Historic lighthouse installed in Port Clinton

PORT CLINTON — Locals usually watch boats and aquatic animals travel down the Portage River. But hundreds of people turned out to watch a very different scenario play out Tuesday morning. The historic Port Clinton Lighthouse was installed in Waterworks Park in downtown Port Clinton.It was hoisted onto a barge by Gill Construction and floated down the river from Brands' Marina. From there, it passed under the Lakeshore Drive drawbridge and docked near the park.It was then lifted onto a truck and taken to its intended home north of Derby Pond in Waterworks Park. The move captured the attention of hundreds of residents who wanted to watch local history in the making."We're all very happy that six years of hard work and negotiations finally paid off," said Rich Norgard, president of the Port Clinton Lighthouse Conservancy. "It's fitting to have the lighthouse placed during its 120th anniversary."The conservancy spent years restoring the lighthouse and working with the city to secure its permanent home in the downtown area. Organizers hope the lighthouse will shine indefinitely in Port Clinton."This is a historic day for the city," Mayor Hugh Wheeler said. "I'm thankful to the residents and council members who helped make this possible for the city."The conservancy will begin landscaping the area to complete the lighthouse install in the coming weeks. Summer tours will begin in 2017, Norgard said. A lighthouse festival is already scheduled for Aug. 5, 2017. Locals likely won't have to wait until next year to get a closer look at the lighthouse. Conservancy members plan on hosting a few special days for the lighthouse in September. Norgard said he was overwhelmed with the show of support from the community Tuesday. "It's heartwarming to see the community come together like this," Norgard said. "The lighthouse is a city icon. This turnout shows the community really cares about its symbol." Experience the lighthouse's installation with this photo gallery. Reach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and at Facebook.com/PatPfanner. Debbie Hymore-Tester, former mayor of Port Clinton, does a round of hugs after the Port Clinton Lighthouse was installed at Waterworks Park on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016. The Port Clinton Lighthouse is lifted off of the semi truck trailer as crews guide it on to the foundation on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.