How it all Started
It was a warm summer day in August when the Harrington family was sitting on the beach laughing while recapping their recent sailing trip to Huntington from Maine. I had the privilege and honor to be included on the trip for part of the way, enough of the excursion to feel it could become the story for another book.
The scenery along the Maine coast was spectacular when not encased in fog-and then somehow it still looks good in fog. Certainly, lighthouses look good in fog in more ways than one. Remember, this was one of the many reasons they were built. This was a celebration of the journey and the many lighthouses they saw; some they were very happy to see... or hear. And then, there it stood before them, their very own lighthouse offshore straight out in front of them—the Huntington Harbor Lighthouse. Or, at least, what was left of it.
Its windows were boarded up, and the cement showed the serious wear of many years of neglect.
Little did they know that much of the roof was collapsed and the birds had, well, we can leave that to your imagination. It showed the remnants of what was once a grand structure of Beaux Arts style, much like a little castle. With all the lighthouses being cared for in Maine, how could we be so lucky to have our own and yet have left it in this horrid condition? Someone chimed in and mentioned that it was scheduled for demolition the following year. Oh, the horror! How could this happen? Who was responsible for it?
It was at that moment that chatter began within the family to make calls to point out the obvious. Surely, someone would jump in and stop it and begin to restore the interesting little structure. Little did they know it would be up to them to lead the charge. The daughter-in-law, Janis Mackey Harrington, thought she would take charge of spreading the word about the condition of the building. Her mother-in-law, Mary Harrington, exclaimed,
"Oh Janis I'll help you, it would be such a nice summer project!"
And there it began in the summer of 1985!
—Pamela Setchell
Janis Harrington & Louie Anderson (Former Lighthouse Keeper)
Save Huntington's Lighthouse, Inc.
Founded in 1985 by Ms. Janis Harrington to preserve the unique structure that is the Huntington Harbor Lighthouse. After years of neglect, the US Coast Guard had announced plans for the demolition of the Lighthouse due to safety concerns. It was to be replaced by a steel tower displaying the navigational aids. With the enthusiastic support of her family, the late Dr. Douglas Harrington and his wife Mary, along with some friends in the community, this not-for-profit group embarked on the process of saving the Lighthouse from demolition. The early days were filled with extensive and expensive efforts to clean out the debris caused by neglect and environmental decay. Access to the site was tricky with no secure dock or ramp to tie up a boat. Progress was slow and arduous. Harder still was the securing of grants and donations to help push this project along. Yet, those involved had a passion and a will to succeed.
Huntington Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc.
In 2003 it was decided that the name needed to be changed to reflect the current status of the lighthouse. Although it had been officially saved, the ongoing restoration and preservation work continued. The Lighthouse was finally opened for tours during the summer of 2003. This coincided with the Town of Huntington's 350th Anniversary Celebration to let the public see, first hand, the efforts of the work crews and the value of their donations over the years!
HLPS is dedicated to keeping this unique historic off shore lighthouse open to the public for public tours and educational purposes. Volunteers are always needed and are welcome to join us. Some of our needs are in the areas of research, guided tours, events, fund raising and physical work at the lighthouse, which involves carpentry, painting and other repairs and maintenance.