Hope Town is Grateful!
The AFCP grant, was made possible by the U.S. Embassy Nassau, which recognized that this historic lighthouse restoration project will bring back the pride and morale of Elbow Cay's residents who have experienced hardships after the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
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Progress! The windvane which was unable to spin since 2019, is now turning again! The bottom edge of the wrought iron canopy at the top of the lighthouse that had rusted and decayed has been repaired.
The crew rebuilt and shaped the canopy edge with a heavy mesh screening and a metal repair composite. All that is left to do is to prime and paint!
Pictured below, Jackson Blatch, ERLS Restoration Foreman
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The much anticipated lighthouse paint job is a restoration effort.
First, we have to gently and carefully water blast off the layers of old paint, next we will repair the masonry, apply a base coat, and clean and paint the tower using suspended swing staging and rigging.
Work will commence on October 23, and is expected to take three weeks.
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Keepers' Quarters' Roofs
Completed October 8, 2022!
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We are happy to end a chapter in a massive project! The Keeper's Quarter's roofs are now complete! Thanks to a grant from the Rotary Disaster Relief Committee and a successful Gofundme led by Annie Potts, there was much support in this effort.
Besides the re-roofing, the Keeper's Quarters repairs comprised several projects; electrical, new verandas, porch railings, guttering, and furnishings. The next project will address masonry repairs, including stripping and repainting the exterior stone walls.
Pictured: The crew adds the last shingle to the Assistant Keeper's Roof.
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Evy’s Hug
We received a picture from an active volunteer of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society, Lisa Ballard--a second homeowner and part-time resident of Elbow Cay.
The photo was taken when her two-year-old granddaughter, Evy, first visited the Elbow Reef Lighthouse. Before Little Evy arrived, she had heard all about our lighthouse from Lisa (Gigi) and her parents. As the ferry boat neared the lighthouse, Evy’s anticipation grew! Then, with no fear and determination Evy’s little legs got her all the way to the top of the lighthouse! For days after that first visit, Evy kept pointing at the lighthouse, saying, “Up, up”.
So, on the day the family was leaving, Evy’s Dad and Papa took her for a second visit to say goodbye to the lighthouse. This is how Evy said goodbye with a kiss and a hug! You can see the childlike wonder exploding in Evy’s eyes as she determined that the lighthouse was worthy of her embrace! She was not intimidated by its 90-foot size; she did not judge it for being 159 years old, weathered, and needing a paint job (which is coming soon). No, Evy didn’t see any of that! Instead, she experienced something alive and loveable in the tower that perhaps we adults overlook. Therefore, the next time I visit the Lighthouse I intend to hug it with the unspoken acknowledgment that it is so much more than a tower! ~ by Deb “DP” Patterson, ERLS Office Administrator
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In the wake of Hurricane Ian, we want to express our thoughts and prayers to the communities across Florida and the United States for their losses. We know what you are going through, but we also know it is possible to recover!
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The lightstation and the community of Hope Town had incredible support from many people from various Florida NGOs. These wonderful people descend on devastated communities to offer much-needed help and HOPE.
We wish to recognize them at this time and wholeheartedly thank them.
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Our New 2022 ERLS Ornament
A 10-year series of holiday joy!
(2020-2030)
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This year, we celebrate the Abaco Parrot by featuring the works of two talented Bahamian artists: The "Abaco Parrots" were painted by local artist, Brandin Pinder and the beautiful "Light of Hope" (lightstation background) was painted by Lori Higgs Thompson of Marsh Harbour. |
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Introducing ERLS Merchandise now available online!
Thanks to the Elbow Reef Foundation Inc, a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit,
you can purchase Abaco casual wear for your next visit or buy gifts for loved ones!
All proceeds go to the restoration of the Elbow Reef Lightstation!
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The Hand for the Light is an historic offering that directly benefits restoration programs. A special limited edition series of 200
‘Pete Johnston’ bronze casted replicas of the Elbow Reef Lighthouse’s famous door handle (hand and scroll) are available for purchase at $2000 each.
Using the 5000-year old Lost Wax Process, the Johnston family have specialized in bronze sculpture since 1952. Each piece is hand-numbered and comes with a gift box and certificate of authenticity.
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Support the Elbow Reef Lighthouse as your Amazon Smile Charity.
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(242) 699-4000
elbowreeflight.com
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SAVE THE DATE!
ELBOW REEF CLASSIC
FISHING TOURNAMENT
JUNE 21 – 24, 2023
at HOPE TOWN INN & MARINA
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