Lack of maintenance as well as exposure to weather throughout the years has
caused significant damage and deterioration to the lighthouse (Click Here for
Picture) . Complete restoration will have to be completed to bring it back
to it's original condition.
PLEASE HELP SAVE THIS LIGHTHOUSE
YOUR HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED!!!
| Although the first phase of work to restore this lighthouse
has begun, it is only the beginning. Back in the year 2000 it was estimated that
the cost to restore this lighthouse was $125,000. Now, just three years later,
the costs have risen to over $350,000. The Avery Point Lighthouse Society
(APLS), through its tireless efforts, has raised approximately $250,000. This
leaves a balance to be raised of over $100,000.
Your help is urgently needed to save this historic maritime lighthouse.
Remember, this is not only the last lighthouse built in the State of
Connecticut, but more significantly, it is the only lighthouse built as a
memorial to all other lighthouses and light keepers.
Won’t you please help us in raising the additional funds necessary to ensure
completion of this historic restoration project
The Avery Point Lighthouse Society is continuing its exciting fundraising
program called "Brick 'buy' Brick You Can Help Save a Lighthouse". All of you
lighthouse lovers and supporters now have a chance to purchase and personalize a
memorial brick (See Photo)
that will become a permanent part of the landscaped walkway leading up to the
lighthouse (See
Photo) and apron around the lighthouse. All profits go directly toward the
restoration and relighting of the Avery Point Lighthouse, the only lighthouse
reported to have been built as a memorial to all other lighthouses and light
keepers.
Don't miss this special opportunity to dedicate a special brick or to
remember loved ones with a personalized brick. They make excellent gifts for
weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and memorials.
A "Certificate of Participation" will be issued immediately upon receipt of
your brick order. For a copy of the order form (Click
Here)
Construction Updates
- In May of this year, the contract for the first primary phase of
restoration of the lighthouse awarded to Kronenberger & Sons Restoration,
Inc. of Middletown, Connecticut.
Kronenberger & Sons Restoration, Inc., founded in 1946, is a
three-generation firm specializing in the restoration, preservation and
adaptive re-use of period structures. Many of their clients have included
museums, municipalities, architects, historical societies and homeowners.
Their work has included projects involving National Historic Landmark
Buildings, National Historic American Buildings, and buildings listed on the
National Register of Historic Place in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New
York. Some of the projects they have completed include barns, carriage houses,
covered bridges, churches, town halls and a vast array of period homes and out
buildings.
- In early June, while conducting a cursory inspection of the lighthouse, it
was discovered that one of the marble balusters on the balustrade on top of
the lighthouse was in danger of falling. (See Photo) This
condition was immediately reported to the University of Connecticut with a
request that the balusters be secured to prevent the loss of these very
historically significant pieces of artwork. (NOTE: These balusters, which were
imported from Italy, were once used to decorate the beautiful gardens of the
original occupant of the Avery Point property.
Upon being advised of the baluster problem, a “change order” to the initial
restoration work contract was initiated and all scheduled work on the
lighthouse was placed on hold until this issue was resolved. After receiving
recommendations from engineers, the University accepted and authorized a
change order which consisted of constructing a wooden barrier in front and in
back of the balusters using threaded rods to secure and stabilize the
balusters (See
Photo) . Cost of errecting the barrier, including materials was $4,790.00.
- On June 26, 2003 the lantern room was moved from the University of
Connecticut’s Avery Point campus in Groton. To facilitate moving the structure
along highways and to avoid the interference with electric power lines, it was
necessary to remove the roof from the main structure of the lantern room. The
roof and main structure of the lantern room were then loaded onto two trailers
and, under police escort, was brought to the West Mystic Wooden Boat Building
Company in West Mystic, Connecticut. (Photo A) (Photo B) The
old structure will be used as a template to produce a new [duplicate] lantern
room.
The West Mystic Boat Building Company, through its owner Professor Steve
Jones, has graciously offered to build a duplicate of the lantern room for the
cost of materials only. It is estimated that the savings resulting from the
“in-kind” donation to provide the labor to build the new lantern room will be
approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
Within one week after the arrival of the lantern room at the boat company
work was initiated. It is anticipated that the new lantern room will be
completed by mid-October. Photographs of the progress on the lantern room are
attached. (Photo A) (Photo B) (Photo C)
- Special replacement blocks for the main structure of the lighthouse have
been manufactured by the Durastone, Inc. of South Portland, Maine. Because the
lighthouse was constructed using six different size and shaped blocks special
molds had to be constructed. A total of three hundred molds of the six
different sizes and shapes were made to expedite and mass produce the 3,000
blocks needed for the restoration of the lighthouse.
