Atlantic City has had a rich and varied history for the past 150 years.  From its beginning as a small seaside community, to the glitzy gambling and shopping destination it is today, the city has been reinvented and reimagined many times over.  Since 1857, one constant has remained.  The Absecon Lighthouse quietly stands on Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues, keeping an ever watchful eye on the sea.  For Stockton’s 8th Annual Day of Service, a group of students including myself had the opportunity to learn about and preserve this historic structure.

The Day of Service started on the morning of September 10th with a gathering of participants to listen to an opening address by President Saatkamp, and a speech by Charles Uhl, an EMS responder on September 11, 2001.  Their remarks set the tone of the day by focusing on the 10th Anniversary of 9-11, and the meaning of service.  After this, everyone was dismissed to their various projects.  Roughly 25 students boarded a school bus that took us to the Absecon Lighthouse.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by Alice Stryker, a member of the museum staff, who split us into several groups and assigned each group different tasks.  Our first job was picking any weeds that had grown around the base of the tower.  Next, we worked on cleaning the windows of the tower and their sills.  After this was completed, we climbed to the top of the lighthouse and took in the impressive views of Atlantic City and the ocean.  Our final job was sweeping and wiping down the walls of the Oil House.  The Oil House had to be cleaned with extra care.  We wore gloves because the oils from our hands could damage the mortar of the walls.  That day, I learned that the Absecon Lighthouse was built in the 1850s and was used until 1933.  It is the tallest lighthouse ever be constructed in New Jersey, and it is the third tallest lighthouse in the United States.

Volunteering at the Absecon Lighthouse gave me an appreciation for the local history near Stockton.  Structures likes this deserve the attention of the local community.  I am especially grateful to the Office of Student Development for making this day possible.  It is important for college students to give back to their community, and I look forward to next semester’s Day of Service.