandy




11/29/2004. TENNESSEE REEF’S BEACON PLATFORM. White flash every 4 seconds. Light list #990. Built in 1933. Active; focal plane 49 ft (15 m). 50 ft (15M) hexagonal pyramidal skeletal steel tower with an enclosed lantern on a screwpile foundation. Coast Guard Office of Civil Engineering confirms that the original lighthouse is still in service. Of the eight lights in this series, this is the only one still bearing its lantern. A popular diving site; mooring buoy available. Located south of Long Key. Owner/site manager: U.S. Coast Guard.

I saw Tennessee Reef in 2005 and it still had the lantern room. I am hoping it stays. I am trying to get it on the National Register.

HCS can jump in the next time there's a lull in the postings. . . .

Who can name the east coast light decommissioned 30 years after it was built because it was discovered that it did not illuminate a harbor or waterway?

Sandy

Eric,

Wonder why Tennessee Reef is not listed on the Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation web-site? Nor is it listed on the FLA web-site? Nor is it listed on Lighthouse Friends.

Can anyone exsplain why this light has been leftout on such Lighthouse sites?

Because it is not really a lighthouse in the classic sense. They were not maned lights.

Here is a writeup on them.

http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/types/floridakeys.htm

Sandy, I think you are going to have to give us a hint. This sounds familiar, but I can't place it.

Spain.

Sandy

Barcelona, NY light, also the first gas powered lighthouse. There was a port there when the light first was lit. However the port had faded in importance by the 1850s and most of the warehouses and docks had been destroyed or removed for their lumber.


http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=293

Why don't you go ahead Eric and ask the next question. Sandy must have forgotten to come back and say you were right.

Don't know what happened to my response, but I did post one. Eric was/is right.

Sandy

This lighthouse glows at night, but I doubt that has anything to do with it's neighbor a nuclear power plant. :p

San Luis Obispo Light sit near Diablo Capmon Nuclear Power Plant

Correct your turn Nancy

What lighthouse name means "Point of Little Boats," possibaly refering to the canoes that brought fur traders to the area in the 17 and 1800,s?

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse. It was also so named to warn large ships to avoid traveling along the shoreline at that point as only a few feet of water covers the reef which juts out almost 2 miles into Lake Huron at Pointe Aux Barques.

Incidentally, having been there 4 times, I highly recommend visiting it as it's a beautiful active light station and the tower can be climbed when the museum is open unless things have changed since I was last there about 2 1/2 years ago.

Correct your turn.

There are many lights with names of flying animals (i.e. Owls Head) and sea animals.

Name as many as you can that still exist or formerly existed.

mg

CA: Pigeon Point is my first thought. With some looking, Main: Eagle Island/ Great Duck Island/ Owls Head/ Goose Rocks/ Heron Neck. This is only a start.

By "sea animals" I'm guessing you mean oxygen breathers so I didn't include fish-named lights like Stingray Point Light, VA. That said, these are from a list of East Coast and Great Lakes lighthouses that have names of flying animals or sea animals in their name:

Alligator Reef (Gator) Lighthouse, FL
Hens & Chickens Shoal Light, FL
Wolf Island Lighthouse, GA
Horse Island (Sackets Harbor) Lighthouse, Lake Ontario, NY
Salmon River (Selkirk, Port Ontario) Lighthouse, Lake Ontario, NY
Buffalo Harbor South Entrance Light, St. Lawrence Seaway Trail, Lake Erie, NY
Buffalo Intake Crib Light/Horseshoe Reef Light, St. Lawrence Seaway Trail, Lake Erie, NY
Buffalo Main Light (“Chinaman’s Light”), St. Lawrence Seaway Trail, Lake Erie, NY
Buffalo North Breakwater “Bottle” Light, St. Lawrence Seaway Trail, Lake Erie, NY
Buffalo (Outer Breakwater) Harbor Light, St. Lawrence Seaway Trail, Lake Erie, NY
South Bass Island Lighthouse, Lake Erie, OH
Turtle Island Lighthouse Ruins, Lake Erie, OH
Beaver Head Lighthouse, Beaver Island, MI
Beaver Island Harbor (St. James) Light, MI
Eagle Bluff Light, Green Bay, WI
Sturgeon Bay Canal Light, entrance to Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal, WI
Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead (Ship Canal Pierhead) Light, WI
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse, Eagle Harbor, MI
Eagle Harbor Front & Rear Range Lights (current), Eagle Harbor, MI
Eagle Harbor Rear Range Light (original), Eagle Harbor, MI
Eagle River Lighthouse, Eagle River, MI
Gull Island Light, WI
Gull Rock Lighthouse, Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Whitefish Point, MI
Oyster Bay/Bayou Light, LA
Machias Seal Island Lighthouse, ME
Moose Peak (Mistake Island) Lighthouse, ME
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, ME
Bear Island Lighthouse, ME
Crabtree Ledge Lighthouse, Frenchman’s Bay, ME
Great Duck Island Lighthouse, ME
Goose Rocks, ME
Heron Neck Lighthouse, ME
Deer Island Thorofare (Mark Island) Light, ME
Eagle Island Lighthouse, ME
Ram Island Lighthouse, ME
Squirrel Point Lighthouse, ME
Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse, ME
Goat Island Lighthouse, ME
Whaleback (Whale Back Ledge; Tea Kettle) Lighthouse, ME
Turkey Point Lighthouse, MD
Sharkfin Shoal Lighthouse, MD
Bass River Lighthouse, MA
Bird Island Lighthouse, MA
Cape Cod Canal Breakwater Light, MA
Remains of Deer Island Lighthouse, MA
Dog Bar Breakwater (Gloucester Breakwater) Light, MA
Cat Island Lighthouse, MS
Loon Island, NH
Little Gull Island Lighthouse, L.I., NY
Gull Shoal Lighthouse, NC
Schuylkill River (Turtle Rock) Lighthouse, Philadelphia, PA
Beavertail Lighthouse, RI
Hog Island Shoal Lighthouse, RI
Musselbed Shoals Lighthouse, RI
Whale Rock Lighthouse, RI
Bull Island (Bulls Bay) Lighthouse, SC
Pelican Spit Beacon, TX
Stingray Point Light, VA
Wolf Trap, VA
Cattle Point Light, WA
Skunk Bay Light, WA


