The 17Th day of the sixth month of the year of the OP

A great collection of images on the photo contest this month, take a look. Alot of humor there this time.

http://www.ifp3.com/contest_images/contestPage.cfm

ABSECON LIGHTHOUSE
Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic City NJ

The shoals of Absecon and Brigantine had to be marked by a light of some sort in the early 1800’s when Atlantic City was but a small ocean side village. The Lighthouse was first authorized in 1837 but not built and lit until 1857. Built by the active Lt. George G. Meade of civil war fame, the tower was erected on a stone foundation, which rested on a wooden platform. The structure rose 150 feet and was fitted with a first order Fresnel lens as was befitting a coast line light house. Meade also built the light at Barnegat..."LBI".

Shipwrecks had been many along that coast on the aforementioned shoals, but after it’s construction the incidents of wrecks in the first months became nil. In 1872 the tower was white with a red band around the middle but in the latter part of that century, the light was painted orange with a black middle band. Until 1998 tower was white and red. It has been since painted a light yellow with a black band. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1932 and was turned over to the state. It is now the centerpiece of a town park.

When in Atlantic City, follow either Vermont or Rhode Island Avenues north until you come to the light. There is ample street side parking and the light can be viewed daily.