The September Open House fell on the anniversary of 09/11 and welcomed 187 visitors, including Boy Scout Troop 224. We also had very special guests Ray Hartzel, the last keeper of the light and his family, wife Mary and daughters Beth and Karen. George Gatton, Jr. stopped by for a visit; George's father, George Gatton, Sr. served at the lighthouse until he retired in 1965. PLLPS Volunteer Chuck Kohls led the boys of Troop 224 in a flag raising ceremony. After the ceremony, the scouts cleaned all of the windows in the lighthouse and picked up all the trash surrounding the perimeter of the lighthouse fence, and also took a special tour of the lighthouse to learn about the history of our wonderful lighthouse.

Troop 224 approaches the flag pole on the east side of the lighthouse grounds.

The troop prepares to hoist the three flags: US, Maryland and Chesapeake Chapter.

The flags ascend to the sky.

The flags flying in full glory.

In remembrance of 09/11, the flags are lowered to half staff.

The flags flap in the light wind while lighthouse lantern room stands guard.

A view from inside the lighthouse of the scouts cleaning trash from the coal and buoy shed area.

The troop went all out and removed all trash from the coal and buoy shed area.

Scouts cleaning the windows in the bay side den, second floor.

PLLPS Volunteer Robert Hall takes Troop 224 on a guided tour of the lighthouse.

Troop 224 on the Bay Side porch.

Visitors enter the south side kitchen.

From L to R: George Gatton, Jr.; Ray Hartzel; Eunice Knott. Neighbors across time: Eunice and George grew up in the lighthouse; Ray was stationed at the lighthouse from 1964 until it was decommissioned on January 11, 1966.

View of Scouts picking up trash and the treacherous sandbar at the point. Eunice's father, Herman Metieiver, requested that the fence be installed due to the large number of drownings at the deceptively treacherous waters at the point.

PLLPS Volunteer Sandra Sableski answers visitor questions using her own displays and activity area for children of all ages.

Former resident and PLLPS Volunteer Eunice Knott shares her memories with visitors.

During a lull, Eunice, Ray and Mary chat about their experiences in the lighthouse.

We were honored that so many people visited the lighthouse on a beautiful day. We would like to thank Scoutmaster Bill Thomas and the boys of Troop 224 for all their hard work and enthusiasm for new experiences. Special thanks to Ray Hartzel and his family for visiting all the way from Pennsylvania, and to George Gatton for stopping by to see his childhood neighbor. As always, we appreciate the time and efforts of Eunice Knott and all of our wonderful volunteers who make it possible for PLLPS to open the lighthouse to the public. Contact us at volunteer@pllps.org if you would like to join our team.