Oil House News

May 2009

Restoration of the exterior of the oil house has been completed, and we are now in the process of designing an exhibit area in the interior. Space is limited, but our plan is to include several subjects that are of the most interest to our visitors.

A sub-committee has met with a designer, and we have a working plan. Since the building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned by the National Park Service, we are prohibited from attaching anything to the walls. Therefore, a simple wood, self-supporting structure is in the process of being built. All photos and artifacts will be hung from or included within the structure.  

We would like to display some lighthouse artifacts, but, unfortunately, NLPS does not own many. If any of our members or supporters have artifacts; i.e., keeper's tools, instruments, lanterns, oil cans, journals, log books, or anything else used at lighthouses or by the keepers and would be willing to donate them to NLPS, please contact us. Proper credit will be given to all donors.  

When completed, the oil house will be open during all scheduled lighthouse tours.

Season's Greetings from Eastham

December 2008

We have had a very busy fall at Nauset Light. With the new slate roof completed on the oil house, work continued on the restoration of the exterior. The brick was re-pointed and painted white and the trim its original gray. Replicas of the cupola and door were reproduced and installed. A new threshold completed the restoration. A sub-committee is meeting to investigate ways to set up a small museum inside.

The full moon tour on October 12 brought 127 enthusiastic visitors to the light. The weather and moon cooperated to make it a very successful event.

On December 5, under the direction of Richard Ryder along with several helpers, the 1984 era 1,000 watt, $280 incandescent bulbs in the DCB 2-24 aero beacons in the lighthouse were converted to 400 watt metal halide bulbs. The new bulbs are readily available, cost $20 or so each, and put out 30,000 lumens. They give off a brighter light than the bulbs we have been using and are rated to last at least two years. There will be a significant savings in electricity and bulb replacement costs.

On December 6, the annual wreath hanging was held, enhancing the light for the holidays. Season's Greetings to all and best wishes in the New Year.

This Oil House

May 2008

Restoration of the oil house began in September 2007 with the replacement of the slate roof. The old slate was removed with as much as possible being salvaged for reinstallation. Several rotted beams and the wood sheathing were replaced followed by the installation of the old and new slate with new copper nails. A crew of five NLPS members became very adept at measuring, laying out, cutting, drilling holes, and installing the slate on the roof. It was hard work with a professional-looking result. A very satisfying job for those involved. After much historical research, a new cupola and door have been designed and will be constructed by a professional builder.

While the oil house was under the ownership of the Coast Guard, it was painted white, so the exterior brick has been restored to that time period. Now that restoration is nearing completion, plans are moving forward to create a small museum in the oil house, which would be open to the public during tours.

In February, the fire crew from the park, assisted by a number of volunteers, cleared brush and dead trees from the site. The view has been greatly enhanced and is in keeping with the historical time period.

Top Left Photo, the restoration crew, left to right: David Gray, Shirley Sabin, Betsy Richards, Richard Ryder, Sherm Lovering

Full Moon Tour Success

November 2007

The Full Moon Tour was a success! We had 166 visitors, who generously contributed to our donation box.

Unfortunately, it was not a bright moonlit night all evening, but we did see the moon rise. It was visible for a short time before going behind clouds, and then it popped out again for another few minutes. Nobody seemed to mind and everyone had a great time.  

This was the public's first opportunity to be in the lighthouse at night, and they thoroughly enjoyed it. Our plans are to do the tour again next year, so perhaps some of you can come and join the fun. We will keep you posted.

April Noreaster

April 2007

The three-day Northeaster, April 16-19, 2007, with astronomically high tides, took its toll at Nauset Light Beach. Unfortunately, during the night high tide early Thursday morning, the stairs succumbed to the relentless pounding of the surf and undercutting of the bank. They broke away. At this time, it is unknown how many feet of bank were lost, but the erosion appears to be significant.

The post marking the center of where Nauset Light stood before it was moved in 1996 is now only a little more than two feet from the edge of the cliff, which appears to be severely undercut below. The post could be claimed by the sea at any time. We're thankful it is just a post marking the spot that is about to go over the edge and not the lighthouse itself. The tower is safely across the road. We appreciate your continued interest in Nauset Light and welcome your support. Your generosity keeps the light operating and open to the public.

View Improvements

March 2007

On February 20 and March 1, 2007, volunteers from Nauset Light Preservation Society and Friends of Cape Cod National Seashore assisted David Crary, Jr., and his National Park Service fire crew with cutting and clearing the grounds of Nauset Light. Dead trees and invasive brush were cleared. The much-needed enhancement has opened up the view of the tower, as well as the view of the ocean from the lighthouse grounds. We hope you enjoy the new improvements.

Welcome in...

April 2006

Thanks to the expertise of our past president, Richard Ryder, Nauset Light has a new outside door to replace the one made of black-painted plywood that was installed by the Coast Guard many years ago. The new door is also plywood and is temporary, but it is a big improvement. Eventually we hope to replace it with an authentic copy of an original door. In the meantime, we will enjoy the results of Richard's fine effort.

Painting the Tower, Part 2

November 2005

Despite unexpected delays due to hurricanes and a Northeaster, the painting of the light has been completed.  

The vinyl envelope that covered the tower to contain overspray from the paint made it difficult to document the progress, so we have very few photographs of the project. Just before the painting was totally completed, the storms arrived, and the force of the high winds tore away the vinyl. That was an impressive sight, but it canceled our planned "unveiling". J. Goodison Co. finished the final touch-ups on October 27, 2005, and the tower looks magnificent once more.  

Future plans include replacing the exterior door of the tower with an authentic replica of the original, painting the interior of the light and restoring the oil house.  

Thank you for your interest and continued support.