On August 22, 2003, members of APLS were present at the Durastone, Inc. and
witnessed the pouring of the first replacement blocks (See Photo) .
The first delivery of blocks was received at the lighthouse on September 9th
and were accepted and approved by the project engineers for installation.
NOTE: Prior to beginning the installation of the blocks, a four foot square
test section of blocks, using a special cement mortar, was constructed to
permit engineers to inspect and approve the mortar. (See Photo)
Installation of the blocks could not begin until the mortar was approved on
September 15th.
The process of replacing the existing block began on September 15th and
completion is anticipated by Thanksgiving of this year.
The block restoration process requires the removal of approximately one
half of the depth of the face of each block (See Photo)
.The new [solid] half-blocks are then installed in front of the old blocks and
the void of the older block filled with cement (See
Photo).
Updates and Items of Interest
- In August 2002, the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Board
unanimously approved the Avery Point Lighthouse Society’s nomination to place
the Avery Point Lighthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. The
nomination was forwarded to the United States Department of Interior’s
National Park Service for their review. On September 6, 2002, the Director of
the National Park Service announced that on August 23, 2002, the Avery Point
Lighthouse was approved, without reservation, for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places. Listing on the National Register contributes to
preserving this historic property in a number of ways. Some of the benefits of
having the lighthouse listed on the Register Include.
? Recognition that the lighthouse is of historical significance to
not only the local community but also to the State of Connecticut and the
nation.
? Qualifying the lighthouse for Federal assistance in obtaining
funding for its [historic] preservation, when funds are available.
? Protecting the structure, through Connecticut General Statutes,
from being razed in the future.
Officials at the University of Connecticut, who are the owners of the
lighthouse, have indicated they are in the process of obtaining a historical
“National Register” marker, which will be permanently and prominently
displayed on the lighthouse after the restoration is complete.
- APLS is continuing its efforts to secure funding on the federal level.
After a meeting with Groton Town officials, councilors from the Town traveled
to Washington in early March of this year to discuss various monetary issues
with representatives from Representative Simmons' office as well as Senators
Dodd and Lieberman offices. APLS has drafted up letters for the Groton
officials, which addressed the "desperate" need for immediate federal funding
(before the structure falls to the ground). These letters and the information
contained within them were provided to the federal legislators along with a
request for funding.
In the beginning of April of this Representative Simmons submitted a
request to the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee requested
that $200,000 from the Save America Treasures Act be appropriated to the Avery
Point Lighthouse Restortion. Consideration of this request is pending.
- Membership in the Avery Point Lighthouse Society now exceeds over two
hundred (200). Membership in the organization is very critical to the
restoration effort and to the organization. There are different levels of
membership to make it affordable for all those who have an interest in saving,
restoring and relighting this structure. We invite you to join and become an
important asset of this historic and significant venture. All monies from
membership dues are tax deductible and go directly toward the restoration
effort. (click here for a
membership application) .
- The drive in obtaining signatures on petitions supporting the saving,
restoring and relighting of the Avery Point Lighthouse is continuing. Thanks
to the help and hard work of many individuals and partner organizations, well
over 19,000 signatures have been obtained. This is a tremendous achievement
considering the fact that the petition drive began in the middle of July last
year. The petitions will be helpful in obtaining Federal and State funding
and/or grants for the restoration and future upkeep. If you would like to
assist in obtaining signatures on petitions please print a copy of the APLS
petition appearing on the web site (Click Here). Please return
completed petitions to the APLS Post Office address. Your assistance and
support is greatly appreciated.
- APLS has received a black and white photograph of the lighthouse from the
National Archives, which is believed to have been taken just after it was
built (Click
Here for Photo) . APLS has also recently received a colored photograph
taken of the lighthouse in early 1967 when it was in good repair and under the
control of the United States Coast Guard. This photograph documents the color
of the lighthouse and the ventalation ball. (Click Here for
Photo)
These photographs depict what the lighthouse will look like after
restoration.
- Sales of the sculptured model of the Avery Point Lighthouse, which was
produced by Spoontiques Collectibles have been overwhelming. This wonderfully
designed model is being sold by APLS as part of its ongoing efforts to raise
monies for the restoration project. (Click Here for
Pictures) You can now purchase this model for the modest price of $15.00
(plus shipping) by going to the merchandise section of this web site. The
model is expected to be a great collector’s item, as a second model will be
produced once the restoration is complete.
