The following link has a KHOU Television story about the Matagorda Lighthouse's restoration and that the public can now visit it...

You will have to sit through a commerical before the lighthouse video plays...

Matagorda Lighthouse\'s SOS Answered

Paul,
Thanks for the link. We were at the dedication ceremony Friday, June 11th. We do have photos and hope to get them posted here soon.

Betty and I were there I am writting up the trip and scanning the photo's in and will send them up to the forum. You were all instrumental in us getting us there so I want to share it with everyone.

Chuck
The Texas Light keepers

We are a little late with these pictures from the relighting of Matagorda Lighthouse on June 11, 2004.

Here’s a shot of our transportation to the island.




A reflection of Matagorda Light in the window of the bus (our transportation from the boat to the light).



Matagorda Lighthouse

This light is sometimes referred to as a peppermill. Can't imagine why.




Stairway to the lantern room




When we arrived the light wasn't working. We happened to be in the lantern room when the workers arrived. They did get the light fixed in time for the relighting ceremony

Not as nice as a Fresnel, but it does the job




Cemetery of some former lighthouse keepers and their families.




And here’s our transportation from the island to the mainland. It was slow and the temperature had to be in the high 90’s. Folks seated in first class received umbrellas.

And one final shot




Oops, wrong picture

Tom & Joyce,

I like the horse better.

bobo

We do too!

Nice photos folks, thanks! So there's no lens of any kind in this LH? Just those little bulbs?

Well Mombo,

I read once that each one of those "little bulbs" generate over 3,000,000 candle power. Try putting those on your Christmas Tree.

bobo

There's generally a lens or reflector involved though. I've never personally seen that setup without a lens.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and narration, Tom & Joyce. One would have to think there had to be a better way to daymark the light than to paint a metal tower all black in Texas! You would think the inside would get a little toasty.

I tend to believe there is a cover to the lens, A bulb shining by itself, even a very powerful one, would simply light up the lantern room and not project helpful light rays. It will take something to "concentrate" the light into a beam for ships to see.

Thanks for sharing the pics and commentary. I imagine that must have been a hot day with the temp. and humidity factored in! How long was the boat ride?

Sorry guys, there is a lens cover. The workman removed it to work on the light








The 3rd Order Fresnel Lens is on display in the Calhoun County Museum, Port Lavaca, Texas








Lorie, the boat ride back to the mainland took around 90 minutes. It seemed like hours.

Glad I asked the question. We got to see more pictures.

Really enjoyed seeing the pictures of the Matagorda Light....thanks for sharing.

Tom & Joyce,

I really enjoyed looking at your pictures. What a beautiful fresnel lens (I like the horse, too). Thank you for posting them.

Ron
(CT Keeper)