History
The East Point Lighthouse was built in 1849 at the mouth of
the
Maurice River. For many years it was known as the Maurice River
Lighthouse. The lighthouse site was deeded to the U.S. Government by
Joshua Brick for the sum of $250. The lighthouse became operational on
or about September 10, 1849. William W. Yarrington was the first
appointed keeper and was paid an annual salary of $350. He was
replaced, in a little over two weeks, by Francis Elberson. The last
keeper was Linwood Spicer, who took the oath of office on December 12,
1905. When the lighthouse was automated Spicer was transferred to the
Christiana Lighthouse in Wilmington Delaware. After the lighthouse was
automated custodians were appointed to maintain the light. In exchange
for maintaining the light, the custodians were allowed to live in the
lighthouse rent free, and were paid the princely sum of $1.00 per year
for their services. The last custodian was Gus Eulitz.
The lighthouse was blacked out during World War II. After the
war
the Coast Guard decided the lighthouse was no longer necessary, and in
December, 1941 it was decommissioned. With no keepers or custodians to
maintain the lighthouse, deterioration quickly set in.
By 1955, the Federal Government decided to sell the lighthouse
and
property as surplus and it was purchased by a Long Island construction
company, but before the sale was consumated it was found that proper
disposal procedures were not followed in that the lighthouse was not
first offered to the State of New Jersey. The state was interested in
the property not because of the lighthouse but because the site was
surrounded by the Heislerville Wildlife Refuge and would provide a
place for boats to be launched.
Local residents became concerned with the condition of the
lighthouse, and in February, 1971, the Maurice River Historical Society
was founded with the goal of restoring the lighthouse. In July 1971,
before negiotations with the state were complete, the lighthouse was
set on fire. The lantern room, roof and most of the buildings interior
were destroyed.
Over the years, through its own efforts and Federal
Transportation
Enhancement Act and New Jersey Historic Trust grants, a new lantern and
roof have been put on the lighthouse. The bricks have been repointed
and shutters and windows have been installed. Now that the building is
weathertight, restoration efforts can begin on the interior of the
lighthouse.
The lighthouse is open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of the
month
from April to October from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Maurice River
Historical Society's Annual Open House is Saturday September 18 2010
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with craft vendors, music food and
artists. The lighthouse will be open then.The lighthouse is also open
the 1st Saturday in June from
12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. for Bay Day.
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