- Feature articles about the efforts to restore and relight the Avery Point
Lighthouse appear frequently in issues of the "Lighthouse Digest” magazine.
The "Digest" is an internationally distributed magazine about lighthouses and
is a must for lighthouse lovers and enthusiasts. The "Lighthouse Digest" has a
special offer wherein if you use the subscription application form included in
this web site (Click Here
Application) , you will received a special subscription rate of $28.00 for
1 year (12 issues) and by doing so the "Lighthouse Digest" will donate $10.00
to the Avery Point Lighthouse Society " which will go directly toward the
restoration of the Avery Point Lighthouse. This is a "WIN " WIN" situation for
you and APLS so please mail the subscription form to "LIGHTHOUSE DIGEST", PO
BOX 1690, WELLS, ME 04090-0059. You can also visit the "Lighthouse Digest" web
site by going to http://www.lighthousedigest.com/
- In January 2003 the New England Lighthouse Lovers presented the Avery
Point Lighthouse Society with a check in the amount of $1,500. This money will
be used in the purchase of a new door in the restoration project. The New
England Lighthouse Lovers organization is actively involved in the
preservation of several lighthouse in New England. For further information
about this organizaiton please click below.
New England Lighthouse Lovers
- In March of 2003, New England Lighthouse Foundation's Cap Cod Chapter/Race
Point Light, after an urgent funding request was made by APLS to insure start
up of the block phase of the restoration, contributed $25,000 toward the Avery
Point Lighthouse Restoration. The Cape Cod/Race Point and the Avery Point
Lighthouse Society are sister chapters of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
- In July of this year a new lighthouse cruse, called the Downeast Lighthouse
Cruises, was establsihed in Groton Connecticut. Visits to various
lighthouses in Long Island and Fisher Island Sound, including the Avery Point
Lighthouse, are included by this cruises.Owner Jeff Dziedzic has pledge to
donate a certain amount of the money received to be used for the restoration
of the Avery Point Lighthouse. On September 25th, Mr. Dziedzic provided member
of APLS with a check of $200.00. This amount was significant in light of the
poor weather experienced in the area in the summer months of this year.
- Sales of the Avery Point Lighthouse walkway dedication bricks continues to
be a major contributor of money raised for the restoration project. As of the
end of August of this year, over eight hundred and fifty (850) bricks have
been sold. Some sales highlights include the following:
a) Beginning in March of this year the U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
organization in Groton, CT established and coordinated a special program for
the purchase of a dedication/memorial brick for each of the 65 submarines
which have been lost. By mid-September at least one brick had been purchased
for each lost boat. All of the bricks purchased for the lost submarines will
be installed in the same location in the lighthouse dedication walkway.
The Sub Vets organization has also made announcements on their web site and
in their monthly bulletin promoting the purchase of bricks by other boats,
submarine organization, shipmates and Navy family members. As a result of
these announcements an additional 20 bricks have been purchased.
APLS Steering Committee member Bob Walker, who is a retired submarine
veteran, was very instrumental in developing and coordinating this very
successful program. It would certainly be nice to see other military
organizations participate in this program.
b) Two separate elementary school classes, the Wednesday Target Class of
the Vaughn Elementary School in Powder Springs, GA and the second grade at
Pierce School in Arlington, MA, each purchased bricks as a result of their
special fundraising activirtes at their schools.
c) Sunday school classes of the First Lutheran Church in Waterbury, CT also
purchased a dedication brick for the walkway.
Installation of the bricks will take place upon completion of the
construction at the lighthouse. It is estimated that sales of the bricks will
continue for approximately one additional year.
Special Funding Opportunity
- Due to the unexpected expenses incurred constructing the baluster barrier,
money originally programmed to be used for replacing the windows in the main
structure has been diverted to the cover cost to erect the safety barrier. It
should be noted that replacement cost for each window has been placed at
$1,350. In the event sufficient money is not raised by mid-November to cover
replacement of the five windows in the main structure, plywood will be
installed in the window enclosures to prevent exposure to the elements and
unauthorized entry into the building. A special fundraising program has been
established in an attempt to raise the necessary funds for the window
replacements. Any company, group or individual wishing to sponsor a window by
donating $1,350 will be recognized by having a special plaque installed below
the window (inside the lighthouse) announcing and identifying the sponsor of
that particular window. A special dedication brick will also be installed in
the walkway leading up to the lighthouse depicting the donor's name
Anyone (individual, group, business or organization wishing to sponsor a
window is requested to contact APLS at 860-445-5417 or email APLS. mailto:APLS1941@aol.com
Fundraising Items for Sale
The following lighthouse merchandise may be ordered by calling 860-445-5417
or by sending an email to jimstreetr@aol.com. To order via mail click below and
fill out the order form. Please ensure that you include shipping and handling
fees as outlined on the form. MasterCard and Visa charges are also accepted.
