I have seen at least ten pieces of Esopus Meadows in ten different stores. Each piece has a noticeable tilt to the front. Does this lighthouse actually tilt forward? Has anyone else noticed this? I have not seen this one in person, maybe someone who has can let me know. Thanks!

This is how the lighthouse actually is. One corner of the foundation has sunk into the riverebed. It is a major problem with the restoration efforts that are underway.
Here is a link to the Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission:
http://www.hvbass.org/selc/index.htm



"TheLightkeeper"

I believe the tilt was caused by ice flows pushing on the base. To prevent this happening at Hudson-Athens, the extra extension of stonework was added to the 'up-stream' side. Lesson learned at Esopus, paid off for H-A.

Though the depiction of Esopus Meadows is how it actually appears in real life I think I would have prefered it to be as it was originally built. Although the tilt is authentic, it is not pleasing to the eye on display. I'm afraid that one will end up in its box in my storage area.

Bob

The old Rockland Lake Lighthouse which was located just north of Tarrytown on the Hudson River also had the same problem. It was known as the "leaning tower of Rockland" It is no longer there.
From an old postcard c1909



"TheLightkeeper"

In speaking with Pat Ralston of "Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission" the other evening she also mentioned that the house itself has sunk 15 inches in one corner.

Mombo

Does anyone know the plans for Esopus Meadows? Will they shore it up or level it again? A 15 " drop in a cornor is quite a dramatic drop in a structure like that one.

Bob

Sorry Bob, but I feel that Harbour Lights should do more of this...

I think we all need to be reminded of what is happening to a lot of the lighthouses out there and the need for support of the restoration and maintenance of them.

SaintWackoPaul '
Keep the Flame

Bob do you also feel that way about Sharps Island?

Sharps Island? Do you mean "ten past six", or is it "ten of six" depending which direction you are observing the light from.

I was a September baby (Virgo) so I like everything neat and in line. Although I currently have Esopus Meadows on display because it's new, it will soon be replaced with another HL in the curio. I like Sharps Island but I haven't displayed it in a long time because of its tilt.

Rumor has it that Harbour Lights has other landmarks in mind after the SoL. When they do the "Leaning Tower of Pisa" (did I spell that right?) I'll take Sharp's Island out of storage and use them at each end of the mantle. The "Leaning Tower of Pisa" is part of the new "Perpendicular challenged" Series planned for release in the near future.

Bob

Bob, great idea. I can hardly wait, for HL's line of "perpendicular challenged" pieces . I hope the first one they do is St George Island FL, that's one leaning lighthouse!

[This message has been edited by Weasel58 (edited 10-26-99).]

I believe St. George Island was saved a few months ago. They have it straightened up now if I'm not mistaken. There was an article about it on the Apalachicola Times web site.
www.apalachtimes.com/stl/stl.htm
Dale
To add the link

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[This message has been edited by DALE LAWRENCE (edited 10-27-99).]

Dale,
That's great news. I wish I had heard about it.

I found a web site that describes the save of Cape St. George at http://users.erols.com/lthouse/csglt.htm The contractor built a 10 foot pad around the light with deep pilings so if there is more beach erosion the tower will stand on its own.
Dale

To make the link active

[This message has been edited by engbrady (edited 10-27-99).]

From what I hear Esopus Meadows only has about 4-5 people who are actually willing to put forth any time in restoring this light. The balance of their organization doesn't want to be bothered doing any physical work and to date hasn't put forth promised $ to pay to have it done. Believe the purpose of last week's visits to the light was to "enlighten" some of the membership to the state of the light. Also, being on the National Register can be a burden as proposed restorations have to be approved by an "expert" at $30 - $50 an hour.

Leave it out a little longer Bob!

Have a heart Bob. I agree with Mombo. Leave it out a little longer. I'm going out to the Esopus Light with Pat on Saturday morning. I'll give a report by Saturday night.

"TheLightkeeper"

Well, I just got back (after an hour and forty-five minute drive) from our trip out to the Esopus Lighthouse. Pat was a little under the weather and did not make it. About twelve of went out to the lighthouse including former lighthouse keeper, Johnnie Olson who drove down from Portland Maine with his wife and daughter. He was the keeper at the Esopus lighthouse from 1943-1944. It was quite an interesting day listening to him tell about his time at the lighthouse.
The lighthouse indeed has quite a tilt to it. One corner of the foundation has sunk about 15 or so inches, causing quite a bit of damage to the foundation. No one seems to know exactly what caused this to happen, though there are a few theories. They are in the process of having an engineering firm analyze the situation to see where they will go from here. The inside of the lighthouse is in poor condition, but some progress has been made. There is still hope for this lighthouse, but there is a lot of hard work ahead. As for one whose has seen firsthand what this lighthouse really looks like, I am glad that HL chose to sculpt this model as they did showing its present condition and I hope that all collectors who have purchased this piece will keep it out in their display as a reminder of what can happen to these national treasures if they are neglected.
Keep the lights shining !!

PS See pictures in The Map Room


"TheLightkeeper"


[This message has been edited by TheLightkeeper (edited 10-30-99).]

[This message has been edited by TheLightkeeper (edited 11-07-99).]

Hi Mike,
Glad to hear your trip to Esopus Meadows was a success. How did you get a boat out to it? Are there regular trips or was it a special arrangement?
It is the last of the Hudson River lighthouses that I have to visit/see. We went to Stony Point two weeks ago. Well worthwhile especially the grounds & museum.
Of course I still have several Hudson River HL's on my wish list: Tarrytown, Hudson-Athens & Esopus Meadows. But my b'day & X-mas are coming.
I like the fact that Harbour Lights sculpted Esopus in it's current condition. Don't pretty up the reality. Let's hope the same restoration efforts can help it as helped Saugerties & are in progress with Hudson-Athens
Well, off to Long Island tomorrow. Hope to meet some other Wackos. (you are the only one I've met in person so far, July, Hudson-Athens.)

Donna
PS Congrats on 300th post!

Thanks for all the pictures and information!
Since my original post on this subject, I have noticed some pieces tilt forward more than others. Maybe the bottom of the
figurines were "sanded down" differently?
I like the pieces that I have seen that are
more level. Does this mean I would like to see a level Sharps Island? NO!