Here is the text of a 12/29/99 news update from Cheryl Roberts of the OBLHS. I am posting the whole message instead of just an excerpt because it does address several questions that have been raised in the fora lately.

Dave

"Hello, everyone,

The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society wishes you and your family a wonderful
Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

This past year has been a special one for lighthouse enthusiasts for several reasons. Foremost, the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse,coming at the end of the twentieth century, is one of those miracles for which we can usually only wish. The New Year promises to see the Hatteras Lighthouse reopened for climbing and improvements to the grounds well under way. We wish the same care for all American lighthouses.

At the moment, Bodie Island Light Station is held by the Office of Management and Budget after transfer from the General Services
Administration, which reported a property appraisal of one million dollars for this lighthouse. The National Park Service is still waiting to hear if the tower will be transferred to park ownership as Ocracoke was given to the park's guardianship last year. The NPS owns all the surrounding
property at the Bodie Island Light Station and the U.S. Coast Guard maintains the lens and light.

The society's wish list includes the omplete restoration of Bodie Island Lighthouse and its opening for climbing. It is one of the most classic, extant light stations in the United States.

Cape Lookout is in need of further brick and ironwork repair, especially in the lantern room area, and erosion once again threatens the Keepers Quarters. The Coast Guard still has ownership of this lighthouse. The Ocracoke Light Station is in need of repair also; as you can see, there is much work to be done. We welcome your suggestions and support.

For those of you recently joining us, please see our official website at URL=http://www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society.]http://www.outer-anks.com/lighthouse-society.[/URL] Also, please look at our "Forum" (second button on left on this web page) and feel welcome to submit articles and images for posting to the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, P.O.
Box 1005 Morehead City, NC 28557 or you can email: society@ncnets.net
Membership inquiries and donations go to: Membership Director c/o 6625
Candlewood Drive Charlotte, NC 28210 or email: web3755@charweb.org
Correspondence is promptly answered.

An archive of Hatteras relocation bulletins are still located at URL=http://ecnews.outer-banks.com]http://ecnews.outer-banks.com[/URL] Click on the "Back Issues" button to your left.

Hats off to the Conservationists, Inc., the nonprofit group restoring the Currituck Beach Light Station. Another salute goes to the Old Baldy Foundation, making ongoing improvements to the Bald Head Light Station!

Thank-you to each one of you who has expressed support for American lighthouses! Here's to a banner year 2000 for people helping with lighthouses, the American symbol of humanity. Like people, lighthouses come in all shapes and sizes and have distinctive personalities.

May the New Year greet you with the warmth of a lighthouse beam, and may you always find safe harbor.
The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society"

[This message has been edited by Dave H (edited 02-24-2000).]