Exploring historic properties with lighthouses and learning about Fresnel lenses, brings education and a profound appreciation for our United States Coast Guard, and the dedicated individuals who continue to advocate for preserving part of our American history. Today there are few Historic Life Saving Stations, but hundreds upon hundreds of Lighthouses have become Historic Monuments with the majority continuing to serve the maritime. This story about the "Rendezvous with Lights" was possible by the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society (OBLS) in North Carolina and it is with sincere gratitude to their members for providing the opportunity to learn more. Special appreciation goes to several members who contributed to this story with their photography and insight for our continued education.
Julia Hollenbeck
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Foreword
Rolling across the State Line into North Carolina in the early fall is an experience exploding with beautiful fall colors in the trees along the highway. The highway bends from one direction to the next with every turn providing wonderment of what may lay hidden beyond the next. It was compelling to stop at the State Rest Area shortly after crossing the State Line, to have an opportunity for a few moments in this picturesque setting.
A monument erected by the Waynesville Rotary Club in September 1976 honored a single individual who advocated for over 30-years for the building of the Pigeon River Road where the wheels began traveling. It was dedicated in memory and appreciation of D. Reeves Noland, presented in memory and gratitude by thankful friends and citizens for a task accomplished against tremendous odds, by people who said, "It couldn't be done," and "It was done."
This parting remindful thought stated clearly the wheels must return to the road, and that they did, as they headed for the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Along the way, the road splits, taking the wheels through small towns until eyes spot a sign with an arrow leading to Plymouth's replica of the Roanoke River Lighthouse.
Roanoke Lighthouse (Replica)
October 12th, 2006
The fascinating history of this lighthouse includes; first built in 1866, burned to the ground in the same year, and replaced quickly by another. The second lighthouse was destroyed by ice in 1886, then replaced by a third Light Station, which was eventually de-commissioned, purchased, and moved to the town of Edenton where it was modified and remains on private property. The replica of the Roanoke Light Station was built from the original plans of the 1866 Light Station, but in truth, it is not "exactly" or perfectly the same.
Missed completely in 2004, the inviting tranquility of the area called out, as the wheels began to seek angles from which photography of this desirable location could be captured. Boat docks were to the right, with piers leading to the river with water lazily moving through the narrow. Small fish skimmed the surface and the canine whined as we approached. This would be the spot to begin, finding other locations when returning to the van.
Time stood still for brief moments as the shutter clicked, until reality approached and another attraction pulled the wheels back to the van for an exciting rendezvous further down the road, but one last capture would live within the mind for years to come.
There was a bond with the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society who successfully helped bring preservation of the North Carolina Historic Lighthouses with their society. Hundreds of years old, with all grounds accessible, this journey would be one including greater education not just about the history of selected lighthouses, but also the education behind the Fresnel lens.
United States Coast Guard - Station Yorktown
Through the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society's annual 3-day meeting, one of the most captivating experiences began to unfold early on Friday morning with a trip to Yorktown, Virginia, and the United States Coast Guard - Station Yorktown. Sandra Clunies road in the van, while dozens of other members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society traveled by bus. The Outer Banks Lighthouse Society arranged our visit to the USCG - Station Yorktown and was included as part of the three-day annual meeting. Security was high on all military bases; photo identifications were required by every passenger and were checked by Security Officers who boarded the bus. The two persons in the van were possibly the only people to consider convincing a Security Guard to allow them to take a quick photo of him, but don't let his nice smile allow you to think anyone would get by him without a clearance.
Following the bus onto the base was an interesting experience and entering the area where the museum was located, two Coasties were spotted polishing a large brass bell. Thoughts of stopping the vehicle to take their photo were quickly dismissed because it simply was not possible or appropriate. Later the bell the Yeomen had left was photographed because this extraordinary bell, in all of its shining beauty, would become a memory to share.
Photography featured above by Cheryl Shelton Roberts
Chief Warrant Officer Dave Merrill was greeting everyone as members disembarked from the bus and another Coasty assured parking for the van. After parking, quickly heading to be with the rest of the group, we listened intently while Mr. Merrill answered several questions asked by members of OBLS.
