|
The Images of America series of books from Arcadia Publishing Company continue to lead the way in preserving America’s past through historic images as they have done again with the release of Lighthouses of the Ventura Coast.
Three distinctive lighthouse structures have served California’s Ventura County coast since the first lighthouse was built here in 1874. As told in the book, the first Point Hueneme Lighthouse, that met a tragic end, was replaced by a modern art-deco style structure. However, thanks to author Rose Castro-Bran, curator of the Point Hueneme Lighthouse, the old images of the first tower can be viewed in the pages of the book as well as photos of when the new lighthouse was constructed. The other lighthouse included in the book is the reclusive 1932 Anacapa Island Lighthouse that had a short life span under the old United States Lighthouse Service before it came under the auspices of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939.
The book also goes into great detail about the early years and development of Port Hueneme with some amazing photos, especially one showing acres of Mazda automobiles that had been unloaded from arriving ships.
However, what I enjoyed best about the book are the many photographs and memories of the lighthouse keepers and their family’s that served and lived at the lighthouses. After all, it is the people that are the heart and soul of lighthouse history, which the author has documented in an informative way throughout the pages of this well researched book.
Lighthouses of the Ventura Coast is available at many book stores, independent retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing by calling 888-313-2665 or on-line at www.ArcadiaPublishing.com.
You won’t be disappointed in the book which now helps preserve another slice of forgotten and lost lighthouse history so that it can be preserved for future generations.
| 