History Tour of Fayerweather Island Saturday, October 15 at 1 pm
Walk on out to Fayerweather Island in Bridgeport, CT and learn about its colorful history and nature on Saturday, October 15 at 1 pm on a guided tour. Join historian Charles Brilvitch and landscape architect Stuart Sachs for this fascinating narrated walk sponsored by the Black Rock Community Council History Committee The walk will go out to the 41 ft octagonal stone Fayerweather Lighthouse on the tip of the 7 acre Fayerweather Island in Seaside Park. A stone breakwater provides access from the mainland to the island.
The tour guides are Charles Brilvitch, past Bridgeport City Historian and author of Walking Through History: The Seaports of Black Rock and Southport, and Stuart Sachs, local landscape architect and the city's Historic District Commission Chairman. They will discuss the history of the island and the lighthouse, and Black Rock harbor as well as the natural history of the landscape. The sandy island has a small salt marsh, beach, and woodland. Although the area is open to walkers, the tower itself is not open to the public.
Purchased by the federal government in 1807 from David Fayerweather, Fayerweather Island was truly an island until 1917 when the city built a connecting breakwater. The original Fayerweather Lighthouse (also known as the Black Rock Lighthouse) built in1808 was destroyed by a 1821 hurricane. Rebuilt in 1823, it is now 188 years standing as America’s oldest cut brownstone lighthouse. It’s most famous lighthouse keeper Catherine More tended the light from1809 to 1971 and is credited with saving 21 lives. The light was deactivated in 1932. The keeper's house burned in 1977, but the brick foundation can still be seen.
The lighthouse was restored in 1983 and again in 1998 by the Black Rock Community Council (BRCC). A solar light now illuminates the tower, and automatic offshore lights now are used for navigation. By 2010 there was increasing concern about erosion around the lighthouse base. Preservation architects have been hired to study the problem and future restoration needs. The BRCC will be leading a fund-raising campaign this winter for this work.
The walk is approximately 90 minutes. Participants should wear sturdy shoes for the walk to the island over the rocky causeway, bring bug spray and wear long sleeves and pants. No dogs. The walk is free for BRCC members, $5 for non-members and $3 for non-member seniors. Proceeds will benefit the BRCC History Committee and the promotion of Black Rock's history. Join the Council now & save on future history tours. Rain date: Sunday, October 16. To register or for more information contact Madeline at madelinejdennis@optonline.net or 203-296-9166.
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