Turn Point Lighthouse

R

RogerJuntunen

New member
Greetings C-Brats,
In Cahoots is now safely in dry storage at St. Helens, Oregon after splashing some wonderful water this summer.

We especially enjoyed our C-Dory events at Friday Harbor and Ladysmith B.C. and cruising with Jesse James.

I had the privilege of being a docent (caretaker) at Turn Point Light on Stuart Island this year. The island is wonderful with a very small population of great local people and an interesting history as many of you know.

But what is happening at the light is what is exciting! We are now able to give tours on part of the old living quarters. This comes after an expensive project of removing lead paint and asbestos. The new stairway banister(the old one was destroyed by vandals) is a work of art and worth the hike just to see. The museum is improved and fresh paint is evident throughout. In short, the Turn Point Lighthouse Preservation Society is a wonderful bunch of people, working hard to make things happen. If you haven't made the hike lately you will be impressed! The society is easy to join and inexpensive. I urge you to make the hike. Roger Juntunen
 
2 things I love doing - touring lighthouses and old ships. I might never get to this particular lighthouse but thank you and your volunteer partners for the interest and efforts in preserving this piece of history.

Regards, Rob
 
The hike was tough on us old folks! Seemed like it was uphill in both directions! But it IS an amazing place to visit, just to stand up there and look out, definitely worth the effort. And good on you, Roger, for volunteering there!
 
I go by there regularly on the whale watch boats...

Whales4TurnPoint_zpsksmkhdhg.jpg

It is looking good, and there are people there frequently as we pass. Good on you, Roger, for your work there. Stuart Island is one of my favorites in the San Juans - great anchoring, interesting hiking, the schoolhouse, the treasure chest, and, of course, the lighthouse. What a great island to visit when you have your own boat.

Jim
 
Turn Point Lighthouse trivial history...yes, it is uphill both ways!! My great-grandfather was lighthouse keeper at the turn of the century and you will find the museum named after him...Louis Borchers!

My grandmother (born in the Sequim lighthouse!), was raised on the island until her fathers passing. She used to tell us about walking to the schoolhouse (see the one room school at same location she used to walk to) from the lighthouse as a child for daily lessons during the school year! Her bedroom was upstairs in the keepers quarters., window looking out at the lighthouse....wow, what a view! I was fortunate to have visited the lighthouse many times with her before a passing....great memories, history and lessons on life.

My mother at the age of 81 returned to be a docent a couple years ago with her granddaughter....what a great time for both.

here is an exerpt from the visit from BLM

"The San Juan Islands National Monument is pleased to welcome our new docent for the Turn Point Light House on Stuart Island. As we recognize the legacy of the San Juan Islands, the Bureau of Land Management welcomes the return of Mrs. Carol Borchers Ericsson. Carol is the daughter of Louis A. Borchers who arrived at Turn Point May 1, 1902 as the Assistant Keeper. He was promoted to Keeper of the light house in 1906 during its height of use. With her intimate knowledge of this valued historical site and her gift at storytelling, she will inform and entertain visitors to this important part of the National Monument. “It is a pleasure and joy to meet someone with firsthand knowledge of the running of the lighthouse” Said Nick Teague the BLM recreation lead on the Islands. “I look forward to hearing her stories.” Mrs. Ericsson was already instrumental in the compilation of information that is on display in the museum located in the Mule Barn at Turn Point. Her generous contributions of her grandfather's photos have brought to life many of the little seen historic secrets from the past. The museum is named in honor of her father for the important work that he took part at the turn of the century; his daughter is carrying on his legacy. The Bureau of Land Management are very grateful for our partnership with TPLPS, their stewardship for the historic resources have enriched the experience for visitors to the Turn Point Light house."

For those of you who have had the chance to visit and sit on the porch and enjoy the view...what a blessing to have the BLM take this project on.

As you can tell, our family is very proud of our connection and happy to share any knowledge we can to keep the history alive.
 
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