We all have birthdays. For the Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse, its birthday is June 9, which was the day the light was first lit in 1925. To celebrate, I annually swing the doors open and welcome the community for an Open House, a self-guided tour and birthday cake (red velvet, of course, to match the red and white colors of the lighthouse!).
This year’s Annual Birthday Open House is scheduled for Saturday, June 7 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm. Last year there were well over 100 people who carefully walked the beach, climbed the break wall and patiently waited their turn to ascend the ladder onto the platform and come in for a peek. There were also two TV stations and the News-Herald there to share the experience with those who couldn’t make it in person. Those who have made the arduous journey in previous years to see the inside of a building they’ve long admired from afar, are extremely appreciative for the opportunity. And I’m thrilled to share it with as many people as possible.
I often tell a story from the first Birthday Open House I held in 2012 because it touched me deeply. Among the crowd was a gentleman who came inside wearing khaki clothing complete with a hat and a vest with lots of pockets -- dressed as if he was ready to go on safari. He had several cameras hanging around his neck and his pockets were stuffed with other important supplies. At first, I thought he might be a member of the media since he arrived with so much photography-related gear. So I introduced myself as the lighthouse owner and asked him if he was a member of the media. Almost star-struck from being inside the lighthouse, he turned to me and said slowly and deliberately, “No, ma’am. I’ve waited 40 years to see the inside of this lighthouse.” I was so moved that it meant so much to him to be there. And he definitely planned to take enough photos to hold him over for the next 40 years!
So if you’d like to see the inside of the lighthouse, Saturday, June 7th is the day. Enjoy a stroll on the beach, climb onto the jagged break wall and carefully make your way to the ladder at the bottom of the platform. Once you’re inside, you’re free to tackle all 5 floors (from the basement to the very top where the beacon is housed), enjoy the cast iron circular staircases that take you up and admire (I hope!) the renovations that have taken place so far. If you want cake, get there early. It’s first come/first serve on the cake! Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bottle of water, and prepare for a few other folks to join you. But the view from the top makes it all worth it! Happy 89th Birthday Fairport Harbor West Lighthouse!
