Another thing I wanted to share, opening the tower to the public. I think that if the public were allowed regular access to the tower (in the same fashion as most of NC's lighthouses), it would take away the mystery of it. I don't know about you, but, Price's Creek's mystery is what keeps me drawn to it, and it's why it's my favorite NC lighthouse. It'd be great if the tower was restored fully (a new lantern room could be rebuilt etc...), but, regular access would (in my opinion) take away from it. Maybe selected open house dates would be better (like at Portsmouth Harbour).
Zackary, no one is talking about opening up tours to the general public, only the hope that other groups like ours might be allowed access.
A huge amount of red tape had to be waded through, and many discussions took place before OBLHS was granted permission. We initiated the process back last September, and permission was granted about a week before the Spring Retreat was to take place. A private pontoon boat was used to get us over there (three trips over), and the trip was totally weather dependant, keeping us on edge almost to the zero hour.
The general public wants to do the tourist thing at a pristine tower with easy access, and they don't expect to get wet or get their shoes muddied. I don't see the company who owns the land letting this become a tourist haven.
OBLHS owes a tremendous thanks to many officials who went to bat for us.
Judy