March 1, 2015

Theme Day: Aging

Sanibel Lighthouse
When I discovered yesterday that today's Theme Day was 'aging', I rooted through my recent photos on Sanibel island to see what could be applicable.  And, voila -- the Sanibel lighthouse!   

Opened in 1884 on the eastern tip of the island, it was manned by ten different lighthouse keepers until 1949 when a big storm hit and concerns about erosion led to the light becoming automated.  In the  early 1980s, the City of Sanibel began managing the surrounding property, but the U.S. Coast Guard continued to own and operate the light.  In 2000, it was transferred to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and, then, the City of Sanibel applied for custody of it.  After years and years of waiting, the request was granted in 2010.  Using a Florida state historic preservation grant and monies accrued from the island's beach parking fund, a preservation initiative was launched just two years ago in 2013.  Apparently, the rehab was really needed.  The exterior steel was deteriorating to the point that sections had to be replaced.  The lighthouse also was sanded and painted.  Now it's looking pretty good for a 131 year old structure, don't you think?  I'm partial to lighthouses and I'm glad this one has been preserved and seems to be aging pretty well.

To see other interpretations of Theme Day click here.

13 comments:

Kay said...

This looks like it's definitely benefited from some overdue TLC.
Glad to see you're posting again. Your recent bird shots are spectacular!

Andy said...

Well worth preserving.

Mersad said...

I absolutely love lighthouses, so I'm always happy to see them in other peoples images.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Jim said...

That's a brilliant post for this Ageing theme day.

Denton said...

bravo to all historic preservation societies .. good choice ... happy theme day

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I'm very partial to lighthouses SRQ and like you am so happy this old beauty has had the love it needed to carry on. Thank goodness for those people determined to save it.

Lois said...

It is in great shape! I love lighthouses and this one is quite unique. Nice choice for Theme Day. My daughter was in Sarasota this weekend judging a high school band competition at Riverview.

William Kendall said...

I enjoy a good lighthouse, and this one's certainly different from what I'm used to!

Michelle said...

I've not see a lighthouse like this before!

LOLfromPasa said...

Different, isn't it. Old, yes. I like it!

Stuart said...

I'm glad to see that it was preserved. It's a classic.

Brian King said...

Not the kind of lighthouse I'm accustomed to seeing. Very nice!

Jack said...

I knew this instantly. The Sanibel lighthouse is a grand old structure.