Joe Wubbold stressed to Vashon Kiwanis Oct. 21 that he emphasizes to school classes which tour the Point Robinson light station that volunteer commitment to preserving important parts of previous eras is part of being a good citizen.

A 34 year Coast Guard veteran, now retired, Wubbold was once in charge of all US lighthouses on the west coast.

As president of the non profit Keepers of Point Robinson Lighthouse he said he had to learn to be “less autocratic” than when he was on active duty.

When acquired by the Island’s park district the two light keeper’s dwellings were “moldering” and roofs “about to cave in”. Now mostly restored, volunteers did much of the work.

Rental to visitors is expected to pay out of pocket costs of further restoration and park maintenance, including eventually, a boathouse and lifeboat. He asked if any Kiwanians wanted to build a replica lifeboat of wood like the old days.

The season immediately past was “good” and the rentals through summer 2009 are booked up already.

The park is a good place to "restore yourself" with the many views and quiet trails, he added.

A recent public flap about a watchman at the park was settled, he said, and a watchman will be on site.

For other Kiwanis action see the Toy Drive and Holiday Dinner pages on this site for latest developments