One of the missions of the American Lighthouse Council is to share expertise among the Lighthouse Preservation Community. If any of you have experience with reconstructing your lighthouse’s lantern, please comment on this post or contact Carole Adams directly at pcadams@sbcglobal.net.

Carole Adams, a volunteer at Piedras Blancas Lighthouse, recently wrote, “The Piedras Blancas Light Station Association is looking into replicating the missing upper three levels of the lighthouse with a modern man-made alternative material rather than original like-material (brick and cast iron). Have you seen a blend of materials successfully used on other lighthouses? Does the blending appear different to the observer? What do you think the reaction of the public and the lighthouse community would be? Any feedback would be welcome!”

Carole also mentioned, “You may be interested to know that the old lead based paint was removed and the tower repainted in 2012. Unfortunately, there has been 100% failure of that paint job and it needs to be redone. That lesson is one reason why I believe communication between lighthouses regarding experiences, both positive and negative, is crucial. Someone with experience, might have been able to warn us of complications.”