Curiosity led to asking Mr. Merrill how long he had served the United States Coast Guard and his answer was slightly amazing, "Thirty-years and three to go", he responded. It was impossible not to admire his stamina and later learn this was sometimes referred to as "coasting".
Then small wheels headed over to Cheryl Shelton Roberts, the leading founder of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, who was photographing the emblem to the Training Center, quickly providing the opportunity to capture her and beyond.
Cheryl Shelton Roberts captures the emblem of the Training Center; The emblem up close (middle) and Markers used in training classes beyond the emblem (right).
Mr. Merrill waited patiently as photographers snitched as many shots as possible and a few members became a little anxious to enter the National Aids to Navigation Museum located in Canfield Hall, containing one of the world's finest and prestigious displays of Fresnel Lenses dating back as far as 1822.
The most captivating experiences unfolded as we entered the National Aids to Navigation Museum.
French physicist Augustine Fresnel (pronounced "Fa-nel") invented the lens and literally not only made his name famous, but also became commonplace along the seacoasts of Europe and North America. The lenses were handmade, shipped unassembled from France, while others were made in England.
The National Aids to Navigation Museum (NATON)
Canfield Hall Atrium
U.S. Coast Guard Training Center
Yorktown, Virginia
October 13th, 2006
Thirteen sparkling treasures and much more greeted everyone as they entered the museum and intently listened to Mr. Merrill and Senior Chief Boatswain Mate Bill Weir describe the operations of the Fresnel lenses and many artifacts within the museum. There were seven stations inside the atrium; The sight was breathtaking. The awesome Buoy Lantern located at Station 5 is pictured above. This is a 4th Order Fresnel Lens with a Bi-Valve Rotating, actually manufactured in the United States, but to the left, there was another 4th Order Fresnel Lens manufactured in Paris, France.
Station 3 displayed a 4th Order Fresnel Lens; Drum Fixed, measuring 56 inches with the base and 20 inches across the focal plane. Station 7 (far right photo) held a 2nd Order Fresnel Lens with a Bi-Valve dating back to 1826 and reportedly seen 52 nautical miles away by a U.S. Merchant Vessel. Fresnel Lenses ranging from 1st Order to 6th Order were appropriately displayed within the six Stations.
The designs of early lens resembled a huge glass beehive with a light in the center and lens could be as tall as 12-feet in height, with concentric rings of glass prism above and below the center drum section, to "bend" the light into a narrow beam.
Designs later developed into a "bull's eye design" in the center of the lens, rather shaped like a magnifying glass. This concentrated beam was even more powerful than the earlier designs. A Fresnel lens can easily throw light twenty or more miles to the horizon.
Clearly, the photo on the right shows Sandra Clunies standing a few feet in front of one of the huge "glass beehives", but the extraordinary height of this Fresnel lens overpowers her, even in the background.
Photos of Senior Chief Weir obviously show the pride in which he and Mr. Merrill felt as they shared their knowledge, answered questions, provided a narrated tour throughout the museum, and told of the hidden treasures within glass cases showing light bulbs and navigation tools. It was without a doubt, one of the most enlightening tours for lighthouse enthusiasts connected with the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society.
Leaving the museum, it was only natural to take photos of members who had this excellent opportunity to visit, The National Aids to Navigation Museum in the Canfield Hall Atrium, at the prestigious United States Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Virginia.
A favorite photo taken of Sandra Clunies while she took one last look at an interesting lens had to be included for this story, as well as a couple of other interesting shots showing just a last shot of yet another lens and clock, and a view of the museum from the left side of the atrium, but "The United States Coast Guard - Station Yorktown" visit was not just about Fresnel lens, it was also about training.
In fact, this station's mission is training and has the finest training the Coast Guard has to offer. Thousands of Coast Guard personnel enter this facility throughout the year, including active duty members, reservists, civilians, and auxiliarists. They come to master the latest techniques and applications of the modern Coast Guard. The Training Center offers basic and advanced courses to personnel from other armed services, states, federal agencies, and allied nations throughout the world. Training Center Yorktown proudly upholds the United States Coast Guard's motto, "Semper Paratus", with graduating students "always ready" to meet any challenge.
"A" School at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center
Four white bollards' mark corners of the ceremonial platform surrounding a flagpole along with a large white old-fashioned anchor.
In the far background, the Chesapeake Bay is seen.
