My interest in Lighthouses became a passion about 7 years ago and I began planning our vacations around visiting lighthouses whenever possible. 

On October 2, 2004 our lake house in West Columbia was the setting for a gathering of friends and neighbors of Mallard Lake subdivision to celebrate the dedication of Margie’s own personal lighthouse.  It is the first of its kind to stand on the banks of Mallard Lake, and everyone has expressed how the lighthouse has added such a unique attraction as it stands in its perfect setting.  At night the little beacon light that revolves on top is really cool.

I have Hugh Jackson to thank for me finding my Lighthouse because it was purchased when he guided us T-Birders across the US to get to Michigan back in June 2003 for Fords 100 year celebration. It was on our return trip as we traveled through the state of Indiana that I found this Lighthouse at one of our stops in the Amish country.     

Now, I have a story to tell you about that shopping stop.  Hugh had mentioned numerous times during the trip that if any of us ladies needed help in hauling any merchandise he could accommodate us because he had lots of room in his T-Bird since he was traveling alone.  So, I did ask Hugh about hauling this 10 foot lighthouse in his Bird, and even though he agreed it would have been a real eye catcher for our T-Bird caravan to be escorted across country like that, he said there were limits to how much he could haul.  So we had to go with plan B and made arrangements for the Amish folks to send the lighthouse to us by UPS.  Not quiet as exciting, huh?

It has taken a while to get everything done to get this lighthouse standing on her own,  but Bill worked hard building the platform over the water and when I decided that I wanted my lighthouse painted red and white it was no time and that project was underway and finished.  With the help of neighbors Bill got the Lighthouse set up and the dedication was held a week before I was scheduled to have my knee replacement surgery.

It was nice recuperating from surgery at the lake and from the house or deck the Lighthouse is always in view.  Oh, and I have to mention how beautiful it looked covered with 12” of snow on Christmas Day.  That sight will probably never happen again!

If any of you are out cruising in your T-Birds and are in the area around West Columbia, please feel free to stop by our lake house for a visit and to see Margie’s Lighthouse named Perry’s Point #26. 

Reported by:

Margie Perry

Some "senior" personal ads seen in Florida newspapers...Who says seniors don't have a sense of humor?

FOXY LADY: Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4" (used to be 5'6"), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus.

LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: Recent widow who has just buried fourth husband, and am looking for someone to round out a six-unit plot. Dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath not a problem.

SERENITY NOW: I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and meditation. If you are the silent type, let's get together, take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

WINNING SMILE: Active grandmother with original teeth seeking a dedicated flosser to share rare steaks, corn on the cob and caramel candy.

BEATLES OR STONES? I still like to rock, still like to cruise in my Camaro on Saturday nights and still like to play the guitar. If you were a groovy chick, or are now a groovy hen, let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

MEMORIES: I can usually remember Monday through Thursday. If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let's put our two heads together.

MINT CONDITION: Male, 1932, high mileage, good condition, some hair, many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves. Isn't in running condition, but walks well.