Scaffold technicians completed the canvas shroud that covers the top four levels of the Bodie Island Lighthouse during mid-February. The shroud allows crew members to work in a new "interior" space that will protect them from inclement weather and wind during restoration work.

Photo courtesy of Courtney Whisler,
Outer Banks Lighthouse Society

On March 5, 2010, a group of Outer Banks Lighthouse Society board of directors were allowed to climb the exterior scaffolding stairs of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The elaborate 2,000-piece scaffold allows workers access to all parts of the tower during restoration.

This is one of 16 "acorns" that usually are attached to the support brackets under the watch gallery deck. The stub of a post that is still evident should be a solid cast-iron rod connecting the acorn to the support bracket and extend all the way to the top of the safety rail at the level above it.  Corrosion has destroyed the connecting rod while at the same time has been the only agent to hold the pieces together. Restoration will use a process to melt down these iron components, pour the molten iron into molds created from patterns of the originals, and add strengthening steel. Each piece will then be repositioned on the lighthouse.