While there are five separate divisions of training at Station Yorktown, Boatswains Mate "A" School is probably the most versatile. Boatswain's Mates are masters of seamanship, typically referred to as "BM" and capable of performing almost any task in connection with deck maintenance, small boat operations, navigation, and supervising all personnel assigned to a ship's deck force. The training is an 11-week course of intensive training where students are exposed to all facets of the Boatswain's Mate rating, from tying knots to navigating a 70-foot vessel.
The rotating 190mm Lens have bird deterrents on the top (photo on left). In the middle photo above, from left to right there is a 300mm lantern and a 155mm lantern with the lens open to expose the six position lamp changer. Senior Chief Weir answered many questions while obviously relaxed in his field of expertise.
A collection of Solar Panels and Flashers for Buoy Lights are seen in the photo (left) above. In the middle, a 35-Watt Solar Panel remains waiting, and in the photo on the right, two lights with Solar Panels are perched on a shelf.
Second Class Petty Officer Carrie Premo smiles in front of a roll of power cable and a lantern behind her, and then we moved into one of the classrooms. Entering the classroom was an interesting experience, while looking at desks arranged in rows, with notepads and materials neatly waiting for class to begin.
It was not until visiting with Petty Officer Premo that realization struck: Petty Officer David Musgraves attended this very training center years before. The insight learned was just beginning as everyone headed back outside where she would explain the markers for navigation we passed when entering the area.
While her narration was extremely interesting and fascinating, displays of buoys at the entrance also captured interest.
Training Buoys in the photo on left (left to right) are a 8-foot by 35-foot Safe Water Buoy, a 6 by 26 Green, NOAA Buoy, Combination Lighted Buoy; Junction Buoy, and a small Red Foam Buoy. The photo on the right shows the same display taken from a different angle with the Red Foam Buoy (4NFR) and 7-Foot Flat Bottom Buoy to the right.
Leaving the U.S. Coast Guard Training Station in Yorktown, Virginia, proved rather interesting after convincing Sandra Clunies to capture a lighthouse spotted in the water while crossing the bridge into the State of Virginia earlier.
With the window rolled down and a hefty breeze blowing, she captured it with a digital camera. The small lighthouse is dead center in this photo. Do you know the name of it?
This was only the beginning of an exciting 3-day program and everyone looked forward to forthcoming events planned by members of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society. We were now heading back to Kill Devils Hill for an exciting afternoon and evening with members, many of who stopped to visit the Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts shop owned by Russ Burnette before another rendezvous at Bodie Island Light.
Photography Courtesy of Ed Rosson
There was purpose behind this gathering and excitement prevailed as John Gaskill appeared and members welcomed him. Cheryl Shelton Roberts quickly grasped the moment with photography of persons eagerally greeting John.
Marilyn Austin Meads, was another "child" of the last lighthouse keepers of Bodie (Body's) Island Lighthouse and Ed Rosson quickly set up his tripod for a group photo before the daylight diminished completely. Several members made it to the lighthouse in time for the group photo, taken at the rear entrance of the Keeper's Quarters, now an accessible museum and gift shop.
Time went by too quickly, and yet not too soon for the extraordinary scene unfolding high above the lighthouse lovers below. The purpose was to see this Fresnel lens begin the work so important for our maritine safety.
Bodie (Body's) Island Lighthouse
(1848; 1972)
Bodie Island
Located 4-Miles North of Oregon Inlet, Outer Banks, NC
Photography Courtesy of Ed Rosson
The First Order Fresnel Lens suddenly burst into an amazing bright light for two and a half seconds. Persons witnessing held their breath for the next two and a half seconds until she blinked at everyone again for two and a half seconds, then rested for twenty-two and a half seconds to complete her first thirty-second cycle. Two and a half on, two and a half off, two and a half on, twenty-two seconds off, repeated without missing a beat, while during the last seconds a hush fell far below her in silence, giving way to oh's and awe's from persons witnessing the beam of light casting her spell against the sky repeatedly. Ed Rosson captured Bodie (Body's) Lighthouse magnificent beauty in the twilight with beautiful photography during one of the two and a half seconds she shined from the coastline.
