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Preparation For Historical Move Continues

Another scheduled tour of the lighthouse occurred on Tues., Feb. 9. Each time we are taken behind the scenes. It is simply incredible how much work has been done. The workers are running slightly behind schedule due to two unexpected discoveries which slowed the project.

On the west side of the museum (or principle quarters) an oil tank filled with 550 gallons of fuel oil was uncovered near a cistern. It wasn't shown on any of the site plans. All precautions were taken to prevent any spillage of this substance. Guidelines were followed to the letter. The integrity of the tank was protected during its removal. Three yards of sand were also removed from the surrounding area as a precautionary measure. Then, a 75' asbestos pipe was found located between the two quarters. Its discovery, though not a big setback like the oil tank, still took 11/2 days to properly deal with.

The oil house has already been moved to its temporary home. This tiny building will be the last one placed on its new foundation. During the tour, the keepers Quarters Cistern was moved down the path towards its new home. The other two cisterns are ready for their journey.

"The principle and keepers quarters will probably have been moved by the time you read this issue." Said Travis Matyiko of Expert House Movers, "Everything is going good. Even the weather has cooperated."

The light of our famous beacon will be extinguished on March 1,1999. There is no clear date as to when it will shine again. Mariners and the Coast Guard have been properly notified.

New estimates state that the lighthouse may be 3 1/2 feet higher than it now stands. It is interesting to note that when relit at its new location, the night beacon will be seen a few miles further out into the ocean. The process of separating the monument from its foundation will start around Feb.10.

Diamond saws, drills, and cutters will be employed to cut through its 45' wide base. With so much preparation to do, the latest estimates predict the actual move to start in mid to late April.

International Chimney Corp. expects the actual move to take 58 days. Skellie Hunt of ICC compared the movement of the lighthouse to that of a sunrise. "If you watch it, you won't see it move. But if you look away and look back, you will have noticed that it has moved." Skellie also pointed out the measures that will be taken to preserve the beauty of the lighthouse's brick plinth by covering it during the cutting process.

The lighthouse will have to be moved in a straight line. There is a dune in the moving path. This dune won't be removed until the last moment and will be restored by the Park Service. It was interesting to learn that our treasure is insured for 6 million dollars - just in case.... Bob Woody of the NPS was questioned about the latest pending lawsuit. Says Woody, "It's all part of the democratic process."

The lighthouse is expected to reopen on Memorial Day year 2000. All predictions show that the public will once again be able to climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, but for a fee; fees that will be used for the maintenance and preservation of our beloved landmark.

Park Service Will Restore Dunes At Old Lighthouse Site Following Relocation

Dunes removed or damaged as part of the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be restored at the abandoned site according to Bob Reynolds, Superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

There seems to be some confusion as to what will occur at the old lighthouse site following the move of the lighthouse, said Reynolds. Recent news reports have said that dunes damaged or lost during the move will not be replaced. To the extent that the contractor, International Chimney Corporation (ICC), will not be restoring the dunes, the reports are correct; that work is not part of their contract. However, the National Park Service (N PS) will be restoring any dunes altered as a result of the lighthouse move. Their goal will be to return the site back to its appearance before the move.

In the course of the relocation, ICC will need to remove parts of the dunes immediately seaward of the present lighthouse location and along the initial portion of the move path, said Reynolds. They will stockpile the sand for later use by NPS crews in the followup site restoration. NPS employees are experienced with such work and can do the restoration work more effectively and efficiently.

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The Hatteras Island News will be documenting each and every move the lighthouse makes, from ground level and also from the air.

The Hatteras Island News is a free By-Weekly Publication by the Hatteras Monitor. It arrives in our mailboxes twice a month.