Lighthouse's Past Shines Light on Sea Girt History

A monument to the area's history stands at Ocean Avenue and Beacon Boulevard in Sea Girt, free and open for all to explore and learn.

The Sea Girt Lighthouse is operated by 18 trustee volunteers who offer tales of the more than 100-year history of the lighthouse, which is open to visitors from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday. Last weekend, guests of all ages came to survey the site and take in the stories of those who once lived in the lighthouse.

The available scrapbooks and historical pamphlets offered more than a glimpse into the past, but the history of the structure came alive in the excitement of the trustees' tales.

According to trustee Conrad Yauch, the first lighthouse to exist in the country was Boston Light, in Boston Harbor, which was held by British forces and burned by American troops.

Sandy Hook was the second lighthouse to be built in the nation, and it is currently the oldest, continuously operated lighthouse in the United States.

The Sea Girt Lighthouse shined its light brightly for the first time on Dec. 10, 1896.

From this time until 1939, the lighthouse was used to house people who were employees of the Department of Commerce, according to Yauch.

“This was up until about 1939, when World War II broke out,” Yauch said. “Then it combined with the Coast Guard.

“It was (originally) run by business men, for protection because they merchandised from England,” he said. “In order to ensure that their merchandise arrived, they needed protection because they had to prepay (the merchandise). So, they built the lighthouse to guide the ships into the harbor because they were losing so much of their money. They wanted to protect themselves financially.”

The first keeper of the Sea Girt Lighthouse was Abraham Wolf [1896-1903], who earned $1.10 a day. Next, was Abram Yates [1903-10]; then Harriet Yates [June-July 1910], who became keeper after her husband’s death from a heart attack.

“Abram’s wife applied for the job but they said no because she had to be a member of the civil service,” Yauch said. “You had to be a civil service member to be a light keeper so she was disqualified. Hawkey took over her job.”

John L. Hawkey acted as light keeper from 1910 to 1917, followed by William H. Lake [1917-1931]; and lastly, George J. Thomas [1931-1940].

“George Thomas was the light keeper until World War II broke out and it became a Coast Guard station,” Yauch said.”They took over lighthouses all around the country, to control the beaches to make sure no spies were coming.”

Thomas’ daughters, Lucy and Alice, wrote accounts of their time spent living in the lighthouse, where today, guests can enjoy their personal stories of what life was like during their time in Sea Girt.

After World War II, the lighthouse became a library, and later a recreation center, according to Yauch. Community groups also began meeting there, however, the lighthouse deteriorated and became unsafe for any activity.

According to the site’s website, www.seagirtlighthouse.com, by 1980, the borough council was considering whether to ask taxpayers to fund renovations for the lighthouse.

“Concerned citizens and community groups responded by organizing a committee whose inspiring mission was to ‘Save Our Lighthouse,’ ” the website states. “After reaching an agreement with the mayor and council, the committee incorporated as the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee and leased the building from the borough.”

A fundraiser was launched, where volunteers went door to door looking for support. With the help and enthusiasm of residents, neighbors and local organizations, the lighthouse was renovated.

Since the restoration of 1981, the lighthouse was followed by renovation projects in 1998 and 2003.

Now, the site is filled with period furniture, historic photos, maps and other historical artifacts, many of which are donated by supporters of the lighthouse, Yauch said.

Along with the documents preserved over time, the exhibit includes a replica of the weight that turned the tower lens, and an authentic fourth order Fresnel lens similar to the original one.

Currently, these Sunday tours attract many visitors, from school groups, to Scouts, to local families. Annual events also are held at the Sea Girt Lighthouse, including an art show and a autumn New Jersey Lighthouse Challenge.

Yauch said the living museum is always looking for volunteers.

“People can also sign up for memberships for $25 a year,” Yauch said.

From the Sunday after Easter, until the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the lighthouse is open for tours.

For more information, visit the website at www.seagirtlighthouse.com, or call the Sea Girt Lighthouse Citizens Committee at 732-974-0514.