Sandy

All sea animals are fine,not limited to oxygen breathing ones. List all you know including Stingray Point which is one of my favorite named screwpile lights. Too bad it no longer exists.

BTW,very good start ladies.

Okay. I've edited my post shown above to include all names that I culled from a list I've compiled.

Sandy

Sandy , I think you have provided enough answers that we should go on to another question. Please provide a new trivia question.

2-part question:

Name the Great Lakes lighthouse with a very unusual covering on its entry door/name and describe the covering.

Sandy

Hints:

Freshwater fish/during WW II, in-use over all kinds of terrain in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

I've been looking with no success. Is there a lighthouse with a door covered in sturgeon skin? Sorry, thats where my mind kept going.

No, Laura. Would be very scaley (sp, ?), don't cha think?

Sandy

P.S. I'll post another hint later today if nobody gets the names.

BTW, you are close, but that only counts in horseshoes!!

I'm thinking of the diamond plate metal strips they used for landing aircraft on pacific islands. But I have no idea of the lighthouse with that on it's door. Unless it might be Sturgeon Point (since Laura was close.)

MG, You and Laura share this one, as the lighthouse is Sturgeon Point and the door is covered with Marsden Matting.

Wikipedia has a more-current detailed description and picture. Their 2006 description was “Marsden Matting was extensively used during World War II by Seabees (Construction Battalions) and other front line construction personnel to build runways and other readily usable surfaces over all kinds of terrain in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
“The matting consisted of steel strips with holes punched through and U-shaped channels formed between the holes, with hooks along one long edge and slots along the other long edge so that they could be connected to each other. The hooks were usually maintained in the slots by a steel clip that filled the part of the slot that is empty when the adjacent sheets are properly engaged together. The holes were upset at their edges so that the beveled edge stiffened the area around the hole. In some situations a T-shaped stake could be driven, at intervals, through the holes to keep the assembly in place on the ground.
“On Pacific islands the matting would typically have been covered with crushed and rolled coral or soil to form a level surface. The perforated and channeled design of the matting created strength and rigidity and facilitated drainage. A runway two hundred feet wide and 5,000 feet (1500 m) long could be created within two days by a small team of engineers.”

I questioned one of the guides when we there in August of 2006 and was told it was used to thwart entry into the lighthouse and prevent vandalism. Appears to have worked, as no one has gained unauthorized entry since its installation.



I came upon this unusual feature when it was printed on Lighthouse Friends' description of Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in 2006. They've changed their descriptions and that information is no longer included for this light, but I didn't know that until I looked at their site today. My next hint was going to be "airfield matting" which would have brought up Wikipedia's definition and picture and would probably be where at least Laura would have looked.

I think Arizona beats West Virginia this time.

Who is "MG"?

Sorry about that, JC--must have had Mystery Guest on my mind!

Sandy

Here's an 'in-the-news' question.

One city recently said (in effect) "Thanks, but no thanks" to receiving a lighthouse because they didn't like the terms of the contract. Name the governmental entity and the lighthouse.

The city is Port Huron, MI and the lighthouse is Fort Gratiot and here's a link
http://lighthouse-news.com/2009/05/08/port-huron-refuses-lighthouse-transfer/

Laura -- you and I must both be following Sue Clark (@lighthousenews) on Twitter! LOL. PH is my old hometown and they have been working to get Fort Gratiot for years. While the city manager fiddles, Fort Gratiot deteriorates more.

