Redwood in the rough

Local volunteer helps to restore the lighthouse

Bill Monson of Crescent City stands behind the century-old cabinet that was recently removed from St. George Reef Lighthouse for restoration. Submitted by Guy Towers

“With old redwood, the grain is really close together,” said Monson.

As part of the St. George Reef Lighthouse restoration project, he is also helping with the refinishing of the redwood-paneled walls and floors in the Watch Room, located near the top of the 15-story lighthouse.

The cabinet was flown to shore by helicopter, where Monson was able to work on it in his garage. The cabinet will be returned to the lighthouse in the fall.

A retired tool and die maker for Boeing, Monson has been involved with other projects around Crescent City, such as the creation of the S.S. Emidio memorial sign, the informational panel at the Brother Jonathan memorial at Ninth Street and Pebble Beach Drive and the restoration of the caboose at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds.

According to Guy Towers, president of the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society, research shows that the cabinet and all the other wood at the lighthouse, such as wainscotting, door frames and flooring, came from nearby forests and was milled on Humboldt Bay.