Rock Island Lighthouse, NY -- News

2011 Restoration Photos from NYS OPHRP

2011-08-13T17:01:00.001-04:00

Kevin Kieff, Director for the Thousand Islands Region office of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has provided a new collection of photos illustrating the work down this work season restoring Rock Island. Several photos illustrate the dramatic transformation of the upper story of the Keeper's Dwelling. Careful attention had to be paid to removing all traces of lead from the interior before any work could be begin, so it has been a long process.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157627300956613/

Thanks to Mr. Kieff for great pictures of the work at Rock Island once again this year!

Restoration Photos for 23 July 2011

2011-07-23T15:00:00.001-04:00

This week Donna Gorrell provides photos taken by her friend Dan around the island, including views of work inside the Keeper's house! It is evident that a lot of work has gone into carefully replacing the crumbling plaster on the walls, and putting up new trim around the doors and windows, while retaining original features like the fireplaces. It is also clear that a lot of work is left to be done!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157627387028848/

Thanks Donna and Dan for the "inside" view!

Restoration Photos for 1 July 2011

2011-07-05T13:45:00.002-04:00

Donna Gorrell has provided us with a glimpse of progress at the island so far this summer. Notable changes include historically accurate windows on the upper level!

The tower continues to deteriorate and bidding is scheduled to be opened for the restoration of it this month.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157627370497132/

Thank you to Donna Gorrell for sharing these photos!

Newspaper Reports on Construction Progress

2011-06-08T14:27:00.001-04:00

The Thousand Islands Sun newspaper ran a story on June 8 by Pamela McDowell describing the current renovation activity at Rock Island Lighthouse, as relayed by Kevin Kieff, with the New York State Office of Parks, Restoration and Historic Preservation.

Key details include:

- lead is being removed from the interior of the dwelling
- National Grid is installing electricity
- an underwater sewer line is being laid to Fisher's Landing
- a water treatment system will be installed on the island
- the bid request process for restoring the tower has started
- the project is on schedule to complete in 2012
- the end result will include restrooms, a museum, and gift shop

A photograph depicting the tower as well as the house with the porch completely boarded up is included.

Special thanks to Donna Gorrell for sharing this article!

2010 Restoration Photos from NYS OPRHP

2010-11-12T12:42:00.001-05:00

Kevin Kieff, Director for the Thousand Islands Region office of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, has provided a collection of photos illustrating the work down this work season restoring Rock Island. These photos show the severe dilapidation of the interior of the house and also give a glimpse of the excellent results of renovations to the interior thus far.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157625438531798/
Thanks to Mr. Kieff for these great pictures!

Restoration Photos for 7 October 2010

2010-10-07T12:38:00.000-04:00

New photos showing results of the restoration thus far as the work season as the summer ends. The house has been reboarded, and the lawns show benefit from the attention they've received. The total picture is beginning to take shape!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157625312937249/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for these great pictures!

Restoration Photos for 26 September 2010

2010-09-26T12:33:00.000-04:00

This week's photos show conditions around the island, including possible new fixtures for signage.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157625438141640/

Thanks, Donna Gorrell, for sharing these photos!

Restoration Photos for 19 September 2010

2010-09-19T12:16:00.000-04:00

New photos show progress setting the Carpenter's Shop on its new supports, and activity restoring the Dwelling House. Doors and windows are unboarded!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157625312518827/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for these great pictures!

Restoration Photos for 28 August 2010

2010-08-28T12:08:00.000-04:00

This week's photos show progress around the rear porch area of the Dwelling House.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157625312473709/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for these photos!

Restoration Photos for 20 August 2010

2010-08-20T12:24:00.000-04:00

This week's photos show completion of some of the walkways, and the Carpenter's Shop has been raised. The site of the old tower and the accompanying walkway have been preserved.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624701371595/

Thank you Donna Gorrell for these great photos!

Restoration Photos for 15 August 2010

2010-08-15T12:21:00.000-04:00

This week's photos show continued progress on the walkways as well as preparations to raise the Carpenter's Shop.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624701259605/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for contributing these pictures!

Restoration Photos for 8 August 2010

2010-08-09T09:52:00.000-04:00

This week's photos from Donna Gorrell show new forms laid for walkways behind the house and dirt pathways where additional paths will be laid.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624562644645/

Thanks, Donna!

Restoration Photos for 1 August 2010

2010-08-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

A network of pathways around the island is taking shape, as shown in these latest photos from Donna Gorrell.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624541083565/

Thanks, Donna!

Restoration Work Receives Coverage on WWNY TV

2010-07-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

On July 27, the WWNY TV station in Watertown provided coverage of restoration work at Rock Island. Included in the story is footage from around the island as well as interviews with Kevin Kieff and Dan Pease. Watch the video above, or read the story online here.

Restoration Photos for 25 July 2010

2010-07-25T09:48:00.001-04:00

This week's photos show a new solar panel in the tower and more progress on walkways around the island.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624541047177/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for these fine pictures!

Restoration Photos for 18 July 2010

2010-07-18T09:43:00.000-04:00

This week's photos from Donna Gorrell show significant progress laying electrical conduits and new walkways.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624540945511/

Thanks, Donna!

Restoration Photos for 11 July 2010

2010-07-11T10:10:00.000-04:00

This week's photos from Donna Gorrell show close-ups of the house exterior, details of the old well hand-pump, and more progress on the walkways.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624527574184/

Thank you, Donna!

Restoration Photos for 2 July 2010

2010-07-02T21:19:00.000-04:00

This week's photos show progress on the new walkway near the dock and gorgeous views of the day lillies in full bloom around the island!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624409489008/

Thanks to Donna Gorrell for donating these photos!

Jim Grabb's visit to Rock Island, 27 June 2010

2010-06-30T15:15:00.000-04:00

Jim Grabb, USCG (Ret.), went on a fishing trip to Rock Island with his grandchildren recently, and shared these photographs of the current state of restoration work at the lighthouse.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624413889966/

Thanks, Jim!

Restoration Photos for 25 June 2010

2010-06-27T18:21:00.000-04:00

Check out Donna Gorrell's photos of changes at Rock Island in the last week, including the makings of the new dock!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624371399072/

Thanks again, Donna!

Restoration Photos for 18 June 2010

2010-06-27T18:02:00.000-04:00

Donna Gorrell, long-time member of the Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association, and summer resident of Fineview, has taken some excellent photographs of Rock Island showing the state of restoration work as well as some of the beautiful scenery around the island:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35071456@N06/sets/72157624340150652/

Thanks, Donna!

Restoration work receives coverage in local newspaper

2010-06-27T17:55:00.000-04:00

Commencement of restoration work at Rock Island Lighthouse was recently covered in the Watertown Daily Times newspaper online. Read the article here.

Welcome to the new Rock Island Lighthouse Blog!

2010-06-27T17:51:00.000-04:00

This blog has been established as an extension of the website of the Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association. Rock Island Lighthouse, originally built in 1847, is currently undergoing a restoration by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, supported by both state and federal grants. You'll find news and photos as the work progresses right here on this site!