Like the 3 Wise Men bringing gifts to the Baby Jesus, many visitors have also come to the lighthouse bearing gifts. Often these gifts are drawings or paintings of the lighthouse that have either been in their family or found at thrift or antique stores. And while I love the kindness of strangers who feel their “find” is best suited displayed at the lighthouse, sadly, the lighthouse walls are filling up rapidly and there is little room for more treasures.
However, a recent unsolicited painting I received via post all the way from Sydney, Australia reminded me of some of the unique gifts I’ve received and the stories that go with them. Here are a few of my favorites:
I received a note via Facebook from a gentleman named Chuck. Chuck told me that he had something for me and could he bring it to the lighthouse. Other than that, he shared very little about the gift. When he arrived at the lighthouse, he told me that he has a business cleaning up “leftovers” after estate or yard sales. Basically, at the end of a sale, he goes in and picks up what is left that has not sold. His task is to dispose of the remains, whether through donations, recycling or simply throwing it away.
When he arrived at the lighthouse, he carried with him a 18” x 18” wooden frame and mounted inside was a needlepoint scene of Headlands Beach and the lighthouse. Since my grandmother did needlepoint, it knew it was a fine example of this intricate handiwork done in the beautiful colors of greens, blues, aquas and browns. The painstakingly crafted piece is now hanging in the guest bedroom and perfectly accents the green paint of that room.
Another time an older gentleman came to the lighthouse steps and yelled to see if anyone was inside. His name was Roger. When I went to the door, he thrust a manilla envelope at me and said, “Here, I thought you might like these…” As quickly as he arrived, he turned around and left. When I opened the envelope, there were six 8”x10” color photo prints of the lighthouse in various seasons. A couple of photos even sported a beautiful snowy owl perched on driftwood with the lighthouse in the background. I framed several of the photos and they are hanging in the landing area of the second floor, now affectionately called, “Roger’s Corner.”
Another unusual gift came from a friend who found it in a thrift store. The back of the piece says, “Fairport’s Outer Lighthouse, Lampella ’90 From a photo by Robert Kish.” It has a tag from “Lampella Arts and Crafts, Fairport Harbor, OH.” Rather than a print, the piece is a colored wood carving. Likely carved first and painted later, the art measures 8” x 10” and includes a long lost marker that once graced the end of the north breakwall. Only a few historical photos show that marker, so clearly the Robert Kish photo used as the basis of the carving was quite old. The carving is unique in its presentation and a great addition to the lighthouse.
Another print provided by a friend was also found at the thrift story. The view of lighthouse and northern breakwall is painted predominately in yellow and blue and states that the artist is Judy Lane Komyati. It includes a crane perched on the far end of the breakwall that was likely there to move stone ballast. It hangs in the master bedroom.
A pen and ink print by Susan Chaffee was provided to me by the artist via Rider’s Inn when she was in Fairport Harbor for a 50th high school class reunion.
Another friend, Jill Clayton Hudgens, whom I know through a mutual love of dogs, handmade an exquisite quilt square and delivered it to me all the way from Texas. The detail of the square is amazing and a great representation of her talent as a quilter. Given our mutual love of dogs, she even included a pin of a Golden Retriever representing my dog, Lucy, sitting on the front steps. See if you can find Lucy in her favorite spot.
While there are too many items that have been gifted to the lighthouse to mention, these have all found a permanent home. Oh, and that painting sent from Sydney, Australia, it’s hanging in the laundry room.
Hopefully, all these treasures will live a long and happy life here.
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