Lighting the Way

Greeting voyagers at sea and on travelers land for two centuries, the Montauk Lighthouse has always been a favorite subject for postcards. Here are a few vintage cards, as well as other old images of the proud, weather-beaten tower.

Commissioned in 1792 by George Washington, the lighthouse sees some 110,000 visitors annually, says Tom Ambrosio, executive director of the lighthouse's museum. Today the museum sells some 20 different lighthouse postcards. Milt Price of the Tomlin Art Co. has been making Long Island postcards since 1936 and says he has produced 40 of the Montauk lighthouse. They remain his top sellers.

This spring might offer a reason to update those cards. The 203-year-old lighthouse's first major restoration is expected to be complete later this month. Off and on for about a year, a chimney company from Buffalo has been inspecting and repairing stonework, decking and windows. The finishing touch will be two new coats of paint, with black at the cap, a brilliant white body and a new reddish brown stripe that Ambrosio says will replace another shade of brown that was incorrect.