I had read about it somewhere, but I don't remember just where. I don't Twitter. Okay, next question.
This replica was built to replace a lighthouse that fell in 1984. It was built with modern technology, but to look like the original 1818 stone tower. It is said to built so that it can become an offshore lighthouse when erosion threatens again.

Great Point Light, Nantucket?

Sandy

Exactly right Sandy. Your question. I thought that was so cool that it would continue to stand, even after the shore eroded away. I have only found that information in one place though, "America's Landfall..." by Donald Davidson. I hope its true.

Name the east coast light whose spiral cast-iron stairway was added in 1871 and explain why, specific to this light, that was necessary.

Couldn't post earlier because we lost power around 9:30PM last night and didn't get it back until 3AM this morning.

The 40'-tall octagonal freestone (brownstone) tower stands on a capped, uncoursed foundation
formed with rubblestone (schist) and cement. There is no exterior ornamentation.

Well, that confirms that the one I had yesterday is the right lighthouse, but I do not know the why. So I will leave both parts for someone else, since I and my sister are headed, this evening, to another lighthouse whose wooden staircase was replaced with a spiral cast iron stair - Cape Lookout.

Its first optic was a spider lamp, which was replaced by a Winslow Lewis apparatus consisting of 12 lamps and reflectors with 8 of the lamps fitted with his rather inefficient plano convex lenses. The optic rotated on 2 circular tables.

Laura,

Hope you had exceptional weather and were able to get onto the island. We tried to get pics of Cape Lookout for many years before being successful this past February. She is a beautiful light.

Sandy

In 1840, after enlarging the lantern, Lewis introduced a device consisting of 9 lamps each backed by 16" reflectors.

Lynde Point (Old Saybrook) Art

Faulkner's Island, CT , a larger lense was installed or ????

You got it!! The tower's outside spiral cast-iron stairway was added in 1871 because the lantern was not large enough to hold a Fresnel optic while allowing enough deck space for the usual trap door access from the watchroom below.

Your turn, wicky wacky (have you answered the question as to why you use that handle?)

Sandy

Here is a new question. What is the newest built onshore lighthouse in the US?

Sullivans Island SC in 1962

Correct, You have to post the next question!

Name present or past lighthouses with names of fruits.

Name present or past lighthouses with names of fruits.

Mystery Guest,

That would be a Lighthouse Game. But Not a Trivia Question?

Lime Point,CA
Raspbery Island, WI
Plum Island Range, WI
Plum Island, NY
Pumpkin Island, ME(Pumpkins have seeds therefore a fruit)
Plum Beach, RI
Lime Kiln WA

Very good job.

A couple of others are Ida Lewis, formerly Lime Rock RI. and 2 Cherry Island DE. Range Lights which are gone. One from Canada is Strawberry Island Light.

I had Pumpkin Island on my list so no argument from me on that one.

Your turn.

mg

During the Revolutionary War a chain was stretched across the Hudson river. At this same site in 1853 a lighthouse was built,it was destroyed in 1946. Name the lighthouse.

Stony Point

The lighthouse has been destroyed.Stony Point still stands. Go North.

Another hint, Was on the grounds of a famous school. My Alma Mater

West Point Lighthouse, NY (also known as Gee's)?

Sandy

Sandy, Well done! I believe it was also know as McGees Point. Flirtation Walk went right by the old site. I speak from experience although back in those days I was not there for lighthouse reasons. Your next question.

Been after HL forever to make this a "Gone, But Not Forgotten" light part of the Hudson River lights they've already done. Tickled to see someone else even knows about this light and impressed that you are among an elite group of students.

Name the light on a site that was once the setting for the first permanent settlement in New York State and what is its "claim to fame?"

As an ex-New Yorker I figured I better find the answer. I am going with Van Wies PT. Lighhouse at Fort Orange (Albany NY). I'd say it's claim to fame is that it had a the same keeper for 52 Yrs.

Nope.

Another hint: The original lighthouse was built in 1834 and was replaced by the present one in 1870.

Ogdensburg Harbor Lighthouse.My guess at claim to fame is that in 1813 a battle was fought with the English on site as part of the War of 1812

Lighthouse is correct. Claim to fame is that it was once used as a "pest house" for cholera victims.

These pictures were taken in 2004:





Your turn Art.

My home state (Arizona) has no ocean coastline, but we do have lighthouses. How many are there and what waterway are they on?

My Trivia question has gone unanswered for 3 days, come on it is not that difficult if you know how to google for information.

14 lighthouses on Lake Havasu ???

WELL DONE! You are up with next trivia question.

Art,

Have you seen the replicas? Worth stopping on the way across the USA to see them? Think I recall reading that the person responsible for the idea is from the East Coast and was homesick for our lighthouses--is that true?

