No. 80: Huntington Lighthouse

The Huntington Lighthouse has been keeping boaters entering Huntington Harbor safe since 1912, in varying degrees of style.

The concrete platform upon which the lighthouse was built was constructed at Sand City, now Hobart’s Beach at the southwest tip of Eaton’s Neck, and brought over by barge to the entrance to the harbor, just north of a jetty of rocks that lie in wait for unsuspecting boats.

The platform was then sunk, and the lighthouse was built upon it, explains Frank Knoll, vice president of the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society and one of the guides that gives tours of the lighthouse. Knoll also works on grant applications for the group, and is seeking money to help fund adding 650 tons of protective rocks called rip rap along the foundation.

Lighthouse fun facts:

* Built in 1912; automated in 1949

* Tower is 42 feet tall; the light is 40 feet above the high tide

* The light flashes every 6 seconds and is visible for 9 miles

* Beaux Arts style lead to nickname “Castle on the Bay”

* Staffed by members of the United States Lighthouse Service from 1912 until 1939, then by the United States Coast Guard

* Reinforced concrete foundation and structure are unique to the area

* Private foundation took over maintenance and preservation in 1985 with a 30-year lease

“The first lighthouse in the harbor was built at the tip of Lloyd’s Neck in 1857 and directed ships to safety in its protected waters during storms,” said M.J. Maione, one of the society’s tour guides. Even after operations moved in 1912, it stood nearby and housed the lighthouse keeper’s family, but burned down in 1947.

After the harbor light was automated, maintenance fell by the wayside. A 1983 survey deemed it unsafe, and the Coast Guard considered shuttering the lighthouse and erecting a steel tower. The group Save Huntington’s Lighthouse began working with the Coast Guard to repair major structural items and begin restoration efforts.

The work continues today with the Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, which has given lighthouse tours since 2003.

Tours are given during warm weather, generally every other Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, and last about an hour. There is a 15-minute boat ride to and from the lighthouse. Tours depart from the dock at Gold Star Battalion Beach. This year’s lighthouse tour dates are: July 10, July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 2, Sept. 18, and Sept. 25.

The cost is $10 for adults, $8 senior citizens, children ages 5 to 12 $5; $20 for a family of 4. No children permitted under age 5. Tours are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis; please make reservations for groups of 10 or more.

Those taking tours must wear rubber-soled shoes, no exceptions. All children under the age of 13 are required to wear a USCG-certified life preserver on the boat ride to the lighthouse, which the society provides. The tours are not handicapped-accessible. Special tours can be arranged.

The group also sponsors the Huntington Lighthouse Music Fest, this year on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 11 a.m. until sunset.

Stay tuned for No. 79 next week, same time same place, as Huntington Patch explores the places and activities in town.