Roanoke River --- A different Perspective

Here are two more photos that I have ready to share. We were able to get on the property the other day, although I won't say how. I promised our contact that I would not give out my source.





I was also given the contact information which got me in contact with the owner. I spoke with him yesterday while he was at work, so I was not able to get a lot of information out of him. He was very nice and willing to help me with some information that I was looking for. He also said that the structure was NOT up for sale and that he was working with the "Lighthouse Society" and the town of Edenton to get it restored at some point. Like I said, I wasn't able to get a ton of info from him, but I was at least given some ray of hope that the structure would be restored.

As for the lens, it is my understanding that it is owned by the city of Edenton. It appears to me that it is all there, although I can't speak yet as to its condition.

I have a number of photos to share if you guys are interested.

Stephen, I, for one, would love to see more pictures. Everybody in the forums is always eager to see photos. I sure hope the owner of Roanoke means it; your shots really tell the story of the work this beautiful structure needs.

... if those are anything to go by, all I can say is: MORE PLEASE
I would love to see more pictures!

I agree. More Pictures! Would love to hear more about the lens also.

From what I could see a couple of years ago from across the canal, the lens looked fine. My understanding was the lens was on "LOAN" to the previous owner (who died a few years ago).

Please update us when you find out, how the new owner aquired the lighthouse. The son of the heir tried to sell it for a million dollars a couple years ago.

Roanoke certainly could use a lot of TLC. Nice pics to show the actual condition of the light and the work that needs to be done.

At least the light is in one piece and very salvageable.

Bob

Here are a few more follow up photos.

This shot is of what I call the "north side" of the light. This one was shot almost directly into the sun. Not really having a good grasp on exposure settings yet, this is what we got.



This view of the "tower," was taken from almost the same angle as the first, and gives a good view of the gallery.



The underside of the "back" porch shows its condition and where it connects to the main structure, and also explains why there are loose boards on the "front" of the structure (will post that photo later).



One more for now, a view looking along the remains of the porch on the north side of the structure, looking down toward the privy.



Maybe I can get around to posting more later tonight.

Good shots, Stephen! I really like that you take the time to show us the details of the deterioration. Gives us a good appreciation for the toll that time has had on this wonderful building.

I hope they can restore it. It would be a really nice looking ligthhouse. Great Pictures

Great pitures, even though it is a sad sad story!

Ah yes, the ever popular eastern North Carolina cinder block foundation. At least it's not that close to the beach and its hurricanes. Abandoned buildings that looked like this are scattered all over that part of the state, including hundreds of old tobacco barns. Sometimes they last for decades without falling down. Sometimes the kudzu or honeysuckle takes over. The worst threats are vandalism and fire. The house my father grew up end (late 19th century wooden farm house) has been abandoned for 20 years and looks about this good except for the hurricane caused hole in the roof. The more water gets in the faster it deteriorates. I hope someone is watching the lighthouse to keep it safe. The materials used in construction at that time are still quite common in NC today, the construction style will be harder to duplicate, i.e., 2X4s were actually 2X4 back then. Lumber, glass, tin(?) roof, etc. will have to be specially duplicated if the structure is to restored to originality.

Just keep it away from Currituck County officials.

I was there three years ago and it was bad then. But boy it looks a heck of alot worse now. Thanks for the recent pics.

Ken