Coastline Treasures

While on a trip to Tybee Island in Georgia, we went on a boat trip taking us through the bay and up the river.  The waters were clear and the sun made each wave sparkle in its light.  We could see many birds; I was especially delighted by the pelicans.  They were fun to watch as they circled then drove to catch their prey.  We could see the occasional fish jumping up into the air and the dolphins playing in the wake of the boat.

What was the most surprising to me where the numerous lighthouses, day beacon and buoys.  At every turn there they were marking the path keeping us safe and leading the way.  I was intrigued by the different lighthouse figurines; some were on the shoreline and some were in the waters.  I was told that the tides make the travel treacherous without their guidance.  What I did not realize was that the lighthouses in water were on dry land at low tide.  I was glad to know that these sea markers were there to safely guide our way.

Lighthouses come in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs.  Their designs were practical for the environment in which they were built.  Some lighthouses are built in the middle of water, on a rocky cliff, a sandy beach, or along harbors.  Architects used local materials to build their lighthouses and constructed them to with stand its environment.

The lighthouse decor used for constructing lighthouses is round, pyramid, skeletal, conical and square.  The round designs are often made of brick and painted.  They can be tall or short depending on their location.  The pyramid lighthouse is not used much being made of wood or steel.  A skeletal design consists of a steel framework for little wind resistance.  Finally the square lighthouse encompasses the tower being built into the keeper’s house creating a square look.  There are other shapes and styles depending on where you live.  The designs are endless.

Have you ever thought about spending a night in a lighthouse?  Lighthouses contain so much history, if only they could tell their stories.  Just imagine the families that have lived there and protected the seamen from the rocky shores.  Lighthouses are numerous along our Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as well as the Great Lakes.  They come in all shapes and sizes too.

There are several dozen lighthouses that can accommodate guests in the United States.  They are along the west coast; Washington, Oregon and California.  Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York along the east coast; as well as Michigan and Minnesota around the Great Lakes.  By today’s standards, some have rustic accommodations without refrigerators and a simple one burner stove with a solar heated shower outside along with changing your own linen.  Others are elegant Bed and Breakfasts serving champagne and spectacular meals.  No matter which way you want to experience an overnight stay at a lighthouse, there is one just for you.  Don’t forget to visit the gift shop and bring home a lighthouse décor souvenir.

In the 1800’s people of Europe began to add pieces of fruits, nuts, and paper streamers to evergreens; a symbol that life would return in the spring.  Germans started adding foods, such as cookies in all sorts of shapes like stars, hearts, angels and bells.  In America they started adding long strands of cranberries or popcorn along with small gifts that would be hung by a string or a piece of yarn.

In the1880’s various German entrepreneurs began making ornaments that were mass produced solely as Christmas ornaments.  Known for their glass making, the area around Lauscha, was central for glass ornament production.  Soon these popular glass ornaments were exported all over Europe and to America.  Today we still adorn our Christmas trees with glass ornaments, bows and tinsel.  Make your tree special with your own theme; angels, bells, cowboys, lighthouse décor, doves.  You choose; the ideas are endless.

When I think of the sea, I can’t help but imagine the bygone days of excitement and exploration, when maps still contained huge swaths of uncharted territory. I tried to capture that spirit of adventure while redecorating my family den. My wife and daughter made their own suggestions, of course, but we all agreed that nautical decor would make the space more inviting.

I began by frequenting antiques shops and secondhand stores. At first the going was tough, but then I discovered a life-sized ship’s helm in the corner of a local shop. I refurbished it and sanded it down myself, then set about complementing the helm with smaller decorations. My wife found some stunning lighthouse figurines online, and we added a few model ships to drive the theme home.

Nautical culture remains a big part of my hometown in northern Michigan. Shipping industries began to sprout up in the 19th century thanks to the town’s strategic location on Lake Huron. The steady stream of commerce at all hours meant that the area needed plenty of operational lighthouses. This measure was meant to ensure the safety of ships and their crews as they came in to port, but the lasting effect has been much more profound.

Today, Northern Michigan lighthouses are appreciated as much for their historical value as for their functionality. They are especially treasured by older generations, and lighthouse figurines have become collector’s items in recent years. Their intricate detail and lifelike appearance serves as a testament to the quality of the craftsmanship. These figurines are the next best thing to examining a real lighthouse up close.