The Lighthouse Gazette

A new 84-foot wooden walkway leading out to the foundation of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse was dedicated Sunday October 22nd.

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL) volunteers, Kaye and Pat Heffernan, donated $16,000 for the project. The new walkway was reconstructed in September by Ricci Construction Company of Portsmouth, NH, who also restored New Hampshire’s White Island Lighthouse last year. The money was donated in memory of Kaye Heffernan’s aunt, Josephine Pauk.

The new walkway is situated like the previous one, but is made of more durable materials. The planks are made of Trex decking, a modern composite of recycled wood and plastic that will hold up well for many decades. The posts and railings are made of pressure-treated wood, which will be stained to match the decking this spring by FPHL volunteers.

Guest speakers included Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse president Jeremy D’Entremont, volunteer Kaye Heffernan, New Castle Selectwoman Gene Doherty, and Senior Chief Will Lindsay, OIC Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor.

Entertainment was provided by Shannachie, who sang Irish songs and sea shanties. Refreshments included a cake with a picture of the light station, made of icing, on it.

The following photos are by the author of the Lighthouse Gazette, John Briggs. Simply click on the thumbnail for a full-sized view.

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