Dunkirk Lighthouse

I just happened to be in the area during the Dunkirk Lighthouse Festival weekend. There was supposed to be food and arts and crafts and games, but when I got there on Sunday, nothing much was going on. I guess the big day was Saturday.

I took a tour of the lighthouse, instead. Dunkirk Lighthouse was built in 1875. The original lighthouse was built in 1827 (more later). The Fresnel Lens and lantern is its third, which was installed in 1857, and is still in use today, although it is now powered by electricity instead of coal or oil.

This was the original lighthouse during a winter storm. Because of erosion of the land, the lighthouse was moved. Also told was that the ice caused so much damage, that the only thing salvageable from the original lighthouse was the Fresnel Lens.

A view of Lake Erie from the top of the lighthouse:

This wooden banister was designed and made by one of the lighthouse keepers. He had six children who all lived in the house with him and his wife. The top was removable. Because the keepers worked at night, if the top was off the lighthouse, then it was a sign to the six children to be quiet as Dad was either working or sleeping.

Also at the lighthouse was a museum of military items. There was one room for every branch of the military: Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This wedding dress was made from parachute material used in WWII. It was worn by four sisters for each of their weddings. One of the husbands is still alive as are all four sisters.

The Table of the Lost (or Missing) Soldier.

The white table cloth shows the Soldier’s purity of intentions.
The single rose represents blood shed in sacrifice to insure freedom, and also of the Families’ faith.
The ribbon is placed for the thousands who demand a proper accounting of missing comrades.
The slice of lemon symbolizes the missing Soldier’s bitter fate.
The salt represents the tears shed.
The single glass cannot toast.
The empty chair reminds all who look on the table that the Soldier is not here.
The candle is a light of hope that it will illuminate the Soldier’s way home.