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Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse
PO Box 26, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006
Bill Edmunds photographer
in this issue:
- From the Executive Committee
- Winner of Photo Contest
- Who is this?
- Help needed: Sternmen and Woodchucks
- Lighthouse Ghosts
- Island Tours
- Next Issue - Shipwrecks
WHO IS THIS?
Keeper
1934-1951
Earle Benson, he was keeper during the transition of lighthouses from the USLHS (US Lighthouse Service) to the Coast Guard. Many lighthouses had transitional difficulties during this militarization of the lighthouses. Earle Benson made it easy for Wood Island.
STERNMEN NEEDED.....
(men or women)
for the summer season aboard Light Runner. This crew member's job is to take care of the boat during the landings, making sure all is stable and safe for visitor departure, including raising and lowering of the boat's drop down front end. Sternmen also help the Captain in any manner required. Strength and "boat smarts" are needed. Interested parties contact Sean Murphy.
From the Executive Committee
The Executive Committee decided that the annual memberships will run on a calendar year basis, with a membership-renewal mailing going out at the end of the year. If you are due to renew your membership for the year 2005, you can do so right on the website (under the membership link) or send a check to FOWIL at the above address. Brad Coupe and Sean Murphy met with the Maine State Historical Preservation Commission to go over our plans which were submitted in February. Modifications needed for approval, primariily to the interior plans, are underway. We hope to have clearance for some restoration activities this summer.
NEW PRESENTATION: In our efforts to establish an outreach program, we have created a presentation which will include our new 7 minute DVD "Tour Wood Island Lighthouse", a large visual display and an interesting talk about the organization - our mission, restoration plans, the boat and lighthouse tours. This is available to civic groups, schools and other interested organizations. If you would like to arrange for this program for your group please contact Diane Noble. (phone - 284-6394)
GENERAL MEETING
Saturday JUNE 4, 2005 - 9:30 AM
Fire Barn - Biddeford Pool
Keeper Jerry Murray and
his wife Susan will be featured.
Check with our Calendar
FRESH PAINT DAY
Sunday JULY 10TH
(RAIN DATE Saturday JULY 16TH)
Contact CARYN for information
about how to volunteer to help.
WINNING PHOTO
Cliff Trebilcock, keeper 1970-1972
won first place
in the 11th Annual Lighthouse Digest Photo Contest.
"Best Daytime View" category.
Congratulations Cliff!
Woodchucks Needed Want to join the Wood Island Woodchucks?
They keep the grounds at Wood Island spiffy and beautiful.
They are looking for interested, reliable and enthusiastic parties to take part in the beautification program. Work parties go to Wood Island one morning a week leaving Vine's Landing at 9:00 am and returning at 12:30pm.
Interested in Lighthouse Ghosts?
A new book has been published called "Ghostly Lighthouses" written by Sheryl Monks. She contacted the FOWIL History Group for information about Wood Island's ghosts. Purchasing this book or other books from our website benefits the Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse in their effort to raise funds for preserving the Lighthouse.
To see this book and others available:
Look HERE.
What has been going on?
If you want to catch up with the activities of FOWIL, since it's inception in Spring 2003 check with the
Falkenbury Family
Boarding Light Runner
at
Vines Landing - 2004
Come enjoy a tour of Wood Island this summer.
A Great Granddaughter of Thomas Henry Orcutt (keeper 1886-1905), Joyce Falkenbury, and her family are waiting to board Light Runner to make a trip to Wood Island for a tour. Thomas Henry Orcutt's Great Grandson, Bob Orcutt is the Captain of the boat! It was exciting for the family to see the place that their relative served for 19 years.
See the Chronology and Keepers Page
Web Team: Sean Murphy, Bill Edmunds and Sheri Poftak
Newsletter Team: Sheri Poftak, Bill Edmunds and contributors
The Friends of
Wood Island Lighthouse
is a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. It was formed in the Spring of 2003 specifically to preserve and restore the Wood Island Light Station. Please visit our website for information.