With hands clasped in front of her, Ranger Doreen fondly looked upward at the light as she shared more information, providing insight and answering questions, of this beloved light and surrounding grounds she helped oversee through the Outer Banks National Park Service.
Gathered near and on the rear steps of the Keeper's Quarters, while facing the awesome sight of Bodies (Body's) Island Lighthouse, we listened to John Gaskill and Marilyn Austin Meads share stories of their childhood living on the grounds, (when their fathers served as the last two Keepers of this light). With the lighthouse and repetitions of the Fresnel lens displaying a unique background, they answered questions about their years living in the Keeper's Quarters that now contained a museum and gift shop.
On the cobblestone walkway leading from the steps of the Keeper's Quarters, Bett Padgett strummed her guitar while singing a beautiful song about the lighthouse. The clear distinction of verses profoundly shared a story of love of this beautiful light. (There was no doubt the wheels would return.)
There was a slight breeze with a light chill on this October evening, but the warmth of the moment were in the hearts of everyone who later enjoyed dinner together at the Dunes Restaurant in Nags Head, where Marilyn Austin Meads was captured visiting with David Stick by Cheryl Shelton Roberts quick click of the shutter on her camera.
(Left photo above of Ranger Doreen and John Gaskill courtesy of Cheryl Shelton Roberts.)
October 14th, 2006
North Carolina Wildlife Center
Corolla, North Carolina
Another beautiful morning with wonderful warm weather greeted everyone while leaving the hotel for a short drive north to the North Carolina Wildlife Center in Corolla. It had been two years since the big wheels traveled this route; changes to the area brought the need for a telephone call and create a "U-turn" after passing this beautiful wildlife center. This completely accessible facility had more than ample parking and a long accessible ramp next to the main building allowed easy entry.
The interior of the facility was not only interesting, but also fascinating. While the Center was completely accessible, unfortunately, it was not long before hearing Fox start whining at the sounds of wildlife and the wheels took an exit rather than take the chance of chaos. (Left photo of Diana and David, inside the Wildlife Center, was captured by Cheryl Shelton Roberts.)
On such a gorgeous day, this was not a problem and enjoyment of the area provided relaxing time near a river leading from Whalehead Bay, (entering the property), and a grand opportunity to spend time with Jack Spencer Goodwin, the youngest son of Captain Murray Ross Goodwin and Nancy Margaret (Casey) Goodwin. Jack is presently serving as President of the Carteret County Historical Society and is the Director of the Society's Research Library. (Photo below right of Jack Goodwin captured by Julia Hollenbeck.)
Jack's grandfather, James Oliver Casey, remains a legend as 'Cap'n Jim' through history, from the late 1800's through the 1920's, while he served several lighthouses along the Outer Banks. Obviously, the legend of his family carried through to their children in many ways. Jack is an abundance of information and made the day very special with education while waiting for the return of our group.
The majority of people enjoying this tour at the Wildlife Center took the opportunity of another tour on the same grounds, and crossed over the bridge of the river to enter the Whale Head Club a short distance away. Cheryl Shelton Roberts was quick to take a photo while people began the tour at this extraordinary historic building.
In the meantime, another excellent opportunity unfolded while meeting the Director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Clarence E. Styron, Ph. D. and Sharon Meade, Curator and Public Relations Division of the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. Visiting with them led to learning about the grounds redevelopment between two properties, literally connecting them for ease of visiting both.
As people returned from the Whale Head Club, another rendezvous would take place at the Currituck Lighthouse "next door". Leaving vehicles parked on the grounds at the Wildlife Center, wheels and foot-mobile made their way to the grounds of yet another historical property just a few yards away.
Established 1875
Whale Head Bay, Corolla, NC
Visited October 14th, 2006
Greeted by Tour Guide Al, we began an informative tour of the grounds at Currituck Lighthouse starting with a mere image of the duplex, otherwise known as the Keeper's Quarters, located with a direct path to the lighthouse with a cobblestone walkway.
As Al stood midway on the cobblestone between the Keeper's Quarters and the Currituck Lighthouse, he asked if anyone knew why the Keeper had his own walkway providing a direct path to the lighthouse.
The answer was rather simple: Lighthouse Keepers were and are special people, considered important, from even the earliest years of structures built to protect the maritime with lights warning of potential dangers, the approach of land, or providing "fixes" for mariners.
