Our Tour of Rock Island Lighthouse
© by Mark Wentling, 6 October 2001 please read copyright notice
Around the Island (click on any image to view a full-size version)
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The New York State Office of Parks and Recreation acquired Rock Island in 1976 from the U.S. General Services Administration as surplus property. Subsequently, it was designated a state park, and this is the sign welcoming people to the park. It stands towards the northeast corner of the island near the dock. |
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No one is quite sure of the origin of this pile of bricks and mortar, which lies near the southern ledge of the island behind the smokehouse. It appears to be a make-shift outdoor fireplace of some kind; the steps in the ground in front of it seem to suggest that it was built on the site of an earlier out-building. |
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Tom pointed out this metal hook sunk into the granite on the southwest side of the island, just past where the boathouse walkway touches land. He thinks it may have been used to tie off boats delivering ice, but no one is sure. |
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If you look closely at the lower left corner of this picture you can make out three grey-colored blocks sticking out of the ground. Now, if you can imagine them as forming part of a row of blocks running across the picture you will suddenly realize that you are looking at the remnants of the foundation of an old building. I had asked Tom if he knew the site of the old icehouse. He said that as recently as the prior weekend he and the regional director had been out on the island searching for it but it had never been found. Since we knew from an old blueprint where it ought to be, we took a walk and found this—"discovering" it definitely a highlight of my trip! |
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This iron hand pump was put in place on the east side of the dwelling in the mid-1880's. The well-water has never been of drinkable quality and was only used by the keeper's families for washing and cooking; for drinking, they drew water directly from the river by bucket—which some of them lamented was too warm in summertime. |
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NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: All photographs, text, and electronic files comprising this tour website are the exclusive property of the creator, Mark A. Wentling, and all rights to reproduction are wholly reserved. No part(s) may be reproduced in part or in whole, in any format (print, electronic, or otherwise) for any purpose without prior written consent. To inquire about permission for re-using these materials, please send an email to Mark A. Wentling at keeper@rockislandlighthouse.org |
Visit the Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial website