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The Point Abino Lighthouse was constructed in 1917 largely of reinforced concrete. It was obviously designed carefully not only to fulfill its function as a navigational aid, but also to respond to the well-established summer colony nearby. Even the attendant lightkeeper's house is a good example of its time. The two structures embrace an unusual challenge in preserving our heritage. The light tower and keeper's house have been a local and provincial landmark historically. The significance of these structures was recognized federally in 1988 when the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office gave the site the higher of two categories, namely "classified". After the Lighthouse was declared surplus to the needs of the Canadian Coast Guard at the end of 1995, the fate of this remarkable light station was in doubt. Through the combined efforts of the Point Abino Lighthouse Preservation Society (founded by a life-long resident of the area Jo Anne Columbus) and John Maloney, MP Erie-Lincoln, the site was declared a National Historic Site in November 1998.
When the Canadian Coast Guard abandoned the use of the Point Abino Lighthouse in December 1995, thousands of area residents mourned the loss of this magnificent icon of our culture. For people growing up in the vicinity of the Lighthouse, the extinguishing of its powerful beacon was like extinguishing part of our heritage. The mournful sound of the fog horn and the light flashing from the tower have become memories in our psyche. The lighthouse is part of the heart and soul of our community.
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By purchasing the calendar you receive
12 Magnificent views of one of the most photogenic beacons in the world
High quality, glossy, coloured photos
Map showing Ontario Lighthouses
Historical Data and description of temple-like architecture
Photos courtesy of 6 local photographers: Rick Doan, Cathy Herbert, Rick Herbert, Stephen James, Michael Losi, and Jack O'Brien
Available from and Published by Janet Truckenbrodt
Box 546
Crystal Beach, Ontario
L0S 1B0
$10.00 Canadian Funds ... taxes included
Lighthouse organizations and resources
Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouses of British Columbia
Historic Lighthouses of Newfoundland
Preserving the Heritage Value of Canadian Lightstations
The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association
Point Clark Lighthouse - National Historical Site
Crystal Beach Amusement Park
Thelma Winter's Lighthouse Paintings
If you like this site and would like one of your own, please contact either myself or Stephen at our business location ... "Site Weavers"
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