Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse was among several Rhode Island landmarks to be recognized at the Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation, which was held at the Rhode Island State House in Providence on Sunday, Nov. 15.
The honor was specifically for the work that was done on the aging cast iron platform and inside steps of the lighthouse, as well as some work on the exterior. The restoration was performed by Abcore Restoration Co., which is based in Narragansett.
The annual Rhody Awards, which are presented by Preserve Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission, honor individuals, organizations, and projects for their contributions to the preservation of Rhode Island’s historic places.
In its citation, the groups said:
“Block Island’s Southeast Lighthouse has stood guard along the bluffs for 145 years, in a beautiful but harsh seaside environment. By the 2010s, saltwater had taken a toll, particularly on the cast iron and masonry structural system — the restoration of which required a painstaking process of disassembly, repairing as much original material as possible, recasting damaged elements, and reassembly. Cast iron deck plates, stairs, railings, doors, and the ladder to the lantern gallery were replicated based on original drawings.
