October 22, 2002

Point Lookout Lighthouse Rehabilitation Progress

Work continued on the lighthouse this week, but some delays have been caused by the weather.   The steps in the front of the lighthouse have been replaced, all the windows have been removed and sent out for repairs, and the cupola has been draped in protective covering.     The window openings have been sealed with plastic to keep out the rain.   The cupola has been sandblasted and primed with a special painting process.   I spoke with the contractor performing the repairs and he said that there were a few layers of red paint on the cupola and a thin layer of black paint.   The old red paint was lead based so it wore very well over the years.   Unfortunately, lead based paint is an environmental hazard, so the cupola will be painted with a special color used primarily for lighthouse restorations.    The red color is supposed to be more like the original paint from the early part of the 20th century and won't be as bright as the red that we are all used to seeing.   In addition, the windows will be trimmed in white to match the appearance from the 1927-28 remodel of the lighthouse.

Exterior work will prevent access for the Ghost Walk light show.  Also, since the paint in the cupola is curing, it could cause problems if anyone were to walk inside the cupola.   So no earthly Ann Davis will appear in the cupola for this year's Ghost Walk!

The open house on November 2nd may have to be cancelled depending on the progress of the work and the final decision of the Navy.    The Navy has safety concerns about allowing the open house to proceed, due to the ongoing construction work and debris in and around the lighthouse.   The cancellation of this year's open house would be a small price to pay for the enormous leap forward that the repairs in the last few weeks have made to the lighthouse.   

Any updates on the status of the open house will be posted in the News section of this website.   Perhaps a compromise can be reached with the Navy that will still allow the open house to proceed, however there might be safety restrictions and limited access to the interior of the lighthouse.

Picture of the back side of the lighthouse (facing the buoy sheds).   Notice the plastic sheeting in all the windows.   The windows were really in bad shape and some were in danger of crumbling and falling to the ground.

This is the view from the bay side of the lighthouse.  Underneath the protective cover stands the cupola, sandblasted, primed and ready for paint and new glass!

The view from the Potomac River side of the lighthouse.   Notice that the steps on the front porch have been replaced.

A clearer view of the steps on the Potomac River side of the lighthouse.