Montauk Pioneer - August 22, 2008

Montauk Point has been an attraction because of its historical background for a number of years. Its Lighthouse stands tall as a memorable landmark and has been lighting up the dark nights for ships since it was built in 1796. The construction that was authorized by George Washington required fifty people and was designed by architect John McComb Jr. In 1987, the Lighthouse was opened to the public as a museum and is currently known as the oldest working Lighthouse in New York.

Each year the staff members of the Montauk Lighthouse host a weekend of family-oriented events. This year turned out to be enjoyable for many (a few hundred) of those who traveled from different parts of the state to learn and have a good time.

It was quite a family affair as many families from all over the island came down to the Lighthouse in Montauk to see what all of the festivities were about. The Montauk Lighthouse has always been a real draw for kids who love to check out all of the interesint displays at the museum there, and who also love to learn about the great American history that it offers.

Families who visited during this occasion were able to observe the museum's displays, creating plenty of happy moments with each other as moms and dads took pictures of their kids with the artifacts. The tower was open to anyone (over 41 inches) who wished to make take the invigorating climb to the top, from where you can get the best view of Montauk. Younger children enjoyed themselves with arts and crafts stands that were assembled on a nearby field.

On Saturday, children had their faces painted and played 18th century colonial games, in addition to learning pottery while artist Terry Elkins displayed his work and sold some of his pieces at the museum's gift shop. Christian Mclean was signing autographs for his fanatic readers of his book, "Duckhampton," and the coast guard auxiliary's stand gave safety lessons to children on boat safety.

Sunday's events differed a bit when Dan Rattiner of Dan's Papers gave a book read from his first nationally published book, "In the Hamptons," as well as dedicated staff member, Henry Osmer, on his book called "On Eagle's Peak." Afterward, people gathered around a piece of field that was set aside for a small theatre production. Actors were dressed as pirates who sang folksongs and included the children in their show by signing them into their crew. On both days, Stuart Vorphald displayed his trap fishing equipment and gave lessons on how to catch the "really big ones," like swordfish.

In addition to Sunday's events, the Coast Guard authorized a few pilots to fly a helicopter around the Lighthouse a couple of times before landing on the ground. Once again, they were able to follow through and tourists got an upfront view of the aircraft's touchdown. Pilots took many pictures and answered people's various questions on how the helicopter works, ecstatic children were able to sit in the rescue basket and view the inside of the helicopter.

This past weekend folks seemed delighted to have visited the Lighthouse on such a glorious day (no rain, nor a cloud in the sky). Such an annual event brings people together to celebrate tradition.

You could not ask for a better time in Montauk. The historic Montauk Lighthouse is one of the most interesting and wonderful places on the planet, we are very lucky to have it.