All profits go directly toward the restoration effort.
- Avery Point Lighthouse Lithograph #1 - By Dan Price signed
and numbered (limited edition) lithographs of water color painting of
the Avery Point Lighthouse. $25.00 each (plus shipping and handling) (Click Here
for Picture)
- Avery Point Lighthouse Lithograph #2 - By Gigi Mezzo Genovese
signed and numbered (limited edition) lithographs of acrylic
painting of the Avery Point Lighthouse. $25.00 each (plus shipping and
handling) (Click
Here for Picture)
- Silk screen T-Shirt - Depicting Connecticut shoreline and its
lighthouses. Large picture of the lighthouse in the foreground with the words
"Avery Point Lighthouse Groton, Connecticut". Maroon and light blue colored
shirts. Sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL. $15.00 each (plus shipping and handling) (Click Here for
Picture) (Click
Here for Shirt Close-up)
- Sand dollar pin - Each individually etched with the Avery Point
Lighthouse. $10.00 each (plus shipping and handling) (Click Here for
Picture)
- Photograph button - 2" - With photograph of Avery Point Lighthouse
and words "AVERY POINT LIGHTHOUSE GROTON, CT". $2.00 (plus shipping and
handling) (Click
Here for Picture)
- The Lighthouse Activity Book - by Elinor DeWire. $10.00 each (plus
shipping and handling) (Click Here
for Picture)
- Avery Point Lighthouse Pin - Gold and white, one inch circular
metal pin, depicting the lighthouse and containing the words "AVERY POINT
LIGHTHOUS, GROTON, CT" . $3.00 each (plus shipping and handling). (Click Here for
Picture)
- Computer Screen Saver - IBM compatible screen saver depicting
twenty-seven lighthouse images. Two of the images are of the Avery Point
Lighthouse - one black and white with snow and the second taken in summer
time. $12.00 each (plus shipping and handling) (Click Here for
Picture)
- Postcard - 4.25 in. x 6 in. color postcard of the Avery Point
Lighthouse as it stands today. This will be a collector's item once the
restoration is complete. $.40 each (plus shipping and handling) (Click Here for Picture)
- Avery Point Lighthouse Model - This sculptured model of the Avery
Point Lighthouse is approximately 3 inches tall and was produced by
Spoontiques. This will also be a collector's item once the lighthouse
restoration is complete. $15.00 (plus shipping and handling). (Click Here for
Pictures)
- Avery Point Lighthouse Candle - A 4" x 4" candle base with a small
candle inside. Has a photograph of the lighthouse on the outside. This is a
wonderful items which brightens up any room. $15.00 (plus shipping and
handling) (Click Here
for Pictures)
Organization Support
Word about APLS continues to spread like wildfire. Partner organizations
continue to greatly help our cause. The Lighthouse Store in Mystic, Ken's Tackle
Shop in Groton, the Stonington Lighthouse Museum, the Fairwater Store at the
Electric Boat Division in Groton, Orsini's Deli in Groton and the University of
Connecticut's Co-Op Store at the Avery Point campus in Groton have all been
faithful partners in helping us selling our fundraising merchandise and in
obtaining signatures on our petitions. Many thanks to all of these wonderful
people as well as the many other organizations and individuals who have
contributed to our cause.
APLS Information
For information and occasional updates relating to the Avery Point Lighthouse
Society's activities please contact/email the following
Jim Streeter
Dale Treadway
Special Information and Lighthouse Links
Donations
| Monies for the restoration are being raised
through tax deductible donations and APLS memberships (click here). It is
estimated that the cost for complete restoration could reach approximately
$300,000; however, until the initial engineering study is completed, a
more accurate figure will not be available. Contributions and membership
application should be forwarded to either of the following:
|
Avery Point Lighthouse Society
P.O. Box 1552
Groton, CT
06340
|
American Lighthouse Foundation
Avery Point Fund
P.O. Box
889
Wells, ME 04090
|
Volunteering
To volunteer for APLS, please contact us through any way listed above or email us here
Thanks for your support!
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This page last updated November 26, 2001. |
