The first Reedy Island Rear Range Light was built in Port Penn in 1896. It was discontinued in 1904. A temporary light was located in Taylor's Bridge until the new tower was completed in 1910. The 110 foot tall cast iron tower originally featured a 5th order range lens, but now uses a DCB-224 aero beacon. The 1906 station included the tower, keeper's quarters, oil house, barn, and shed. The light was automated in the mid 1930s.
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The two story wood keeper's quarters (shown in adjacent photo) was sold off as excess property, and gradually fell into complete disrepair. Vandals completely burned the house to the ground in April 2002. The brick oil house was also severely damaged, and subsequently torn down. I was lucky to photograph the light before the structure was lost. What a shame that this historic beauty was so neglected by the private owners.
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