San Diego History Talk: The Restoration of San Diego's Operational Lighthouse

Event Details

The leggy iron tower that has stood beckoning ships at the lower tip of Point Loma since 1891 underwent an extensive restoration completed early 2020. Now the old rust bucket is in good standing for another century. "And just in time,” says independent contractor Neil Gardis. “Straightening a three-degree tilt of the upper two sections and rooting out layers of lead paint and desecration from rust-jacking was no easy feat. And critical to the survival of the historic and operational structure.”

Speakers and twin sisters Kim and Karen, co-authors of the book “Lighthouses of San Diego” will review the history of Point Loma Light Station then take us on the precarious journey of restoration. They were on board documenting and photographing the process.

Author Bio:

Karen Scanlon is a freelance writer, educator, and historian who writes extensively on the maritime history of San Diego. In other directions are her published works in children's curriculum, and stories about people you'd want to know. Karen and twin sister Kim volunteer at Cabrillo National Monument tending the lens and lantern of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The two co-authored the book, Lighthouses of San Diego. Karen is the proud recipient of The Martha Washington Medal awarded by Sons of the American Revolution for her work on the 1905 naval disaster aboard USS Bennington in San Diego Harbor.

 

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