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Photographer:
Roy B. Westin
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Selkirk Lighthouse
Port Ontario, New York |
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Built : 1838
Construction :
Integral, stone
Status :
Active
Height
: 45 feet
Location :
Salmon River, New York
Access :
Car - from Route 3, turn onto Lake Road in Port Ontario
and follow to the end.
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Lighthouse History : In 1838, this rustic stone lighthouse was
constructed to help guide mariners into the Salmon River at a total cost of $3,000.
Local contractors constructed the two story keeper's dwelling
using stone from a nearby quarry. The roof was originally steel with a
wooden octagonal tower
supporting the lantern room. The unique "birdcage" lantern room
is of a design used before the incorporation of the Fresnel lens and
still in excellent condition.
The
original 1838 beacon was produced using a parabolic reflector/lamp
system. A total of eight lamps and
reflectors were used to produce the fixed white beacon with a range of
14 miles. The reflectors measured 14" in diameter with . |
Photographer:
Roy B. Westin
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In
1855, the lighting system was replaced with a 270-degree, Sixth Order
Fresnel lens and a mineral oil fountain lamp. This lantern remained in
service for only a few years. Silting of the Salmon River entrance lead
to a significant decrease in vessel traffic, thus the U.S. Coast Guard
no longer saw the need for a lighthouse here, taking it out of service
in 1858.
After
much restoration, the lighthouse was lit again on August 6, 1989. With
Coast Guard approved equipment, it has officially been reactivated as an
active Class II aid to navigation. It's day mark is now natural brick
with a red tower and silver lantern. One difference in the restoration
is the addition of asphalt shingles on the roof of the dwelling.
Light Keepers:
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Lewis Conant - August, 1838 through July 20, 1849
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Lucius B. Cole - July 20, 1849 through October 6,
1854
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Charles M. Lewis - October 6, 1854 through March 2,
1857
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A. H. Weed - March 2, 1857 through deactivation in
1858
The lighthouse is currently privately owned and operated but does
provide over-night guest accommodations, for more information call:
(315) 298-6688 |
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