Rich Kenny asked us to share this note with all who were on the
August 17, 2007 Plum Island tour:
Hi Guys
I am writing to thank everyone that I met on the tour of Plum Island for your
gracious gift allowing Shirley and I to join you on this most enjoyable lighthouse
excursion. I just can't explain how much this day has meant to me.
It has brought back so many fond and sometimes chilling memories. I actually
remember laying in bed one night screaming at the top of my lungs, "Will you
be quiet and leave me alone?" I'm still not sure of to whom I was yelling but
then I also remember one night bravely asking this annoying entity to show itself,
then quickly said, "Never mind, don't bother, I'll be fine." Be careful what
you wish for, you may get it!
I really did have one of the most memorable days of my life talking to you all
and sharing my experiences while on the lighthouse. I want to also give special
thanks to Carol House for squeezing me onto the boat and to Bob for handing
out the postcards and making me feel like a celebrity for a day. Maybe some
day I will be a bit more famous and those signatures will hold some greater
value.
Since we left the island I've been remembering so many things about my time
there. I have included a couple of attachments showing some of my other talents
at twenty two years old. I found this old wooden oar on the rocks one day and
spent some time burning the image of Plum Island into it with an old soldering
iron, in my spare time of coarse. Not exactly a masterpiece, but it bears some
similarity to the lighthouse. The other picture is of a sketch I was working
on just before I left the island. Too bad I didn't finish it, but it does more
resemble the lighthouse as it was. You can tell its's old from the water stains
and yellowing of the paper.
Anyway, I just wanted you all to know how incredible it was to meet every one
of you and I hope to see you all again soon.
I also want to send s shout out to Tony Tuliano, I found his web site online
and after reading his story, it occurred to me that all we Light Keepers on
Plum Island shared many of the same experiences. Check out his site
to see what I mean about the Colonel. He also has a picture of the headstone
we weren't allowed to see today.
So, thank you again and I hope you never lose your desire to preserve and restore
these important landmarks and share in the many stories we light keepers need
to share with all of you.
Sincerely
Rich Kenny
Light Keeper
1973 - 1974
rich2bin98@aol.com