Sandy

New question:

What is the name of the lighthouse, currently a skelital tower(not the original structure), that is named after the 1638 landing of Finnish colonists on that spot?

Finns Point, Delaware

Right lighthouse, Wrong state

Finns Point, New Jersey

But since I only asked for the lighthouse you are technicly correct.

Your question!!!

Got you. I had right river,wrong shoreline

What lighthouse is named for a President?

Just a guess, Fort Washington MD.

Point Obama?

I was going to guess Port Clinton!

The light I am thinking of was specifically named to honor the President it is named after. Neither Fort Washington and Port Clinton are it. He is a relatively obscure President.

Cleveland East Ledge Light - MA

Lighthouse Loon, You got it! Your Question.

A 43 year old River Pilot, born in the US, was a passanger on a ship headed for England. He was going to England to stake his claim on his families fortune. Unfortunately the ship hit a shoal and he perished. A lighthouse was later put on that shoal and named after him. What is the name of the lighthouse?

Hint: His multi-syllabic first name must have been considered too long, as the name given the shoal was shortened.

Miah Maull Shoal - his first name was Nehemiah

Laura,

Miah Maull Shoal - New Jersey is correct !!!

Your question!

Here's a fact I just found out about an old friend. In 1844 a 15-foot-high wall was built around the tower’s base and that area was paved over. What lighthouse?

OLD CAPE HENRY

Correct! Going to see the old guy tomorrow.

Which U.S, lighthouse is the most recent to be rededicated and relit?

Hope everyone had a fun and safe holiday. Great Lakes might help!

Was it McGulpin Point Lighthouse Michigan?

Indeed it is McGulpin Point and here's the story compliments of lighthousefriends.com

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=213


Your turn Debbie.

Which U.S. lighthouse is still operational but has its original 4th order lens on display at Point Iroquois?

Martin Reef Light

No, here is a hint:
It's unique design has never been duplicated on the Great Lakes.

Debbie: Below is a quote from the description of Point Iroquois Museum. Is there two fourth order lens on site?


The fourth-order Fresnel lens from the Martin Reef Lighthouse is on display in the dwelling.

St. Martin Island Lighthouse is what I am looking for.
Not sure why they would call it Martin Reef Lighthouse in the description.
The lighthouse is on St. Martin Island and can be viewed by boat only as it is now under the management of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
It is located between Poverty Island Light and Pottowatomie Light.
So, it is now up to Mystery Guest.
Thanks AZ for the info ...I checked with Terry Peppers seeing the lights website for the lens info.

Which U.S. lighthouse has the highest focal plane, and if you know, how high is it?

mg

Are you talking about an active light?

If you mean an existing light - Old Point Loma at 465'
If you mean an active light - Makapu'u Point Light at 420'
(I knew I was becoming some kind of lighthouse nut, when as I was reading in the Holland book "America's Lighthouses" that Point Cabrillo had the highest focal plane in the US, and I found myself shaking my head.)

Old Point Loma is correct. Incidentally, some books including the 1994 Inventory of Historic Light Stations list the FP at 462'.

This 1805 lighthouse, always threatened by erosion, still has the original spiral stone steps.

New Point Comfort

New Point Comfort is right. I saw this one last Sunday. Your turn!

Some interesting trivia I recenly read is that none of the many Light stations in one of our states can not be reached by car. Which state is it?

My guess is Alaska.

Fairly easy to figure out by elimination, but never having been to Alaska, I did not know until reading it that all of its light stations can only be accessed by the Coast Guard by boat and/or helicopter. Thus, if you are planning to see or photo them, you need to plan on doing it by boat or air.

Art, your turn.

mg

Mystery Guest, My guess was eliminatory, Dr Watson!

Which US lighthouse was the first to us Electricity?

Sherlock tells me SOL was the first US lighthouse to us electricity, Dr Watson.


mg

Correct, Your question

Which U.S. lighthouse took the longest time to construct and approximately how long did it take to construct it? The light also held another record. If you know what it is, you can treat yourself to a Krispy Kreme.

mg

St. George Reef took 10 years and over $700,000.
I'm not sure thats the longest construction time, but it has to be close.

St George Reef,CA Ten years to construct, also the most expensive construction cost.

That's it. I will have to put up some tougher ones.

Laura wins the St George identity race by 1 minute!!! Congrats to both Laura and Art tho.

Laura's next.

mg

This lighthouse got its name from a Miami Indian chief.
Art, want to split a Krispy Kreme?

Turtle Island Light is named for Chief Little Turtle.

mg

Too easy, huh? You're up.

Which U.S. lighthouse tower was increased in height by erecting the old light tower on top of a new tower base which was approximately how tall?


mg

Algoma, WI - 12'

This is a very informative trivia, but what light is SOL?

Also do you know anything about a lighthouse on Saipan that was metal and part of a house. I think the Germans might have built it when they were a presence in the Pacific between WW1 and WW2.

