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The Newsletter of the Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission

Vol. 1 Issue 1 June 1998

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse
“Maid of the Meadows”

Save Esopus Lighthouse

One of the 7 remaining navigational warning lights on the Hudson River, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, listed on the Register of Historic Places since 1979, is unique in its construction of wood framed with a clapboard exterior. Operated by lightkeepers from 1871 until 1965, when the light was automated, the lighthouse has fallen into disrepair. In 1990, the Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission was formed to restore the lighthouse and has worked since then to raise funds and draw attention to this historic site.

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, or Maid of the Meadows, was originally constructed in 1839 on an island in the Hudson ceded to the US Government by the Town of Esopus, New York, for one dollar. The light cost $6000 to build and had five lamps with fourteen inch reflectors to warn vessels from running aground on the mud flats. The original structure was a replica of the Rondout II Lighthouse but was irreparably damaged by floods and ice in 1867. A new lighthouse was constructed by 1871.

The new foundation was made of 250 piles, forty feet long, driven into the river to a solid footing. The piles were cut off three feet below the water line and capped with timbers twelve inches square. Three inch pine planking was added to make a round pier forty-nine feet at the base and forty-six feet at the top. Granite rocks were piled around and the lighthouse keeper’s house was built above, complete with mansard roof. The light tower extended above with an octagonal deck fifty-three feet above mean low water. The dioptic fifth-order Fresnel lens provided a 270 degree arc of light that was visible for twelve nautical miles in clear weather. The interior of the structure was divided into seven rooms: kitchen, dining and sitting rooms on the first floor and bedrooms on the second.

The lighthouse had no electricity and was only accessible by boat, making it a lonely duty for the lightkeeper and family. They would be isolated for weeks some winters as ice accumulated around the base and prevented trips to shore. Family keepers operated the lighthouse until 1939 when the US Coast Guard acquired it. In 1965 the lights were automated and the old oil lamps were extinguished. With the light controlled from shore the lighthouse began to fall into ruinous condition. The structure began to lean and some areas are now unsafe for all but a small group to walk upon.

In the spring of 1990 the Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission received a lease for the site from the US Coast Guard and began the restoration of the lighthouse. (For more information about restoration work see The Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission)

The Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission Formed in 1990, the SELC was originally directed by Arline Fitzpatrick, whose aunt and uncle had been lightkeepers. Through grant monies received from various sources and with the help of volunteers from communities on both sides of the river and the crew of the US Coast Guard cutter “Penobscot Bay”, the work began. The Penobscot Bay crew restored the 1200 pound boom the keepers used to raise and lower small boats. Reid Beilenberg, a restoration specialist began his association with the commission and directed much of the work.

In 1997, Ms. Fitzpatrick retired and Pat Ralston, a Port Ewen native, became the new director. Pat has been diligent in her efforts to draw attention to the SELC and volunteers continue to give their time to raise funds and join work parties on the island. With the summer almost here, work parties are being organized for most Saturdays to have crews of volunteers chip, paint, plaster and clear brush at the lighthouse.

As with all efforts such as this, funds are always needed. New grant proposals are being written and submitted and a generous donation from a private citizen was received this year. Membership dues and fund raising events help contribute to the ongoing need.

If you are interested in joining our effort to Save The Light, donations, membership applications and/or questions may be sent to:

Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission

PO Box 1290

Port Ewen, NY 12466, USA

The Role of Volunteers “The Backbone of a Non-Profit Organization”

The SELC is a volunteer, non-profit organization. As the subtitle suggests, we rely heavily on volunteers of all sorts and there is a wide variety of volunteer jobs that are needed. Members may join (or head) a committee or donate their time as they are able, but all members are encouraged to contribute in some way.

With this premiere issue there is a list of each of the volunteer categories and a brief description of each. In subsequent issues we will highlight each category and the work it has done and will be doing. Clean-Up- members who are interested in helping to clear brush and debris from the island, clean the inside of the lighthouse (certain restrictions apply due to the fragility of the structure). Work parties are scheduled for crews to travel to the island. Keep an eye out for announcements in the newsletter. Building- Lath installation, plastering, painting, and concrete work (outside). Members with experience in any of these areas are encouraged to volunteer.

Phoning- Members who are available to call a large number of people. Examples of possible callings are: to notify of a special event, change in event or request information.

Grant Writing- Any member with experience in grant writing , have access to word processors and/or typewriters to prepare the final drafts or who are able to do information research for a specific grants.

Fund Raising- Members who are available for a wide variety of activities. Fund raising is the “bread and butter” of our effort. Without funds to match some grants and to pay for expenses, we cannot reach any of our goals. Events are one of the fund raising tools. However, there are many other ways, and each needs a coordinator and a committee. All members are asked to give ideas of fund raising activities.

Membership- The Membership Committee is responsible for recording each new member, sending a letter of welcome and membership card and entering the member into the organization database. The Membership Committee also notifies members when their annual dues are due.

Events- Members are asked to help with at least one event. Most events are fund-raisers (the bread and butter of our effort) and require minimal to maximal participation. There is something for everyone to do. For each event a chair, co-chair and committee are needed. Smaller events need a coordinator. Contact persons are needed to supply information to interested parties.

IF YOU HAVE TALENT. WE NEED YOU!

The SELC is in need of volunteers who are experienced in a wide array of restoration tasks. We need plasterers, painters, carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians. If you are one or know one, or have sufficient experience in any of these areas and are willing to volunteer your time, WE NEED YOU. Please send you name and phone number and what you are able to do to:

Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission

PO Box 1290

Port Ewen, NY 12466, USA

The Klyne Esopus Museum

The Klyne Esopus Museum is the official local history museum of the Town of Esopus in Ulster County. Housed in an 1827 Old Dutch Church, it has a collection of permanent exhibits covering the history of the town from about 10,000 BC to the present. Each season, the Klyne Esopus Museum also provides special exhibits focusing on particular subjects. Associated with the museum is a sizeable genealogical/historical library covering the town and much of Ulster County. The entire facility is open mid-May through the first weekend in December, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and Tuesday from 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is free but donations are accepted. 764 Route 9W, Ulster Park, N.Y. (845) 338-8109. www.klyneesopusmuseum.org

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