It was a breezy and mostly overcast day on October 31, the 88th anniversary of the founding of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Ceremonies had been planned months in advance to celebrate the relighting of the St. Marks light which was last seen lighted in 2000. Several hundred loyal supporters and lovers of the refuge had motored down to be on hand and witness this historic event. The threatening skies dampened clothes, but not spirits as a heavy line of showers blew through and ended just in time for the ceremonies to proceed on schedule.
St. Marks Project Leader Dan Frisk, spoke about the importance of our cultural resources and conservation on the refuge. He announced that the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge has received a national award for historical preservation. Comments from Rick Kanaski, the FWS historian for the Southeast Region were read with great praise for the significance of this project.
Refuge Manager Terry Peacock recognized the 88th birthday of the refuge. She was very grateful of the efforts of the Friends group in the preservation of the lighthouse which started in 2013 when she received a phone call stating ‘Congratulations, you now own a lighthouse. What are you going to do with it?’ That’s when the Friends stepped up to the plate.
Terry thanked the refuge staff who were particularly involved in the project: Chris Weber, Craig Kittendorf, and Connie Clineman. She also thanked the LaHarts for their generosity in helping to get a new lens. In closing, she mentioned the active Compatibility Determination for re-lighting the lighthouse and encouraged people to send in comments.
As President of the Friends group, I was proud to recognize and thank the many people involved: Kenneth Smith Architects, Rippee Construction, Artworks Florida, Blake Barnidge, and Nesmith Landscaping. Also Dr. David and Valerie LaHart, who made getting the replica lens possible. We offered our appreciation to the Perkins Street Pickers for their music at the event. Past Friends board Presidents were recognized for their support of the project: Betsy Kellenberger, Betty Hamilton, Mary Smallwood, and Tom Baird.
Friends Treasurer John Haines was recognized for his tireless work to keep the project moving smoothly.
I encouraged everyone present to join the Friends group as we continue to raise funds to support the lighthouse and other refuge projects.
Hopefully, In the near future, commemorative bricks will be available for purchase to be installed in the beautiful new walkway. At this point the details have not been worked out but if you are interested you can enter your email address on our website to receive an email when they will be available.
Susan Cason and Tom Baird
Tom Baird had a vision and worked with the determination that this amazing lighthouse would ultimately get preserved and protected. Tom has dedicated 6 long years to this project by writing grants, fundraising, and sometimes wondering how it would all come together so the bills would be paid. His hard work made today possible.
In gratitude for his amazing accomplishment, I said “Tom, we thank you. This plaque was made from flooring recovered during the renovations. You said that this floor was laid sometime in the 1930’s and these pieces have been restored for you.”
As the evening sky cleared a few hundred people witnessed the re-lighting of the lens at 7:00. It was a most majestic site to see. Despite being wet and chilly the excitement was evident for quite a while as people stayed to watch the light.
Susan Cason
President, Friends of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge