It’s not visible from Ponte Vedra Beach, but the historic tower of the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum celebrated its 145th anniversary Oct. 15. To commemorate the special occasion, St. Johns County residents were treated to free admission 145 years to the day after Keeper William Russell watched over the first lighting in 1874. Later in the evening, Executive Director and Junior Service League Active Sustainer Kathy Fleming, shared lighthouse history and interesting tales during a members-only event on the front lawn of the keeper’s house.
Architect Ken Smith, who was tasked to oversee restoration of the tower in the 1980s, has continued to be involved with preservation efforts at the historic light tower. In recognition of his dedicated service, Fleming presented one of the bulbs that burned in the tower to Smith during the anniversary celebration.
“You received this major award, a burned-out lightbulb. We don’t give these to just everybody,” Fleming said.
As the sun set and the familiar beam of light shone bright through the first-order Fresnel lens overhead, volunteers served slices of cake to members and guests.
