‘The Orient Point Light. Long Island. New York’ Oil on Canvas. 30x15 inches.
This light is better known as the ‘Coffee Pot’ to the mariner and those who live on Long Island. The light first shone on November 10th 1899 after a series of setbacks which included the almost complete demolition of the foundation courses by a storm in October 1898. Proof, if any were needed, that this was not going to an easy light to run and service. It required 600 tons of ballast stone, or rip-rap, to help protect the light from the ice and storms on this exposed point on the west side of Plum Gut. A little while after high water as the tide ebbs the waters of the Long Island Sound rush through the gap between Orient Point and Plum Island causing a swift current and high confused seas which would test even the most seasoned helmsmen. Just one more of the many dangers to the mariner in the days of sail in the waters around this very busy shipping lane.
