Presque Isle's Olde Fashioned Community Christmas got underway today. Happily the icy, snowy weather came through yesterday. Unlike last year the roads were in good shape and visitor turnout has been great. The most popular venue is the "Kids' Store" where young children can "shop" for their parents, grandparents, and siblings. All gifts are free-of-charge, selected by the child with the assistance of a Personal Shopper, and wrapped on the spot by our wrapping team.
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| Horse cart rides were a priority for both children and adults. |
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The Fresnel Lens, on display for the first time today,
weighs over 1,500 pounds. |
The New Lighthouse was a busy place all day. A horse drawn wagon carried trippers of all ages out to Lake Huron and back. In addition, the just-completed display of our Third Order Fresnel Lens was opened to the public for the first time today. Visitors were absolutely fascinated with this "lantern" which used to sit atop the New Lighthouse. We learned today that this is one of only 65 Third Order lenses used in U.S. lighthouses, and one of the few extant. A formal opening and dedication will be held in the spring.
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| Kids and Santa! Could anything be better? |
We also had a barbershop group singing in the 1905 Keeper's House, and a steady stream of shoppers picking up Christmas gifts in the New Light Gift Shop. Meanwhile, in Garrity Hall (the New Light activity center), Santa was chatting up scores of young children who responded as children always do — sometimes with fear, but mostly with fascination! •••
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