July 2 – Great Progress on the Lantern Room

We’ve separately reported on today’s major accomplishment in a News post. It was truly an historic day with the first of nine panels restored in the 1867 lighthouse lantern room.

Lots of preparation was required to make this happen. Planning in 2023 along with removal of corroded sheet metal at the base of the lantern room. Experimental removal of a couple of screws holding astragals on a trip back in May. Preparing for less than cooperative screws (there were several.) Developing tools & fixtures (as shown below.) Bringing Heli-Coils to repair damaged threads.

Drilling out a broken screw using their magnetic drill press fixture.

After removing screws, rust and dried putty had to be ground out, with stops and frames prepped and painted.

Tom built temporary wood supports for the bottom of each frame as the existing ones were no longer usable. New ones will be made off site and installed at a later date. Each plexi panel was cut and fitted. Ultimately, it would be nice to upgrade to glass consistent with the historic panels but this interim step provided more flexibility in addressing the not unexpected challenges.

Three panels were completed today, with two more planned for tomorrow. Phil’s original 2006 wood panels were called into service overnight to protect against forecast wind and rain.

This is a very talented team. We’ve thankful for their work.

Left to right, Barb, Tom, Marty & Jeff.