Craighill Assessment
Ah, and finally I can write about our final leg of the trip a week ago - the visit to the Craighill Channel Lower Range Front Light Station. Maybe I’ll just call it Craighill 1 for short from now on! On the way in, I managed to snap a shot of the two range lights together. I sure wish Craighill 1 (ok, that name’s a bit laboratory-ish - I’ll keep thinking) looked a bit freshened up for her new visitors, but in good time. I think she still made a good impression. We all stepped on the roof of Howard’s boat cabin to get on the ladder platform, which worked out pretty well, but I felt bad for all the footprints left behind up there! I guess we didn’t need the step ladder we borrowed from Thomas Point after all!
I always feel wonderful stepping through the door the first time. I had a moment of nervousness when the door wouldn’t open because the door knob had become so rusted from the exposure. I remembered having to push the door open last time, so I gave it a theatrical kick and in it swung. Whew! I quickly set to work removing the door knob, but only managed to get the latch plate off before I ran into trouble. The internal parts were so rusted that the thing wouldn’t budge. At least, I thought, in addition to a new doorknob, I also brought padlocks. I’ll feel much better knowing the door is relatively secured now. Christopher tackled the doorknob for me, but also couldn’t get it to budge. We’ll need a hacksaw to cut through it on the next trip before I can put the new one in.
Everyone was impressed by the large “living room” area behind the range light, and with the sun shining brightly, it was definitely showing itself off nicely. I gave the grand tour and found out what some parts that I wasn’t sure about in the watch room were. We also realized that weights had hung and gone through the floor (next to a rotted out part) from the watch room all the way down to the basement.
The basement was a bit wet, particularly since the port holes are open (broken). Mark (from Baltimore Light) took several photos as they are trying to locate the same type of lights for their lighthouse. We also tried to track down if the cistern drains were still in place and funneling water into it. I somewhat doubted that given what I already knew to the be the state of the gutters (completely clogged), but Cullen, Christopher, and Henry did note several symmetrical cutouts under the rafters that appeared to be drains. I can’t wait to recreate the captured water cistern system. Gotta get those original plans (boy, I hope they’re there).
Next, we examined the watch room. I followed Cullen into the crawl space under the roof for the first time ever venturing in there. At first, all seemed good and we were thrilled to find all the beams were labeled with roman numerals. As we crept through, careful to keep our weight on the large wooden beams, we passed an impressive copper stovepipe. A little copper polish and that beauty will shine. Too bad it’s where no one will really see it! As we continued making our way around, my fears were finally confirmed - we found major water damage to one of the vertical supports and a lot of rot on the wood under it (I believe this is over the living room area too where water damage can be seen in the ceiling). Overall, however, Cullen seemed rather impressed with the condition of the structure.
We made our way to the lantern and gallery. The likely culprit for the source of the water was the exposed wood on the gallery deck where the roof panels had peeled back (likely during Isabel). Everyone impressed upon me how vital it is to seal the exposed roof sections to halt further damage. Cullen also noted that galvanic corrosion was occurring in the lites (window pane frames around the beacon) and would need to be stopped or the glass would crack. Cullen explained that as she is now, the lighthouse is in pretty decent condition, but if left with the current vulnerabilities, will turn into a mess in no time. Christopher started formulating ideas for at least winterizing the roof until next year when real repairs can be made. I’m so glad he appears eager to come down and help when he can!
Cullen also admired the privy (outhouse) and the woodwork it sports. Again, one of my first tasks is to seal the roof where the panels have blown back and shredded so the wood isn’t damaged. Personally, I’m really curious to pry off the door and see what the inside looks like! I think that will have to wait until the spring, however. We cracked up about the circle cut out viewed from underneath once we all returned to the boat later.
I felt re-energized after the trip, not to mention a bit more confident. After seeing how the other lighthouses are setting up shop, docking, etc., I have some excellent ideas to put to use. I can’t wait to receive Cullen’s full report and recommendations. I’m most curious about his thoughts on the best public use functions for the lighthouse. It’s too small to really rent out for weekends, although I don’t think that option is out of the question.
I have been planning on going to the National Archives in College Park, MD for quite some time now, but hadn’t been able to squeeze it in. The Baltimore Light folks had their plans proudly available, so I made a mental note to get right on that. I’ve since emailed another board member who isn’t hampered by a 9 to 5 job and asked him to try to get up there in the next couple weeks.
The difference between our light and the Baltimore Light is amazing. I suppose the 50 year difference in construction may have something to do with that. Craighill 1 seems very utilitarian whereas Baltimore Light has more creature comforts and aesthetic appeal, not to mention more living quarter space.
Mark took a great photo of the range light.
After we parted ways with Henry and Cullen back in Annapolis, Christopher and I went out for a beer and appetizers in Eastport and his friend joined us. I think we both started dreaming about where to go with the lighthouse and the excitement level was high! I left them with my first edition(!) book from the future famous author Lighthousemon, completely forgetting to give him the coffee mug I brought to thank him for coming out (I also realized I forgot to give Cullen one in all the excitement). I ran out of t-shirts or those would have been my party favors, so while rooting through my goodies box, grabbed two coffee cups before leaving in the morning. I guess I’ll have to see them both again! Meanwhile, I’m planning my next trip out before the winter winds really start to blow…