Climbed it when visiting in 1973 or '74.

SOL = Statue of Liberty

I think the following url will take you to the Saipan lighthouse you are seeking. According to this site, it was built in 1934 by Japan. If you need additional information, there are other sites.

http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/photos/Pacific/Garapan.htm


mg

Algoma is an excellent guess, but its not the one I wanted. I started to mention the height addition and other information, but didn't, as it would have eliminated Algoma as an answer, since the other light addition is quite a bit higher.

Also this would be picky, but the addition to Algoma is referred to as a cylinder whereas the addition to the light that I wanted is referred to as a tower addition. If no one gets it tonight, I'll add the height in the morning and if that doesn't help, I'll add another clue in the evening.

Will have to be more careful in wording the next one.

mg

North Point lighthouse.WI Went from 30 ft to 72 ft.

Art, you have it although the website for the North Point Lighthouse friends, the group now managing the property indicates that the old tower was 39' and the new tower was 35' for a total of 74', but I too have seen 30' for the addition on other websites.

Below is a link to the very nice wesite maintained by the Friends with a nice banner photo showing clearly where the 2 towers were joined. Another interesting fact is the old tower was made up of cast iron plates whereas the new base was made of steel. It must have been an interesting job in 1912 to build the top of the new tower to match the base and octagonal shape and taper of the old tower.

http://www.northpointlighthouse.org/history


Art, now you're up.

How many lighthouse did the Stevensons build in Scotland? (plus or minus one)

97 lighthouses

84 Scottish lighthouses

Did some more reading and think Paul's 97 is correct.

mg

According to Bella Bathurst's book "The Lighthouse Stevensons" the answer is 97.
Paul got the next guestion.

What was the first cast-iron tower in Southern USA?

Biloxi - MS ???

You got it, Loon, it is the Biloxi Light! It's your turn for a question, Loon!

In 1953 a Middle East ship with a cargo of ore, traveling in a very heavy fog, struck this lighthouse? The top two thirds of this lighthouse fell into the bay.

Elbow of Cross Ledge Light in Delaware? I saw this on the History Channel talking about maritime collisions a couple weeks ago.

Tybee, Right lighthouse , wrong state .

Elbow of Cross Ledge in in New Jersey, though it's just about right on the border(which is in the middle of the Delaware Bay.

Since I only asked for the lighthouse and not the state, your are correct.

That's the second time someone thought a NJ lighthouse was in Delaware.

Tybee, your question.

This Hawaiian lighthouse's name could also be appropriate for an Outer Banks lighthouse.

Lets try Barber's Point.

Not the one I was looking for, but you've got the right idea.

Barber's Point could also be a name appropriate for a North Florida light house as well.

OK, Lets try Diamond Head.

That's it!

Could also be the name for Cape Lookout.

Which was the first light station built on the west coast of the U.S.?

Alcatraz?

Sandy

That's it. Your turn.

This 1823 tower's double walls show an unusual construction technique–the builder filled the 8" space between the walls with wooden planks placed horizontally between layers of sand and small rubble stones. Name the tower and its location.

Sandy

ARRGH! That sounds familiar, but I can't think of it!!!

I'll guess...Jupiter Lighthouse, Jupiter FL

Nope. About 1,000 miles too far.

Sandy

Cape Lookout

Ocracoke? Year is right at least. Along with Tybee the rest sounds familiar, but I can't place it. Seems like it might be offshore.

Nope and nope. Not terribly good with mileage calculations, but think you have to come farther north about 600 miles from where you are with your guesses.

Clue #2:

The original beacon was built atop a small wooden tower built in 1808 and established in 1809 that endured until a gale toppled it in 1821.

Definitely needed the second clue.
Fayerweather Island Light, also known as Black Rock Harbor Light
Bridgeport, Connecticut

Seems like the sand infill would provide some cushioning in a storm, but the planks... can't see any reason for those. Sounds like the builder was cleaning up the site.

Sorry I got wrapped up in something else (clean-up from the taking down of what had been a gorgeous over 60-year-old Maple tree in our front yard). You're correct Laura--your turn.

Sandy

Some of the ships passing this lighthouse today carry liquid natural gas. Which lighthouse?

COVE POINT?

Cape Charles?

Cove Point, MD is right, though I guess the ships would also have to pass Cape Charles.
If you look at the map for Cove Point on Lighthouse Friends, there is a Liquid Natural Gas facility just north of the lighthouse. I currently have a concrete project at that plant and I have been trying to think of a reason the bosses need to send me there.
Your turn MG

Can you name an active aid to navigation (light) that is in a church? You get extra points if you can name the town and church where it is located. You may buy one krispy kreme for one extra answer and two if you know all the answers.

mg

I believe that is the Old North Church in Boston.....if I remember correctly.....

Not the Old North Church. You may be thinking of the two lanterns in connection with Paul Revere's ride.

