**Point Fermin Historic Lighthouse: A Local Landmark**

By Dianne Gowder

At least twice a week, on my daily walks, I find myself at Point Fermin Park here in San Pedro and I never fail to walk around and admire the lighthouse. It is such a beautiful building. The Lighthouse was built in 1874 and it was the first navigational light in San Pedro Bay. As you can see it is a Victorian style lighthouse and one of only 6 built to this design. I believe there are only three left, the other two are in San Francisco Bay and New Jersey respectively. The design makes a beautiful silhouette early in the morning in winter when the sun rises right behind it!

The lighthouse was staffed by Lighthouse keepers and the very first ones were women, Mary and Ella Smith, which I think is pretty cool! Their job was not just to keep the light on, but also maintain the Lens and keep the building in good repair. Interestingly the last two lighthouse keepers were also women, Thelma and Juanita Austin. The lighthouse was electrified in 1927 and the city of LA took over managing in until Pearl Harbor was bombed and the coast was blacked out. The lighthouse was never lit again, sadly.

Below is my favorite photo. It rained right after I took it and I got soaked!

Right next to the lighthouse is probably the most famous tree is San Pedro. It is a magnificent Moreton Bay Fig, native to Australia, and know locally as the Wedding Tree. I assume because many people have been married under it. I don’t know this for sure.

The lighthouse is now managed by the department of Parks and Recreation and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 1-4. They do give guided tours. Alas, I have no photos of the inside but many photos of the gardens which are beautifully maintained and always bring a smile to my face.

I love Point Fermin for many reasons.

Not only an historic lighthouse, but all sorts of wildlife, including foxes, raccoons, seals on the rocks and falcons nesting in the cliffs.

And the view is spectacular!

So, next time you are in San Pedro, don’t forget to check out our beautiful lighthouse and enjoy the park, it is beautiful year-round and you can take in sunrise and sunset from there at different times of the year.

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Dianne Gowder Bio:

Here is a link to my Facebook photography page

https://www.facebook.com/Walking-About-Photography-by-Dianne-Gowder-105661514321435/

Also I can be found on Instagram @dgbrit

Originally from England, but now long time San Pedro resident..

Credit for bio picture: Arturo Garcia Ayala

Dianne loves to walk and she tries to do at least 3 miles every day before she heads out to work. Her love of photography evolved from her walks.

“ I have always been amazed by scenery here and more and more I found myself stopping to capture the beauty of my surroundings. As I shared my work I realized that very few people were even aware of what they have on their doorstep!”

Dianne has made it her mission to share the beauty through her photographs and she takes her friends on walks as often as possible.