While it was not possible for wheels to enter the lighthouse, the education learned on this second return made the journey will worth the visit, but one of the nicest things happening was meeting another individual using the very same mode of mobility. In fact, it was the very same wheelchair model.
Visiting with one another while stopped on the cobblestone walkway simply proved without any doubt, that climbing stairs to observation decks of lighthouses, has absolutely nothing to do with the educational value of learning about historic properties.
The afternoon provided eager hands from the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society's members to arrange trays of an assortment of sandwiches with all the fixin's and wonderful desserts for the group to enjoy. (Photo on left)
Participants relaxed on the grounds of Currituck Lighthouse and visited together while enjoying a delightful lunch before heading back to Kill Devils Hill and another evening rendezvous.
The primary difference for this evening was it would be the last evening shared together until the following year, when another rendezvous would take place, with members and friends of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society. There was no doubt every participant was looking forward to an exciting evening filled with the camaraderie gained during the past two days.
The 11th Annual Keeper's Dinner
Linda Malloy and James Charlet of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station
Arriving back in Kill Devil Hills provided plenty of time to relax, visit, or re-fuel gas tanks (for the following day) before the evening extravaganza. By 5:30 in the early evening on Saturday night, several persons had gathered for an educational and enjoyable evening, with dinner seating at tables of eight in a ballroom at the Host Hotel. Forty-five minutes later, the welcoming and introduction of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society Board Directors and special guests began. The presentation of awards followed prior to the Keeper's Dinner.
Bruce Roberts presented twins, Paula and Lauren Liebrecht and Jane Morgan with the "Bodie (Body's) Island Lighthouse Award" for their continued dedicated work. The three women help volunteer their time at the lighthouse to greet visitors and help provide education.
Following dinner Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station's site stewards, James Charlet and Linda Malloy, appropriately dressed in their 19th Century period costumes, allowed dinner attendees to see the gold medal presented to one of the rescuers of the famous Mirlo sinking during WWI.
Linda Malloy and James Charlet of Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station presented, "Lighthouse Service and Life-Saving Service: Sister Acts" with an extremely interesting and factual history.
James and Linda operate the only authentic Historic Life-Saving Station at Chicamacomico, located in Rodanthe on Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and after visiting with them, there was no doubt the wheels would venture further south once more.
Then Sandra Clunies, the keynote speaker presented, "Lesser Known Lighthouse Luminaries" with a fantastic slide presentation keying in on the history and life while tracing through a "family tree".
Again, familiar "oh's and awes", and a few giggles could be heard throughout the ballroom, as she struck on some rather interesting information and then captured her audience with history leaving everyone spellbound.
Shortly after eight o'clock, a raffle drawing and live auction began, but lasted quite long as the auction got livelier while participants eagerly bid for favorites. After the auction was over, most persons were still so excited, they wanted more, but nothing was left to auction for OBLS.
Richard Meissner provided a great auction and kept the excitement going as he described each item and piqued the interest of everyone there, many of whom were bidding against one another, bringing laughter and ultimately a very satisfied buyer in the end.
While this was the "last night" of the Annual Meeting for the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, the evening was so lively, no one appeared to be concerned it would draw to a close the next morning with a farewell breakfast, until the next rendezvous with lights at the Outer Banks.
The evening so successful with unique hospitality and good cheer, it seemed only natural to continue the journey. It was the same evening wheels prepared to go south the following day, searching past memories and finding new ones that would be remembered forever.
JJ Cuff and Dana Garrett cozily relax while giggling for the camera (Left Photo above), and left to right in middle photo, Jane Morgan and Bett Padgett, President of OBLHS visit with Bruce Roberts, Founder of OBLHS, while Courtney Whisler shows off one of the items that will be later auctioned by Richard Meissner.
In the far left photo, Chris and Henry Gonzalez beam with smiles after buying Bruce Roberts' "Suzy" (background framed photograph) in the OBLHS auction.
Note: Weeks before the auction, Sammy Hughes proudly shows a display containing an authentic light bulb from Cape Lookout Lighthouse (offered for the auction) as Cheryl Shelton Roberts, Founder of OBLHS graciously accepts the bulb. During the auction, several excited bidders were quite anxious to obtain the bulb, but only one of these rare bulbs went to the winner!
