$5,000 Squantum Association Grant to Help Historically Restore Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

At the turn of the century, white picket fences were popular in yards across the country. They also appeared frequently at land-based and island lighthouses. For Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, built in 1871 on a half-acre island in the Providence River, the fence defined the areas of the rocky terrain that were safe to walk on and enclosed the yard for the safety of the lightkeeper’s family and pets.

Turn-of-the-century photographs and postcards show a white picket fence surrounding the East Providence light station. Following the Hurricane of 1938, a metal chain-link fence was installed and still stands today. However, after eight decades, rust and deterioration in the supporting posts have mandated its replacement.

“Restoring Pomham Rocks Lighthouse with historical accuracy is our mission,” notes Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Board of Directors Chair Dennis Tardiff. He thanked the Squantum Association Charitable Foundation for their continuing support. Their $4,000 grant last year provided funding for Phase 2 of the fence project, on the west side of the island, facing the Providence River. Work on brackets for supporting cedar fence posts on that side is in progress.

“We are pleased to continue to support the efforts of Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, our Riverside shoreline neighbor,” said Squantum Association Board Member Paul R. Williams. “Funded independently by our membership,” he added, “we initiated the Squantum Association Charitable Foundation to support charitable and community organizations which improve the quality of life in our state."

This year’s $5,000 grant from Squantum Association will enable Friends’ volunteers to continue the multi-year restoration project. Phase 3 will involve the replacement of supporting posts on the north side of the island, installation, priming and painting of the historically accurate picket fence.

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. This important New England maritime light station and museum is an integral part of Rhode Island’s heritage and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.