NELL had its spring Outing in Groton, CT, this June 3-4 weekend. Mother nature cooperated by giving us two fantastic days of sun and blue sky between two bouts of rain and a June nor'easter storm. The wind kicked up the waves for the 5 hour cruise on the Long Island Sound; but members were having such a good time photographing the lighthouses, that they didn't much notice any rough water.
Our evening event featured a signing with Bill. After dinner he entertained us with an hour's talk about how the Harbour Lights company began and how it has helped spur general interest in lighthouses which in turn creates an interest in our country's history.
The evening's activities continued as Bill conducted a door prize drawing and handed out many exciting HL sculptures.
On Sunday the members visited Stonington Lighthouse which was the second HL membership piece. It is not a tall light, but did service in the most important mid 1800's port between New York and Boston. The second floor museum contains a 5th order Fresnel lens, which the Coast Guard is demanding be protected with an outer acrylic shield. Our club has raised some money to donate towards this project.
Following this tour, we visited the USS Nautilus Submarine museum, which was most interesting. This was the first atomic sub and the first to go completely under the Arctic ice pack.
Our club does not meet in summer, so the next regular event will be the annual fall meeting and Outing. Interested New England collectors should watch our website for information on dates as they become known.
www.lighthouse.cc/nelighthouselovers Barbara Hupp, President
NELL
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ladylightkeeper
[This message has been edited by ladylightkeeper (edited 06-07-2000).]
