Under Renovation by Maurice River Historical Society
? ? ? The East Point Lighthouse was built in 1849 to guide boatmen into the mouth of the Maurice River, about one half mile to the north. The lantern sits atop the two story brick building, 48 feet above sea level, and is visible for about 7 miles.
? ? ? The lantern was originally lighted by a lamp that burned whale oil until kerosene became available. The fuel was stored in the oil house, which is the small brick building on your right. It was carried up the stairs to the lantern room by the keeper. The lighthouse was converted to acetylene sometime around 1910, which eliminated the need for daily maintenance. After this, a custodian was allowed to live here rent free and was paid $1 per year.
? ? ? The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1941 at the beginning of World War II and was abandoned until 1971, when the Maurice River Historical Society was formed to protect and restore it.
? ? ? When, in July of 1971 trespassers started a fire which destroyed the roof and the tower, the Maurice River Historical Society, through local fund-raising and volunteer help, repaired the damage. On July 2, 1980 the US Coast Guard reinstalled an automatic beacon and put the East Point Lighthouse back on the list of active navigational aids.
? ? ? Beginning in 1998 the Maurice River Historical Society began major exterior rehabilitation of the lighthouse. This work included restoring the lantern room, repointing the bricks, replacing the porch, the windows and the shutters with accurate replicas and re-installing the window in the back of the tower. A waterproofing system and a fire and burglar alarm were also installed.
East Point
Lighthouse
Open for tours
The 3rd Sunday of each month
from April to October
from 1 pm til 4 pm
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Group tours by appointment.
Tables available for craft dealers.
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Help Save East Point Light!
For More Information:
Maurice River Historical Society
PO Box 141
Heislerville, NJ ? ? 08324
Eastpointlighthousenj@yahoo.com
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