Hereford Lighthouse Praised Again

NORTH WILDWOOD—This City’s pride and joy has garnered yet another award.
The Victorian Society in America has honored the historic Hereford Inlet Lighthouse with a commendation for the “meticulous restoration of its exterior.”
The Lighthouse is situated on the Hereford Inlet, which had notoriously been the site of groundings and shipwrecks. In 1872, Congress purchased the land overlooking the dangerous entrance to the inlet, and commissioned the Lighthouse to be built.
By 1874, the residential style Lighthouse was finished and on May 11, 1874 the light began its task of warning approaching vessels. Its Victorian era design is called “Swiss Carpenter Gothic” or “Stick Style.”
In 1964, the Lighthouse was closed, boarded up, and its task was taken over by an automatic rotating modern optic on an iron tower behind the Lighthouse.
Then, in 1982 Mayor Anthony Catanoso and his wife Phyllis initiated a complex project to restore the building. Since then, tremendous improvements have been made. The modern light was moved into the Lighthouse lantern room, where it resumed its job of saving lives and ships.
The interior was transformed into a museum furnished with antiques and displays of memorabilia. Tours are available and a gift shop offers wonderful items.
In addition, the sandy grounds surrounding the Lighthouse have been turned into a lush park with a variety of paths and gardens by Steve Murray, who recently retired from his position as North Wildwood Superintendent of Parks.
The Victorian Society in America, a “national organization dedicated to the study and interpretation of the Victorian era, from 1837-1917,” commended the Catanosos, as well as the many citizens who contributed to the project. The funds supplied by New Jersey Historic Trust were also invaluable.
An organization called the Friends of the Hereford Lighthouse, including trustees, officers, and members, has also worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.
The Hereford Lighthouse is listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. It is also part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail.
Mayor Bill Henfey said, “The Hereford Inlet Lighthouse is a treasure that our residents and visitors enjoy year-round. We are honored to be its caretakers, and we are committed to continuing to care for it.”
You can help keep the light burning by attending three fun events this season: the Sock Hop Fund Raiser on April 28, the Maritime Festival on July 7 and 8, and the Celebrate National Lighthouse Day on Aug. 7.
Call 609-522-4520 for more information or visit herefordlighthouse.org.