The Gift Of A Lighthouse! My wife had heard of a lighthouse being made available because the US Coast Guard doesn’t wish to maintain it. I would like to include it as a project for my...

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

My wife had heard of a lighthouse being made available because the US Coast Guard doesn’t wish to maintain it. I would like to include it as a project for my son’s foundation. Perhaps a disabled person can manage the operation and the lighthouse can be a wedding venue.

This is a major undertaking because we have to bid on its restoration, prove to the neighboring community of our intent and way of funding the project for the future.

I am skeptical because I have yet to see lighthouses used in wedding photos. Does anyone have an opinion on this idea.

We are a 501(c)(3) charity with an established EIN number.

The Brian Foundation
Kathy and Steve Gewirtz
www.TheBrianFoundation.org

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It would make a great B&B.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

That too, is a novel idea. Right now we are waiting for an application to apply.

Previously, we submitted a bid for the James Seymour Mansion in upstate NY but we lost out. I am open to suggestions for any ideas.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I’d suggest factoring in the expense of an elevator

is the fresnel lens included? Does it rotate in a mercury bath bearing? Several things to consider if you plan to remove them.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

TriX wrote:

I’d suggest factoring in the expense of an elevator

is the fresnel lens included? Does it rotate in a mercury bath bearing? Several things to consider if you plan to remove them.

Thank you TriX!
I have factored in the expense of an elevator and slant of the tower. I am also thinking about a chair lift As a backup just in case one fails.
I am considering full maintainable function as well as a backup generator. As for the rotation of the light, I am still exploring possibilities. This project is still in its early stages. As Jerryc41 suggested, to convert it into a bed and breakfast. This will involve many hours of thought. As a project it will highlight our foundation’s mission statement and provide a resource to the neighboring community.

Tdearing Loc: Rockport, TX

I think it would be a fun project, and if still there, a fresnel lens can be quite valuable.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Tdearing wrote:

I think it would be a fun project, and if still there, a fresnel lens can be quite valuable.

And the several hundred pounds of mercury if this lighthouse used it as a bearing for the fresnel (but must be handled very carefully).

Bmarsh Loc: Bellaire, MI

You might want to talk to the owners of the Big Bay lighthouse B&B in Big Bay MI.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

TriX wrote:

And the several hundred pounds of mercury if this lighthouse used it as a bearing for the fresnel (but must be handled very carefully).

I am a chemist and have handled quite dangerous substances. To name a few, Mercury of course, Benzene quite toxic and carcinogenic, Glacial Acetic Acid, extremely caustic and I have a burn mark to prove it, and Hydrogen Peroxide 90% which is explosive. I almost ended up playing with Ether Peroxide. Fortunately, I didn’t and that is why I am still here.

I thank you for your input and deep concern.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Very few know what a Fresnel lens is. For those that don’t know it is a magnifying glass collapsed upon itself. It is still capable of intensifying a light but it is flat and cut in concentric circles.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Scruples wrote:

Very few know what a Fresnel lens is. For those that don’t know it is a magnifying glass collapsed upon itself. It is still capable of intensifying a light but it is flat and cut in concentric circles.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens#/media/File:Fresnel_lighthouse_lens_diagram.png

(Download)

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

DirtFarmer wrote:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens#/media/File:Fresnel_lighthouse_lens_diagram.png

I was trying to find a diagram. Thank you!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Scruples wrote:

I am a chemist and have handled quite dangerous substances. To name a few, Mercury of course, Benzene quite toxic and carcinogenic, Glacial Acetic Acid, extremely caustic and I have a burn mark to prove it, and Hydrogen Peroxide 90% which is explosive. I almost ended up playing with Ether Peroxide. Fortunately, I didn’t and that is why I am still here.

I thank you for your input and deep concern.

When I was researching old lighthouses in my sailing days, I was surprised to find that some used a bath of mercury (~250 lbs) as a bearing surface for the fresnel lens. https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock/learn/technology

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

If the government is writing it off as too expensive to maintain how will you maintain it? I bought some surplus in an auction in the late 70’s. My experience is that they wear things out totally before the get put on the block. Remember if you win you pay more than anybody else in the world was willing to pay. Finally, become friends with an engineer, and hang on to your hat.

frankco Loc: Colorado

I been looking on Craigslist for someone giving away a rear projection TV close by. They have a fresnel on the the front screen.