On Sunday morning, many of the attendees of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, and this extraordinary rendezvous with lights and friends, gathered for breakfast and then later began their journey home, but for the wheels heading south, there were more visits ahead, people to meet and things to do.
While the rendezvous with lights and the Annual Meeting with the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society had come to a final close, there was more to explore before heading back to whence the wheels came.
Continuing the Journey
There were four goals for the journey south: First a capture of Bodies (Body's) Lighthouse along the highway to "The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum". (Where hope of viewing the original Cape Hatteras Fresnel Lens was on display, waiting for the Henry-Lepaute pedestal of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to be reunited with the Fresnel lens.) Third, a stop at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, after spending the night in Cape Hatteras, before returning with a fourth goal to stop for a visit at the Chicamacomico Historical Life Saving Station prior to returning to the mainland.
Big wheels departed Kill Devil Hills and carried the small wheels South, taking a left turn to return to Bodies (Body's) Island. It was imminent a stop would be made at the lighthouse, whether the Keeper's Quarters were open or not. The sign marking the entrance called out, and the big wheels took the turn to the right. As a sigh of relieve escaped when seeing other vehicles parked on the grounds implying the gift shop and museum were open. Wheeling eagerly to the main entrance of the duplex that were once Keeper's Quarters, the biggest surprise was being greeted by one of the Liebrecht twins, who suddenly opened the door upon approaching the main entrance. The opportunity to see the secrets inside the museum, (completely missed over two years earlier), learning more about the past, as well as recent months, was more than interesting and would retain a keen interest with this historical lighthouse and the Outer Banks with future returns.
Wheels surged onward along sandy banks snuggled against the highway and long stretches of what one might call, "Sea Grass", with beautiful wild flowers peeking from the blades. An odd feeling enveloped as the reality was there was no actual certainty the doors to the museum would be open, but even if only learning exactly where the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum was located and having an opportunity to see the building from the outside, would be well worth the venture.
Puzzlement unfolded when reaching the end of the line and seeing the road split, but fortunately, a kind law enforcement officer provided directions to the left to reach the museum, otherwise the wheels would have been heading for Ocracoke Island. Arriving at 2:20 in the afternoon, there were a couple of vehicles parked across the street, but no sign of people and no sign the door to the museum were open.
The building was fascinating with a structure resembling an arc or vessel, but difficult to capture with the digital camera because space limitations of sand prevented the wheels from getting far enough away. People waved as they drove by, apparently heading for the ocean, with long fishing poles attached to their vehicles. Three vehicles stopped asking if the museum were open, and by then it was all too clear, that it was not. Nonetheless, one couple walked over from the parking lot while preparing to leave a note at the main door, and offered to take the note card and slide it between the doors.
Lingering for over an hour, just enjoying friendly conversation with others who stopped for a visit at the famous museum that was securely closed, (lacking sufficient volunteers to keep it open on weekends), was enjoyable in the warm sunshine. Nevertheless, the reality was there was something else beckoning to the wheels on the way back to Cape Hatteras, where the night would be spent.
Plans quickly changed, when considering fewer visitors would provide unobstructed photography and the wheels went straight to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and at 4:30 in the afternoon, they pulled into the parking lot that was nearly empty. Doddering the short distance inside the pavilion, alas, the gift shop remained open as a few people headed for their vehicles! Begging and pleading for a tour guide, the wish granted; but while heading over to meet the tour guide, a stop had to be made to capture the tallest lighthouse in the United States of America.
Caught by the tour guide who asked haste be made, the wheels then headed for buildings never before explored up-close.
The extraordinary Keeper's Quarters was a large duplex containing eight bedrooms upstairs and dual living quarters downstairs, part of which was now a museum, managed by the National Park Service. Access to areas in the lower level gave insight to many things heard about, but never before seen.
When turning around, the beautiful lighthouse of Cape Hatteras stood tall and proud, and as if nothing had happened in years past, much less have been moved 2900-feet seven-years earlier.
To the right of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was the oil building, which was upon a time, contained the oil that kept the original light shinning.
Now five o'clock, the acreage was barren of walking feet except for the guide who so willingly shared his knowledge and helped provide insight for this last-minute stop. From here the wheels would spend the night in the town of Cape Hatteras and move North on the following day.
A quick photo of the Tour Guide with Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the background told more than any words could say, and from there the wheels slowly rolled back toward the main entrance as the Tour Guide left in another direction to go home.
Retracing tracks, the wheels approached the first stop made before being beckoned by the Tour Guide, lest the chance by lost to see the buildings piquing interest. The monuments so important, a final stop made before returning to larger wheels waiting. This stop allowed additional photography, while again reading the words read twice before, which continue to enlighten millions of people who stop to learn about the history of this famous lighthouse located on an island in North Carolina.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was actually designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998, two-years before her move to the present site. An additional marker contains two plaques from the American Society of Engineers designated in 1999 and in 2000.
The shorter stone on the left, an embossed plaque from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior dated 1998 stating:
CAPE HATTERAS LIGHT STATION
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A
NATIONAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK
THIS SITE POSSESSES NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE
IN COMMEMORATING THE HISTORY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1998
On the right, the taller stone bared two plaques. The top plaque was from the American Society of Civil Engineers (1852):
NATIONAL HISTORIC
CIVIL ENGINEERING LANDMARK
CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE
COMPLETED IN 1870 DESIGNATED IN 1999
The plaque below the first one was also from the American Society of Civil Engineers:
OUTSTANDING
CIVIL ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT
2000
THE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHT STATION
RELOCATION PROJECT
DESIGNATED: APRIL 29, 2000
Monday was a beautiful morning with low thin clouds gracing the horizon and warmth to fill the spirit. Wheels moved northward through town to town between barren landscapes along the coast until reaching the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site in Rodanthe, a few miles South of Bodies (Body's) Lighthouse. James Charlet, Site Steward of the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, met on the evening of the 14th at the OBLS Annual Dinner, expected the wheels to roll in with only minutes to spare while preparing for an event he was officiating.
Nonetheless, James Charlet provided a quick tour of the grounds, while walking toward the main building where Linda Molloy, Operations Director, joined us. James watched as the wheels explored and led them to the edge of the fence at the far side behind the main building of this historic site, while the film camera took in footage of this exciting tour.
The photo of the main station building, (on left), taken from "rear" of the building was actually facing the ocean. When James had to leave to tend to their program arrangements, Linda perched herself on the porch deck (left side of building) of the main quarters for the life savers and began the most fascinating story of this property, sharing history of the building and telling of secrets hidden inside.
Prickly sand burs caught in the paws of Fox where removed and he ended up riding on the wheelchair (quite content), until a path again loaned him the right to settle on the "special walkway" from the station. Captivated by the bell, which actually began this journey for a rendezvous with lights four days earlier, was a priceless moment that would long be remembered and undoubtedly create a return. When Linda needed to leave for their scheduled program, she turned the tour over to a volunteer who managed the gift shop, who graciously followed along and answered other questions while the cameras did their work.
Chicamacomico (pronounced chik a ma COM i co) is one of the most complete sites in America, with two stations and five outbuildings built in 1874, and is the first station built in North Carolina. The sole purpose of this station was rescuing lives in peril from the sea. Even after the United States Life-Saving Service evolved into the United States Coast Guard (1915), this station continued service until 1954.
Upon leaving the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station, a monument proudly displayed at the front left side of the building's grounds enclosed with a white picket fence, provided possibly the most sincere information to the readers of this article: "The Chicamacomico Historical Association Gratefully Acknowledges the gift of this Land by Mr. & Mrs. Walter R. Davis"
Reflecting back on the past five days kept wheels turning in mind and on the pavement. When reaching the Rest Area bolding displaying a sign acknowledging the wheels were now heading out of the area, there was no doubt another return to "The Outer Banks" would be in the making.
If nothing else learned about the barrier island, weather was unpredictable and possibly a secret surrounding the shores. When early fall weather was engaged across other parts of the country, the Outer Banks unpredictably kept the days warm and sunny. Raincoats and umbrellas kept handy, but never used, and instead, sunglasses shielding eyes, while thoughts of wearing shorts undoubtedly prevailed on many minds.
In truth, no one knew if the weather enjoyed was pure luck or just a happening of oddity; everyone came prepared for the worst and received the best. In truth, regardless of month or time of year, the wheels would return.
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