Dan's Papers - June 29, 2007 - Horton Point Lighthouse Turns 150

Mark your calendars because a fun-filled anniversary event is planned for June 30th at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Horton Point Lighthouse. There will be a performance by the United States Coast Guard Ceremonial band and visits from Congressman Tim Bishop and other dignitaries. It's a fabulous chance to learn the history of this beautiful landmark and to see how the past truly has an impact on us today.

For 150 years, Horton Point Lighthouse has stood proud and strong. It is 58 feet tall, with a granite foundation and a white and black lantern with a copper dome. It contains 29 wooden step stairs on its staircase and has two ladders with 11 steps each. It's quite a beautiful site to see and attracts nearly 5,000 visitors per season during its open weekends from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The lighthouse was constructed by the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1857 and was commissioned during George Washington's presidency. There are actually seven lighthouses located in Southold Township, but Horton is quite unique for having the only green light in its tower. The light can be seen from 14 miles away and flashes every 10 seconds. The light was originally lit with whale oil, which shone brightly through a Third Order Fresnel Lens. It guided many sailors and went through many changes and even black-outs during periods of war; all before it became the bright light that it is today.

The tower and adjoining keepers residence are built on the "Cliff Lot" of Barnabas Horton's 1640 land grant. The lighthouse was, according to Gordon Moore, co-coordinator of the anniversary event, "Dormant since the 1930s."

On June 30, 1933 the lighthouse was deactivated and the last keeper, George Erhardt stayed on and lived in the lighthouse until 1938. "The lighthouse was later used by civil defense and military during World War 2," Mr. Moore said, "It's a jewel- it's a treasure, thank goodness it was restored in 1990."

The Southold Historical Society, the Southold Parks District and the Coast Guard cleaned, updated and painted the light tower, they installed new lantern glass, made repairs to the electrical system, created a new shop area and built a new stairway to the basement. On June 9, 1990, the original skeletal tower was removed, the lighthouse was re-commissioned and re-lighted. The Southold Historical Society runs a nautical museum in the first floor and basement of the structure. The museum features a variety of nautical exhibits including: Display of the War of 1812, Early 19th Century Long Island Sailor's Ditty Bag, Historic Ledgers from the Horton Point Lighthouse and other displays of interest dealing with maritime life. There is nothing as spectacular as reading and viewing the past in the museum exhibition area, then stepping up the staircase to see the breathtaking view from the lighthouse tower. Past and present come together in quite a dramatic way. Horton has quite a tale to tell.

Moore's co-chair for the event is Former Supervisor Josh Horton, 12th generation descendant of the Horton family. According to Moore, Horton excitedly came on board for the event preparation. Moore stated that Horton felt the same way he did, that Long Island has so much to offer and "It's important to keep history alive." The Southold Historical Society takes tremendous pride in serving the community and opening up their archives and literature to allow our future to get a glimpse of the past. This event is sure to spark children's interest in Long Island history and heritage. It's a chance for the older generation to reminisce about their childhood on Long Island and share their knowledge. Climb the steps of the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful view. Bring a blanket or lawn chair down to the lighthouse grounds and get set for an enjoyable afternoon. The highly talented United States Coast Guard band, which will arrive by ferry from Connecticut will be performing some inspirational and fun music for the crowd. Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) and state Senator Ken LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) also are expected to attend.

The lighthouse grounds are always open, however, the museum inside the lighthouse is only open on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Call 631-765-5500 for more information. The anniversary event is free, but there is a token cost for visiting the museum. May Horton stand strong and spectacular for many anniversaries to come!