204 15% OFF!! Hereford Inlet, NJ, HL 710, #2383 of 10,000 (hand-numbered on a sticker on bottom), made in China, box (#6), Certificate of Authenticity, tent card, 6th of Christmas Lights, issued 08/2000, retired 12/2000
Each piece will be double boxed and packed for a 30' drop should that occur in handling. Shipper only insures first $50 valuation at no additional cost. PLEASE NOTE: I will only refund this amount ($50) if damage occurs unless buyer has purchased additional insurance. If buyer wishes additional insurance, the cost associated with additional insurance will be calculated and buyer will pay additional cost. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT INSURANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO MAKING PAYMENT.
The Atlantic coastline, with its abundant fishing and numerous shipping canals, has always drawn mariners to its depths. But these beckoning waters also hold great peril, as the treacherous currents, shifting sands, and unpredictable storms challenge even the most accomplished sailors. As mariners attempted to navigate the dangerous shoreline of New Jersey, they would often seek a bay or cove that would offer a haven from the rough seas.
Hereford Inlet, lying directly between the mouth of the Delaware Bay and Great Egg Harbor, became an inviting waterway to fishermen and transport vessels. A small island, located prominently at the entrance of the inlet made for the perfect location for a small fishing village. The town of Anglesea (now called North Wildwood), sprung up and was only accessible by boat. In 1849, local fishermen started a lifesaving station in Anglesea directly on the spot where the lighthouse now stands, to rescue passengers on troubled fishing vessels.
In 1872, Congress authorized funds for a lighthouse to be constructed on the island. The Army Corps of Engineers built a charming Victorian lighthouse, complete with 5 fireplaces and several rooms. Similar in design to the sentinels at East Brother Island (Richmond, CA) and Point Fermin (Los Angeles, CA), this combined structure holds both the keeper’s quarters and a tower containing a 4th-Order Fresnel lens.
After lighting the beacon in 1874, officials commissioned John Nick as the first lightkeeper. He served only 3 months when his boat tragically capsized in the inlet, causing him to drown in the frigid waters. The second keeper was John March, who served for 4 years. In 1878, Captain Freeling H. Hewitt took charge, filling the whale oil and winding the clock mechanism every 4 hours each night for the next 40 years. He also began to hold religious services at the lighthouse for local residents, the first ever held on the island.
Captain Hewitt led a quiet life until 1913, when a violent storm carved out a new coastline on the island and undermined the foundation beneath the lighthouse. The building sat precariously over the surf with one corner protruding over the hedge. Officials relocated the entire structure 150' west, to a higher and safer sand dune. When moved, the lighthouse was rotated 180̊, changing the direction in which it was facing.
Hewitt was retired when the lighthouse was turned over to the Coast Guard. The sentinel continued to serve mariners until 1964, when the Coast Gard moved the optic to a nearby skeleton tower and abandoned the lighthouse. The aging structure remained deserted for 18 years, sealed off and inaccessible to visitors. In 1982, the City of North Wildwood leased the lighthouse and launched a restoration project that would return the sentinel to its 19th Century appearance. In 1986, the Coast Guard relocated the optic back to its lantern room and illuminated the precious light.
After many years of restoration and loving care, Hereford Inlet Lighthouse now houses a museum and gift shop, again serves as an active aid to navigation, and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
Harbour Lights sculpture depicts Hereford Inlet at Christmas time. A snowman greets holiday visitors and awaits its owners as they come home from an afternoon of visiting. Gifts are stacked by the front door. Footprints in the snow lead around to a bench, where a child may have paused to adjust their winterwear after a long day of sledding. Festive garland adorns the home and a snow shovel stands next to the gate inn case Christmas brings more snow.
MEASUREMENTS: L = 5¼” x W = 5¼” x H = 4¾”
CONDITION: Very good. Displayed for a short time in glass-enclosed curio cabinet.
Each piece will be double boxed and packed for a 30' drop should that occur in handling. Shipper only insures first $50 valuation at no additional cost. PLEASE NOTE: I will only refund this amount ($50) if damage occurs unless buyer has purchased additional insurance. If buyer wishes additional insurance, the cost associated with additional insurance will be calculated and buyer will pay additional cost. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER OR NOT YOU WANT INSURANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PRIOR TO MAKING PAYMENT.
If damaged in shipping, buyer must save damaged carton to show shipper’s rep condition of boxes.
NOTE: for the most part, I only collected full size Harbour Lights. GLOWS and Little Lights of Mine will be clearly identified as such should I find I have any.