I would like to share some of the recent progress at the Avery Point Lighthouse and the presentation of $100K Check toward the restoration from the House of Representatives, via Congressman Rob Simmons (CT).


This shows the face of old block chipped away (some of the old block can be seen in the upper left). The remaining old block is filled with mortar and reinforcing rebar. The new block face (which is solid) is then mortared in place (hence, forming a solid block wall). The new block is in the lower right of this picture.


The new block work was approximately 4 feet from the top (on Nov. 3, 2003) where the concrete slab, below the lantern room, is located. An additional 3 feet or so of block will be installed just below the new lantern room on top of the concrete slab.


The Branford House on the University of Connecticut Avery Point Campus is about 150 yards from the lighthouse. This was originally built by Morton Plant and was part of his sprawling private estate.


At a special news conference at the Avery Point Lighthouse on November 3, 2003 U.S. Congressman Rob Simmons announced that The House of Representatives appropriated $100,000 toward the restoration of the lighthouse. (L to R) Dale Treadway & Jim Streeter, Co-Founders of Avery Point Lighthouse Society; Joe Comprone, Dean of UCONN Avery Point Campus; Representative Rob Simmons of Connecticut.


Jim Streeter, Joe Comprone and Congressman Rob Simmons with check for $100,000.


Dale Treadway & Jim Streeter (with check), Joe Comprone and Congressman Rob Simmons answer questions from the crowd.


Congressman Rob Simmons answers questions for the local WSUB radio station following the check presentation ceremony.

Since I took these images the block work is now complete and the company is wrapping it up for the season

You can still purchase memorial, engraved Bricks for the walkway and apron. Visit the Avery Point Lighthouse Society (APLS), a Chapter of The American Lighthouse Foundation, website at http://apls.tripod.com
This will help raise the remaining funds (approximately $30,000) needed to complete the restoration.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Thanks for the report and photos Ron. Nice to see and hear that things are progressing so well at Avery Point at long last!

Isn't it nice when a Congressman is actually helpful to Lighthouse Restoration unlike some in North Carolina and elsewhere.

Hopefully Congressman Jones will read about this and have a change of heart.

Dennis

Good idea, Dennis, but I don't see it happening. Congressman Jones, although he uses a photo of a lighthouse to decorate his web site, has no interest in the welfare of lighthouses.

So I doubt that he even reads it.

It is good to know that some good ones do exist!

Judy

The only thing that would ever wake up that weenie is when he see the next POLL results and finds that he screwed his career because he couldn't quite pull his oversized head out of his behind.

Great photos Ron! Thanks!

Thanks for posting your photos Ron. I'm glad to see some progress is finally being made!

Thanks for the story and photos Ron -- how is the work progressing on the lantern room? Is that in place or ??


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I was trying to find information on "Morton Plant" and only found one tidbit of biographical information prepared by a school child:

http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/WWW/wsms/Groton/PLANT.HTM

Hooray! My lighthouse hat is off and waving in celebration~~~

Great pictures and story Ron. I think that has to be one of the nicest "Keepers Houses" ever.

Bert

I.O. and I went to see Avery Point in October '01 the day after the regional. We got to see Avery Point shortly before the restoration work was to begin so it's kind of neat to have the "before" photos. I really didn't know what the beautiful mansion up the hill from the lighthouse was but you better believe I took photos of it!!!

I didn't fare much better John searching for "Branford House", just this one. Scroll down a bit to the "History of Avery Point" section.

http://www.averypoint.uconn.edu/handbook.html

Seems to me that the name of the town where the regional was held was Branford? Must be a connection there somewhere? I did see that Branford has many historical buildings.

All of the members of the Avery Point Lighthouse Society (APLS) deserve a big pat on the back for getting the restoration to this stage. Ron neglects to tell everyone that he is a very active and important member of APLS.

We look forward to spring when the next phase of work will begin. But more importantly, we look forward to the day when the lighthouse is relit!!

Approximately $25,000 to $50,000 is still needed to complete the restoration - so keep buy those dedication bricks!!

Thanks to everyone for they help and support.

Jim

Great picutes Ron!!! Thanks for keeping us updated on the restoration project. I have to agree with Sue that it's nice to have before (October 2000), during (September 2003) and after (?) photos. When Suzanne, the McBees & I visited after the Long Island Regional this year the tower was all wrapped up. I'll look forward to visiting again after the project is completed.

Jim, Ron, Dale and all members of APLS

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished!

I can't wait for the Relighting Ceremony, it will be a proud moment in time for all members of the American Lighthouse Foundation and all members of the Lighthouse Community!

The restoration of the only lighthouse built in this country as a memorial to all lighthouse keepers of yesteryear. What an historic day this will be!

All my best,
Paul Conlin
Acting Secretary,
American Lighthouse Foundation