Apologies to you, Mombo, for starting a new Bug Light thread, but in my opinion this deserves it.

The Portland Press Herald reports today that Portland Breakwater Light (aka "Bug Light") will be relit after 60 years of darkness.

Extinguished in 1942 as part of a coastal blackout,a new solar-powered white light will be installed, which will flash every 4 seconds. It will be listed on maps as a private aid to navigation.

The 14-foot-tall light has one of the most unique designs in the world. It is modeled after the Choragic Monument to Lysicrates in Athens, Greece.

The August 14 re-lighting is part of a phenomenal restoration of the area around the light. During the war, a section of shoreline was filled in to accommodate the massive "Liberty" cargo Ship construction effort. After the war, it became a seedy, run-down eyesore. In recent years, the area has been turned into a lovely park.

Hats off to the Coast Guard, and the Cape Elizabeth/South Portland Rotary Club for spearheading the effort to re-light a Maine landmark.

For more on the Harbour Lights of Maine---including Bug Light---go to the "Latest Models" forum and click on the "New Series! The Harbour Lights of Maine" link.

That's great news Bill! I was intrigued by the unique greek designs of this beauty!
Bob

Here's a link to a page that has a photo of the monument:

Monument photo

Bill,

We were just there about a week agao and I agree they have done a fine job down in that area.

I've never been to that area before, but had been in Portland several times. I was a little concerned that it might not be the best area to travel into to see a Lighthouse.

I was pleasantly surprised.

Dennis

Yeah, the drive to the park still has its "industrial moments," but I understand that there's a revitalization plan in the works that may improve it. The park itself is a great start. Among other things, it offers a great view of Portland, which has one of the best skylines in the country as far as I'm concerned (the ugly Holiday Inn notwithstanding). A port city par excellence.

Great News, Bill. Once again, Maine recognizes the value of restoring Lighthouses to their tourist economy.

I read it in the paper, too. How great to have ALL the Portland lighthouses functioning again. Spring Point, Bug Light, Portland Head and Ram Island.

The paper said they would open up the tower during the grand opening for tours. That'll be the shortest lighthouse tour in history, I think!

What great news! I've always wanted to see this light just because it's so different.

BTW, that's a really neat photo, Bob I really like it!

That's great news Bill! Will you be attending the relighting?

This story from the Boston Globe, sent to me from my daughter:

http://travel.boston.com/places/newengland/stories/080902_me_lighthouse.html

Here are some sequence shots I took of a Sailboat recently at the Portland Breakwater Light.

It's official. yesterday the light was activated for the first time since 1942. The solar-powered beacon flashes every 4 seconds.

Score one for the good guys.

One advantage to working in a television newsroom... when I got to work today several of the overnight staff told me there was a story about a lighthouse being relit after 60 years on the CBS newsfeed... so I went in an downloaded the story and watched the news story on the lighting ceremony... They have an item on the stations website but they don't offer video clips..
You'll need to scroll down to the last story on the page...

WGME item on the lighting

Interesting. The article says it's run by "solar powered batter." Could Bisquik have come up with a new use for their product besides great pancakes??

The technology revolution continues...

If you go you'd better bring syrup, just in case they're cooking on the panel....

I think it is wonderful that they relit the light. I have been there a couple of times before, but now I have to go back to see the light in action!

Hi to Bill H.

Hi to Bill H.

Hi to Bill H.
I Was in Portland area on the day of the relighting.I had planned on seeing Tim harrison and jeremy D'entremont on my way to Ma. and just missed them at the ceremony,I was there in the morning.I did see Tim at the depot in the afternoon,he had just gotten back and said Jeremy was there as well.when I got to Portsmouth Tried calling him with no luck so continued on to Cape Cod(Chatham)and spent a week there visiting my kids.
saw lots of lights and one in paticular in New Brunswick called greens point light.This is a very beautiful light but as usual in need of donations to keep up the great job of keeping it in such good condition.You go off the St.Stephens to St.John highway at the exit to St.George then continue on to Back Bay and a large light house sign.
a nicely kept light that needs some help with beautiful scenery all around.
Bill O'Brien AKA oseabee