Cape May Light

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Cape May Lighthouse , Cape May, New Jersey---There was two Lighthouse within a short distance from where the Lighthouse now stands. The First lighthouse was built 1823, it was built of stone and stood 70 feet on stone foundation. The Light was composed of fifteen lamps that rotated to produce a flashing pattern that distinguished it from the other lights in the area.The second Lighthouse was built 1847. Built by Samuel and Nathan Middleton, the height of the tower and the poor construction and upkeep of the tower along with the sea contributes to their short life. The keeper Downes E. Foster--44 years old --carpenter by trade took charge of the light in 1850. He had no training on how to care for the light and when he asked for supplies to take care of the Lighthouse and was not given them he did not ask again.The third Lighthouse was built 1858 it was constructed under the guidance of Capain William F. Raynolds, Captain W.B. Franklin and Major Hartman Bache. It stands 157 feet 6 inches, the illuminating apparatus was a first order Fresnel lens provided by Henry Lepaute, the lens had sixteen flashing panels and revolved to produce a white flash every thirty seconds.It was lit for the first time on Halloween 1859. Downes Foster continued to be keeper in the new Lighthouse. He was keeper of the light for 26 years(70 years old). Samuel Stilwell became the new keeper of the light. Harry H. Palmer keeper of the light received two awards -first place for best kept lawn and second place for combined lawn and garden. The light was made automated June 1933, Palmer remained at the station to look after it along with his family. The surround area around the lighthouse lies in the primary migratory path for birds and the nearby meadows serve as an important stopover for thousand of birds. So bring your cameras and binoculars. The lighthouse was painted white in the 40's and 50's it has been returned to its historic coloring of a light beige tower with red lantern.This is a very beautiful lighthouse.and the area around the light is very peaceful.

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Cape May Light

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