This year the Point Fermin Lighthouse is celebrating its 150th Anniversary. For a century and a half, this restored Victorian era lighthouse has stood at the natural entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor, and today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In honor of this milestone, PV Magazine recently visited the Lighthouse and had the pleasure to meet with Kristen Heather, Historic Site Curator/Director, Martha Austin McKinzie, President of the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society (PFLHS) and board member Diane Bertelsen. A partnership between the City of Los Angeles and the PFLHS made a renovation in 2002 possible. In 2003, the Lighthouse opened to the public on a regular basis for the first time in its history. This was the culmination of years of community fundraising, first led in the 1970’s by local community leaders John Olguin and Willam Olesen. These efforts eventually led to the formation of the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and the organization has been instrumental in the preservation of this community landmark ever since.
As we started to discuss the rich history of the Lighthouse, Diane pointed out that the Point Fermin Lighthouse pre-dates both the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty! Martha noted that both the first lighthouse keepers in 1874 and last lighthouse keepers between 1925 and 1927 were women. During the tour, it was clear that Martha felt at home in the Lighthouse rooms; it turns out that she is not only the PFLHS President, but she is also the granddaughter and niece of the last lighthouse keepers. She is named after her grandmother, Martha Austin, who served as lighthouse keeper with her husband Willam from 1917 until 1925. Their daughter Thelma Austin, with help from her sister Juanita, took over as the last lighthouse keeper after Martha’s death until 1927. After 1927 the City of Los Angeles managed the Lighthouse until 1941, and then again after WWII.
As we moved from room to room, Martha explained that the Lighthouse was empty when it opened to the public in 2003. The last lighthouse keepers took their furniture and belongings when they moved out. Over the last twenty years, the Lighthouse has been completely furnished with donated historical pieces as well as items acquired by the PFLHS. The original blueprints were used to restore the Lighthouse to its original condition from when the keepers lived in the house. Martha also has shared first-hand accounts from her aunts about what life was like during the years the family called the Lighthouse home, such as who used which bedroom and who might have snuck out a window to attend a dance!
Today, the Point Fermin Lighthouse welcomes guests from the local area and from around the world as well as special tours for local school children, seniors, and other organizations. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and tours are offered with the help of volunteers and city employees. One of the highlights of the tour is climbing up the four flights of steps to the tower to see the location of the original lens and light and enjoy the amazing view (please note that young children are not permitted to climb up to the tower.) Visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to see one of the fourth-order Fresnel lighthouse lenses that was used at the Lighthouse. Outside is a Butterfly Garden tended by volunteers that was in full bloom during our visit. Diane and Martha share how a local Boy Scout Troop 276 from Rancho Palos Verdes completed Eagle Scout projects at the site including clearing the area for the Butterfly Garden and making benches for guests to enjoy.
The Point Fermin Lighthouse is located at 807 W. Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro, in beautiful Point Fermin Park. The Lighthouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, with free tours at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. It is closed Mondays and city holidays. No reservations required, and tours are on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a charming little gift shop. If you have not been, or it is has been a while since your last visit, this 150th Anniversary celebration is the perfect time to enjoy this local treasure.
Save the date, A Grand 150th Commemorative Celebration of the Point Fermin Lighthouse is planned for August 17, 2024, on the lighthouse grounds at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro. The event will include volunteers in historical costumes, exhibitors, food, games for all ages, along with historical displays and demonstrations. Although not required, guests are encouraged to dress up in vintage attire. In addition to the Grand 150th Commemorative Celebration, special events are happening every month as part of a yearlong celebration including a Lighthouse Challenge on July 13th, and a Festival of Light in December which is the actual month of the sesquicentennial.
To find out more about the Point Fermin Lighthouse and upcoming events you can visit www.laparks.org/pflighthouse or www.pflhs.org There are many ways to support the Point Fermin Lighthouse for future generations including making a donation when you enjoy a free tour of the lighthouse, attending their annual fundraising event Taste By the Sea, or making a donation on their website www.pflhs.org.
