Notes From The Director
Special Visitors
Three groups of students from Flour Bluff schools, about 100 in all, visited us for special lectures and a tour this month. It is a pleasure to have this kind of group visit the place. They sure like to ring the bell, sit in the boat and pick up the fishing gear.
Thomas Alexander, a member of the Texas Historical Commission, and his wife Capy dropped in to visit the museo and get more information on the dune guns. Mr. Alexander confirmed that he will include the site in a new book he is writing on forgotten Military installations in Texas.
Farley Boat Works nears completion
We are getting ready to take possession of the Farley shop. Work should be completed just after Christmas.
The electricians are working fast to get the wiring in and functioning. The plumbing is done and the contractor is sheet rocking the interior of the office and bathroom. The signs are now finished and we are waiting for a dry day to install them. The exhibit panels are being composed and soon will be printed, the Tina sits ready to be hauled in to her new home, and the power tools are arriving.
It is all coming together nicely. The museum will soon be at the business of restoring a cottage industry to our island town.
Christmas decorations are up
Thanks to Carol Clark and her daughter (whose name I forgot to write down…sorry) the museum porch is decorated and ready for Christmas. Drive by at night and have a look. This is the third year Carol has done this great service for the museum.
The gift Shop is getting a new look
A new improved gift shop is on its way. We are re-thinking it with both inventory and fixtures getting the look over. This little shop is an important part of the program and has been helping to pay the operating expenses of the building.
Stay tuned.
New Lighthouse Information
We just received two great old documents from 1877 reporting that several barrels of salt port, salt beef and a keg of vinegar were sent to the Aransas Pass Light Station from Indianola.
Another document from the same period reports that a cord of firewood was sent to the lighthouse for the use of the keeper, Mr. Humphries, and crew. (Mr. Humphries was dismissed for drunkenness soon after).
The 22nd Keeper of the light station (that would be me) has held forth for years that firewood was NEVER used to heat the place! Wrong again. I’ll have that crow medium rare please.
Save the date
March 3 is the date for the annual museum fund raising auction. Save the date!
COME SEE US
Make it a point to drop in and visit the museo this season. Introduce yourself and we’ll have a chat.
See you there.
Happy Holidays,
Regards,
Rick Pratt
13 December 2011