Not to doubt, but I believe that church was used as a light as well. Let me check.....

EDIT: Apparently I am a bit off as I was confusing it with the.....Wait....do I get another chance?

In looking back through the posts, I see that it is acceptable to answer again if nobody else has volunteered the information. I was in the right vicinity the first time but.......this isn't horseshoes or hand grenades so...... :p :p :p

I must say that it is the First Baptist Church in Beverly, MA.

You have 2/3's of the answer, but you didn't name the light which was the primary question. I bet you know it???

Are you referring to the main light (Hospital Point Front Range Light) or the name for the First Baptist Church (Hospital Point Rear Range Light)?

EDIT: In looking back over your question, I see that you are referring to the latter. My answer, therefore, is Hospital Point Rear Range Light.

That's it. Nice job. You're next.

I hope nobody has asked this yet......Which lighthouse had a keeper whose dog would ring the fog bell for passing ships? The dog just happens to be buried on the grounds.

At Owls Head Light, Maine the dog named Spot rang the fog bell in the 1930's and was buried next to it. Another interesting story was that the fog bell rope was frozen in the snow one winter and the bell couldn't be rung so Spot barked continuously until a mailboat captain returning to Rockland Harbor acknowledged the barking by blowing his boats whistle. The boat was then able to return safely to Rockland Harbor.

Excellent! You are correct! Feel free to post your question.

Time for a lightship trivia question. Can you give the 4 word name, ship number, first of its kind experiment conducted on it for 2 years and its location now? A little more help- it was stationed on the east coast.

A bit more help. NELL members might have a better chance answering this one.

Just a shot in the dark...

http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=447

Not Portsmouth. Maybe CT. would help.

I guest Eel Grasso Shoal Lightship. LV-12

Not Eel Grasso.

This one was tougher than I thought it would be so here is lots of information.

This Light Vessel (LV) as they were called in 1892 when it was built was quite famous at the time for there were quite a few firsts in its construction which represented a technological turning point for lightships throughout out the world.

It was the first with electrical lighting for its lanterns (which were gimbaled to stay horizontal even in bad seas), the first with a steam engine for propulsion, the first constructed of steel, the first built on the Great Lakes for ocean service, etc.

It was in its CT location for 2 years while the electric lighting system was tested with outstanding results. It served at Sandy Hook from 1894 through 1908 when it was then designated as a Relief LV. It eventually returned to its original station off the CT coast. It was on station there on April 24, 1919 when unfortunately it was struck by a Standard Oil Co barge and sank in 8 minutes. The entire crew was able to get into a lifeboat but only the ships log and signal book were saved during the evacuation. Thus the LV has rested on the bottom of Long Island Sound in approximately 190' of water for almost 90 years.

Probably the only good thing that came out of the sinking was the damages paid by Standard Oil Co completely funded the construction of LV 111.

There is an interesting 24 page pamphlet on this LV as well as other lightship information that was published by the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office. If anyone is interested, I'll post the title.

Hopefully someone can now name the lightship.

mg

LV 51 Cornfield Point - Can't seem to find a 4 word name. It was also at Sandy hook so would have carried that name.
I was hunting through this list http://www.uscg.mil/History/weblightships/LightshipIndex.asp and had gotten as far as #51, but would never have gotten the answer without all the final clues. I was leaning towards LV 1 : Nantucket New South Shoal but couldn't find an experiment on the vessel. Though I guess since it was #1, the whole thing was an experiment.
Coast Guard information on LV51: http://www.uscg.mil/History/weblightships/LV51.asp

Sandy Hook Experimental Lightship / LV99 ???

Not sure about this, but it's currently near Lansing Shoals, MI ???

LV 51 is the correct number and its original official name was Cornfield Point Light Vessel as evidenced by a very old photo. I meant to note that during its experimental lighting phase, it was only off CT and thus it would not then be named Sandy Hook, but I hit the reply icon too quickly. It was named Sandy Hook Later. Also, at the time of its sinking, its name was Relief.

Besides the book I have, below are 2 links that provide more of the information noted above with the first one showing the very old photo with its full name and the second summarizing its history and sinking.

http://www.uscglightshipsailors.org/cornfield_lightship_lv51.htm


http://www.uscglightshipsailors.org/cornfield_lightship_lv_51_report_2003_424.htm

Incidentally, if you want to find lightship information, the Lightship Sailors Association has lots of it. Its website is

www.uscglightshipsailors.org


Laura, you're next.

In 1921 a gale nearly blew the keeper off the island location of this lighthouse. His bull was blown off, but found later alive on the mainland. No bull....

I know this one,no bull, but will wait a few days to post the answer in order to give someone else a chance to answer first.

I find a bull blown off Tatoosh Island, site of Cape Flattery lighthouse, but the date is 1930.

