The History of the Point Fermin Lighthouse - Steve Tabor

The History of the Point Fermin Lighthouse

By: Steve Tabor

Listed on the National Registered of Historic Places, the Point Fermin Lighthouse began construction in 1874.  The Stick Style Victorian architecture by Paul J. Pelz is characterized by horizontal siding, decorative beams and a hand carved porch which was used in six lighthouses built between 1873-1874.  Only the East Brothers Lighthouse in San Francisco Bay, the Hereford Lighthouse in New Jersey and the Point Fermin Lighthouse exist today.

The Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to serve the Port of San Pedro.  It was originally staffed by members of the U. S. Treasury Department and was regulated by The U. S. Lighthouse Bureau. Captain George Shaw was the first lighthouse keeper at Point Fermin required to wear the U. S. Lighthouse Services uniform in 1884.  In 1927 the lighthouse’s operation and management became the responsibility of the City of Los Angeles. 

During World War II, the U. S. Navy occupied the lighthouse property.  The facility was used for a coastal lookout and signaling station.  The lighthouse lens and lantern were removed and replaced by square room that became known as the “Chicken Coop”.

Following World War II, the building served as a residence for the City of Los Angeles employees who performed park maintenance.

In 1972, Bill Olesen and John Olguin began a fundraising and restoration effort of the lighthouse in honor of its 100th anniversary.  Part of the restoration effort included the removing of the “Chicken Coop” and reinstalling the lantern room. 

In 2002, with funding from the City of Los Angeles, the Port of Los Angeles, and the State of California, the lighthouse was retrofitted and restored for public access.  In 2003, the lighthouse was open for public access under the direction of the City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department.  Today, volunteers from the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society conduct tours and keep the lighthouse open to the public. 

The lighthouse is located in Point Fermin Park at 807 W. Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro.  It is open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.  Admission is free, but donations are requested from each visitor.  Tours are conducted on the hour between 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Prior arrangements are required for private and large groups.  For further information contact (310) 241-0684.

Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree.  Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life.  As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students.  Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics.  Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

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