From the Keeper’s Desk – May 7

Greetings!

Restoration efforts are moving along steadily at Eagle Bluff Light Station.

Painting on the second floor is now complete, with the hallway fully finished and looking fantastic. Beth is continuing her careful work in the first-floor bedroom. Meanwhile, the parlor has been cleared to begin restoration in that space. Jeanne has started removing loose paint and plaster, and early signs indicate the parlor may be in the most challenging condition due to extensive peeling and damaged surfaces.

Painting trim in first floor bedroom

Parlor is ready for paint

Scraping loose paint and plaster

Second floor hallway is finished

Looking the other direction on second floor

Second floor stair landing

Top of the stairs

Over at the barn, progress has been encouraging. Horizontal blocking has been installed to support the board-and-batten exterior siding as well as the vertical 1×6 interior paneling. Plywood sheathing has been added to all sides except the north wall. Rim joists are now in place, and most of the floor joists have been installed as well.

Work on the north side

Inside view of the blocking

Plywood installed on the east side

Working on the west side

Cross bracing

Installing a rim joist

Nailing end wall rim joist

Setting a floor joist into place

Lifting the next floor joist

Billy handing joist to Mike

Billy adding second piece for the triple hearder above the barn door

Billy placing another joist

Placing into a joist hanger

Installing second part of west wall rim joist

Mike and Billy hard at work

With today’s work completed, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of how the barn will take shape—and it’s exciting to see it come together.

Barn at the end of the work day

View from the parking lot of the progress

– Ed