Here’s to a Healthy, Happy 2021!

The Port Clinton Lighthouse, December 2020

As unusual as the year 2020 was, the progress with the Lighthouse and the surrounding area was remarkable, due to your faithful support. Each of us has had to handle, in our individual ways, what was dealt us this past year, and despite the difficulties and, in some cases, sorrow, each of us has had the opportunity to learn and grow. The Port Clinton community has once again proven itself strong and resilient. Our Lighthouse stands as a symbol of that strength and the promise that better days are coming. We hope that the holidays brought you some degree of peace, as you celebrated all that’s good and right with this world. Thank you for your unwavering support, and may this new year prove to be bright and hopeful!

The Lightkeepers Sculpture
From the recent update sent to Lighthouse Keepers: 
 
“Many of you attended the October ceremony marking the successful acquisition of the Lightkeepers sculpture now in permanent placement on the mound closest to the Lighthouse. This was made possible by the initiative of a subcommittee (Debbie Tester, Bill Yuhasz, Greg and Sue Gibson, Brandon Buchar) and the incredible financial support of almost 250 donors.”
  • An on-site plaque commemorating the former Keepers of the Port Clinton Lighthouse and the preservation work of the Jeremy and Brand families will be installed in the near future.
  • Significant improvements in the area have included grading of the southern Derby Pond to Perry Street area to minimize flooding and puddle water; installation and partial paving (explanation below) of an eight-foot-wide crushed stone path around Derby Pond, connecting to all parking lots, the Lighthouse, the Boathouse, and the 1812 Memorial; and seeding and landscaping of the Lighthouse area. This has all been made possible by members’ contributions.
  • Please note: The small portion of the pathway that remains unpaved is under the authority of the Black Swamp Conservancy and must meet higher ecological standards. We’re working with Black Swamp to meet those standards and still accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, cyclists and others who need smooth pavement to enjoy the pond area.
  • The pathway has seven concrete pads on which will be placed commemorative benches in the spring. Two additional benches will be installed in the area and if you would be interested in sponsoring one of them, please contact us here at www.portclintonlighthouse.org.
  • Please note: The Port Clinton Lighthouse is in a city park that has plenty of nearby parking, and a visit to the area is always welcome. It is easy to maintain proper distance and to be safe. This past year, we had planned to open the Lighthouse for visitors in the afternoons on Memorial Day and each Saturday afternoon until Labor Day. Unfortunately, we were unable to responsibly offer tours, but are hopeful that will change for the next tourist season. Please watch this spot for updates and feel free to send us a message through this website.
  • Virtual Tour: Because we have been Covided, we’re offering a virtual tour of the Lighthouse! Please click on the Video section above to enjoy it

A Gift for All of Us

Late last year, a devoted fan of Port Clinton’s Lighthouse sent to us a delightful letter that presented her detailed plans for building a miniature model of our lighthouse! We’re including portions of her letter here, and the directions for making your own model are on a new page, listed at the head of this page: “Model Plans.” We hope that many of you will take advantage of this kind offering.

Please let us know, possibly with photos, how your model-building goes. It looks like a good, positive challenge for a range of ages. Have fun!

“Greetings Friends of Port Clinton Lighthouse,

During this dratted pandemic I find I’m unable to travel to visit lighthouses!

To occupy myself I’ve begun designing lighthouse models out of cardstock and since we had such a delightful visit to Port Clinton Lighthouse back in 2017 I designed a model of this lovely little light with the hope that it will be an inspiration for you and those who are working hard during these challenging times to keep our lights lit.

I am sharing the Port Clinton Lighthouse Cutout kit with you so you may (if you wish) share it with others. . . .

. . . I would be tickled if it brought joy to people who care about the Port Clinton Lighthouse. Feel free to use it as you please–I simply ask that an individual person not benefit financially from sales.

I should mention…I am a retired nonprofit executive director not a professional model maker. If people happen to trip over an unclear step in the kit or (gasp) discover a glaring typo in the pdf, please reach out and I will do my utmost to fix it immediately!

Let’s keep the lights lit together,

Marie A. Blunt”

  • Click on SHOP at the top of the page to do some shopping! The store will be located in the Boathouse (see below) and information regarding hours is forthcoming. A wide variety of items is available online from which to choose gifts–or a little something for yourself! When they reopen, Lilly and Gert’s, on 2nd St., and Unique, on Madison St., in downtown Port Clinton, will once again have some PCLC items for sale at this. All proceeds from your purchases support the PC Lighthouse Conservancy and its place within our historic community on the Lake Erie waterfront. Please call or send a message with any questions or suggestions.
  • Please continue to check here for information regarding the Lighthouse area development and hours. Meanwhile, as you drive past the Lighthouse, look to its light as a true beacon of hope for all of us, as we work toward the time when life is again moving forward.
  • For those traveling to Port Clinton and wishing to visit the Lighthouse, enter Port Clinton Lighthouse (or 421 E. Perry St.) into your GPS or digital map.                                   
  • WANT TO BE A KEEPER OF THE PORT CLINTON LIGHTHOUSE? Click here for a membership form. Why not join the Keepers of the Port Clinton Lighthouse and get periodic updates, early notice of openings, special deals, and, most importantly, tangibly demonstrate your support? Become a Keeper of the Port Clinton Lighthouse! Your friends and neighbors have! Click here to see a current list of Keepers.
  • If you are visiting Port Clinton and want your Lighthouse Passport stamped, the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce (call for hours at 419-734-5503), located on Madison St., will be able to stamp it for you Monday through Friday. In addition, Lilly & Gert’s, located on 2nd St. across from the Post Office, will have a stamp available when they’re open. If you are an ardent Lighthouse Passport owner with compulsive desires for collection, you can always send us a request for a lighthouse stamp by including a self-addressed stamped envelope.

It’s never too late to contact us, as noted above, for a membership application!

Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy 2021!