Right island and lighthouse Art. Your turn.
I got the year from Lighthouse Friends:
I always find conflicting information interesting and try to figure out which is correct. Where did you get your information?

The Roman tower at Dover Castle, UK claim to fame is what?

The Pharos tower was built as a lighthouse in the middle of the first century and may be the oldest building still standing in the UK.

You got it! You have next question

The answer to an earlier trivia question was that Owls Head had a dog that rang the fog bell. It turns out there was another light station where a dog with a nautical name rang the fog bell. Can you name the station and the dogs name?

mg

Wood Island, ME - Sailor was dog's name.

Sandy

Sandy, that's it. Next question is yours.


mg

Name the lighthouse whose first keeper lost both arms in a July 4th celebration accident. He was provided with artificial limbs that allowed him to eat and write, and was able to complete the government paperwork and reports; his wife and family handled the day-to-day maintenance of the station.

Stoney Point Lighthouse

Yep. Your turn.

Sandy

Do you know the first lighthouse built in Michigan and why its lght was not white?

mg

Fort Gratiot - Port Huron, MI
First tower- 1825 collapsed 1828 due to poor construction and erosion.

Second tower 1829, height increased from 74 feet to 82 feet in 1861.

As to why it has a green lens today, I can't find that answer. It was once changed from a fixed light for an interesting reason.
According to Terry Pepper's site
The green lens came in 1933, when the fresnel was replaced with an aerobeacon. Perhaps the green light stands out from background lights?

Laura, that's it. When the green light was initially installed to replace a white light, it was because railroad tracks ran parallel to the shoreline near the lighthouse and the ship captains could not tell if the white light was from the lighthouse or the headlamp of a passing train, so the white light was changed to green.

Your turn.

For its first 33 years, this U.S. tower was a creamy yellow. The current daymark paint scheme is completely different. Today's lighthouse buffs would still probably have recognized it though, by its distinctive shape. which lighthouse?

Big Sable Point

Fire Island ?

Loon has it!

Name the gone but not forgotten lighthouse that was activated in 1831, but was only in service for 31 years?

It had only four Keepers. The second Keeper died on duty and his wife took over until she died in a hurricane ten years later.

Choctaw Point Light AL

You got it Mystery Guest !!!

Your turn!

Can you name the oldest light station on the Great Lakes and the approximate year it was established?

After being taken by the British, a lantern was placed on the roof of Fort Niagra in 1781. Not sure this qualifies as a light station.
Also shown as first on the Great Lakes is Presque Isle, PA in 1818.

Didn't consider Fort Niagara a light station with just a lantern and light station in question predates Presque Isle, PA.

Guess I need to head to Cananda....Gibraltar Point, Ontario 1808 and still standing.

Thats it. Gee, I forgot to mention Canada!

Actually I shouldn't have assumed. :rolleyes:
This lighthouse is named because of 3 cannons, retrieved from a wreck, that were used to celebrate the 4th of July.

That was a bit naughty of me as unfortunately, I expected trivia players might assume it was a U.S light. Its also a neat tower having seen it many years ago.

Your turn Laura

mg

Bringing this back to the top:

This lighthouse is named because of 3 cannons, retrieved from a wreck, that were used to celebrate the 4th of July.

Battery Point Lighthouse, CA ???

According to Lighthouse Friends:
Your turn Loon.

Name the four lighthouses that aid entry into a certain bay that has a major shipping city?

Hint: one is in a different state then the other three.

I Will Try: New Jersey, Sandy Hook ,Robbins Reef, Romer Shoals. New York, Coney Island.

No, not Hudson Bay, which has about a dozen lighthouses and multiple shipping cities.

I try these Four, Harbor of Refuge DE, Cape May NJ, Brandywine Shoals NJ, Miah Maull Shoals NJ

Nice guess Art, but not it!

Hint: A replica of one of the lights is very close to us here on the CF.

I have given you two answer that meet your criteria, I therefore give up.

I have given you two answers that meet your ctiteria, I give up.

Sorry to frustrate you Art!

I didn't think this was too hard a question. Maybe I should have said there are only 4 lighthouses for the entrance to this specific bay area.

This is turning out to be a very superior question!

Well, that tells us that one of the lighthouses is Wisconsin Point, Superior Entry, WI. Assuming the city is Duluth, you could use Outer Island, WI to locate the entry to [I cannot find the name of this bay] Bay. Then if you were keeping to the southern, or Wisconsin side of the bay you would pass Devils Island, WI and Sand Island, WI. Thats four already and none is Minnesota. Sorry Loon, I'm confused too!

Laura, You were on the right track.

The answer I was looking for is the city of Duluth. The bay is Superior Bay. The lighthouses are: Duluth Harbor North Breakwater, South Breakwater Inner, South Breakwater Outer, & Wisconsin Point.

There's also the Minnesota Point lighthouse, but that one is just about lost.

Laura's turn!

