Winter Storm Report

March 2010

The winter has been a difficult one with serious erosion occurring all along Cape Cod National Seashore. At least four major storms with high winds and lasting several days have pounded the shoreline. A full moon resulting in higher than normal tides added to the fury.

The stairs at Marconi Beach in Wellfleet (photo 1) and Eastham's Nauset Light Beach near the lighthouse (photos 2 & 3), as well as part of the walkway at Coast Guard Beach, were washed away during the last storm of Friday, February 26 to Monday, March 1, 2010. In addition, the bicycle bridge connecting the bicycle path from Salt Pond Visitor Center to Coast Guard Beach was washed over. It is now unsafe and must be replaced. 

Nauset Light was moved in 1996 because it was less than 35 feet from the edge of the cliff. Immediately after the move, a 4'' x 4'' post was put in the ground marking where the center of the light once was. Due to the continuing erosion of the shoreline during the last 13-1/2 years, the post is now a foot or less from the edge of the cliff. It is expected that it will disappear soon. 

As can be seen in the last photo, had the lighthouse not been moved, it would have been dismantled and taken away long ago. Thanks to the many members, friends, and supporters of the Nauset Light Preservation Society who contributed funds to move it, Nauset Light is safely away from the edge of the cliff and is still shining brightly. Ongoing support of NLPS is crucial to its ability to keep the lighthouse lit and maintained.

The Nauset Light Video, now on DVD!

November 2009

RESCUED The Story of Nauset Light has been re-released on DVD. The thirty minute video is the story of the history and relocation of Nauset Light, and is a "must have" for all lighthouse lovers. Produced in 1998, Greg O'Brien wrote the text and Chuck Kraemer did the narration. (NTSC, region free, also available on VHS tape)

Get your copy now. Send a check for $16.95 plus $3.00 shipping to: 
Nauset Light Preservation Society
P. O. Box 941
Eastham, MA 02642.

Make your checks payable to Nauset Light Preservation Society. Please specify DVD disc or VHS tape.  Questions? Send an e-mail or phone us at 508-240-2612.

Oil House Exhibit

September 2009

The oil house has been totally renovated inside and out, and the exhibit is open for viewing during our regularly scheduled tours. The interior space is small, but the display panels contain lots of pertinent information and depict the three areas that have generated the most public interest - the erosion story, the lighthouse keepers and their families, and the move of the tower and oil house in November 1996.

The renovation and exhibit were made possible through the generous donations of family and friends in memory of Kay Bryant Cannoni, Daniel K. Kohlmeier, and Conrad Nobili.

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.