Let There Be Lights for the Holidays

In September, Gossips raised the alarm that the Hudson Athens Lighthouse might not be decorated for the holidays this year as it has been every year for more than two decades. The cable that brought power to the lighthouse had broken, and it wasn't clear how the problem could be solved in time for this year's holiday season.

Photo: Jonathan Simons

Today, Gossips got word that the problem has been solved. There will be lights on the lighthouse for the holidays again this year--although not as many as there have been in the past. Here's the story of how it was accomplished, as told to Gossips by one of the people who accomplished it.

The members of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society are a resilient group. We looked at our options and started to make a plan. We enlisted the help of two electricians, Scott Davis and Sonny Brignull, and Peter Rowland, an electrical engineer. They are members of the Hudson Power Boat Association, an organization that has always been a tremendous help to the lighthouse over the years. Along with Bill Palmer, Van Calhoun, Joe Kenneally, and Carol Gans from HALPS, this group spent ten weeks organizing a plan and overcoming obstacles until it all came together last Saturday.

 

 

Six men went out to the lighthouse Saturday morning, where the week before we made trips delivering supplies to build a solar system. Eight hours later, six tired, hungry men returned, happy knowing the tradition of the Christmas lights on the river continues.

We could only light the top of the tower, the highest part of the building which can be seen from both shores, and put lights in the windows. Next year, we should be back bright as ever.

Photo: Jonathan Simons

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