Sorry for the delay, I've had the flu.
This should be an easy one. Name the New England lighthouse with the highest focal plane.

Block Island Southeast Light focal plane was 258' before it was moved and was listed at 261' in another source, possibly after the move?

Your turn, MG.

I'd really like to see this one someday.

Time for some ship trivia for Anchor Bay collectors or ship lovers. Freighters that work on the Great Lakes are known by one of two nicknames or categories. Do you know what they are? Incidentally, neither Los Angeles or Minneapolis are correct answers, but may help.

Lakers ?

These terms seem to apply also: Bulkers and Stemenders.

Poe class refers to freighters that can only use the Poe lock. I couldn't find another class name.

"Lakers" is correct as they are built in the Great Lakes for use only in the fresh water of the lakes and do not travel beyond as they are built too wide/long to go around Niagara Falls thru the narrow Welland Canal and its locks. Incidentally, the famous Edmund Fitzgerald was a Laker.

I bet Loon got Lakers from the 2 cities where the pro basketball Lakers played. Good job Loon, however you got it.

For Art, those are correct types of freighters under the broader category of "Lakers" or the other broad category.

The other group are those built anywhere for carrying ocean borne freight. When these ships are in the Great Lakes they have their own nickname which is .......? If no answer to the second group by tomorrow evening, I'll post the answer.

Yeah, I'm a big sports fan. I follow most of the Minnesota teams.

Ocean going vessels that sail in the Great Lakes are called Salties

I confess that I haven't been following this Forum very much but I do love trivia. Has anyone considered doing a "Lighthouse Trivia" book? I have an old one but it would be nice to include all the interesting facts in this Forum. Who knows maybe it can raise some funds for lighthouse preservation!

Judy

Art has the rest of the answer, Salties.

Below are 2 links with more information on "Lakers and Salties", Great Lakes, etc., that you might find interesting.

http://www.lre.usace.army.mil/_kd/Items/actions.cfm?action=Show&item_id=4833&destination=ShowItem

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_freighter

With respect to the Poe lock, there are about 30 Laker vessels, including 12 1000' or more in length, that must use it due to their size for it is by far the largest active lock on the Great Lakes at 1200' in length and 110' in width.


since Loon got Lakers first, your turn unless you would like to pass it to Art who got Salties.

I don't have a question ready, so if Art has one, the forum is his!

If no guestion is posted by tomorrow, I'll have one.

Name this light. Sits high on a cliff, non operational. Was replaced by a light at the bottom of the cliff. The new light sits slightly off shore. This is a foreign light in an English speaking country.

The cliff or cliffs I refer to are not just ordinary cliffs

I don't see any trivia posts since 8/20, but believe I had the last correct answer. I will be traveling without a computer thru the weekend and thus I wont be able to post and monitor a new trivia question at this time. Since Loon passed to Art recently, why don't you post the next question?

mg

There have been a few responses since the 20th, including solving Art's question, but they were lost with the problems John mentioned in the thread about the forums.

I know the cliffs are the White Cliffs of Dover, but I don't remember the correct lighthouse. I stated South Foreland, but that was wrong. Maybe who ever got it right could post it again.

In the meantime, I'll come up with a new question.

Sorry it's taken so long to come up with my question!

Here goes:

Name the lighthouse and keeper.

The Keeper was a twice widowed lady who retired as Keeper of this light in 1919. A 175 foot Keeper Class Bouy Tender was named after her.

Matinicus Rock Light and Keeper Abbie Burgess

I was on that tender for the 100 Anniversary of Orient Point LH. My first LH event, representing NELL, and meeting my mentor Merle Wiggins for the first time!

Wrong !!!!!!!!!!

Abbie Burgess was a Keeper at Matinicus until 1860. There was a Bouy Tender(WLM553) named after her in September 1996 the same month as the Keeper I'm referring to. (WLM552)

One note: I don't think Abbie was twice widowed.

Robbins Reef Light and Keeper Katherine "Katie" Walker!!!!!!!!!!

Correct Answer !!!!!!!!!!

Pauls turn!

What's the first lighthouse in the world to use a fuel cell for power?

South Gare Light, Yorkshire, England?

Sandy

You are correct, Sandy!!!!! It's your turn.

Access to the watchroom of this 70' tall lighthouse is via a unique staircase, consisting of a series of steps (no landings) formed by wedge-shaped granite slabs chiseled into a helical form. The slabs' inside lobes are stacked around a center post.

I will try Cape Schanck lighthouse in Australia
Art

No. This one's stateside.

Sandy

Sandy let me try Amelia Island. Art

Nope. Further north--some 1,200 miles.

Sandy

Second hint: Originally a 30' tall wooden tower, the light was not high enough for mariners and was replaced in 1840 by the existing 70' tall octagonal structure. Its outer stone wall and inner brick lining have been bonded or tied together by brownstone blocks placed at regular intervals around the tower.