W5B
Biloxi
Lighthouse Special Event Station
More Photos
Our special event operation from the Old Biloxi Lighthouse during International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend, August 19 - 20, 2000, was a great success and a heck of a lot of fun for all involved. While our primary goals were to have fun and share info about the lighthouse, we did manage to hand out just under 1000 QSOs. We can't wait till next year to do it again!
The Old Biloxi Lighthouse was constructed in 1847 by the Murray & Hazelhurst Co. in Baltimore, MD for the cost of $1,200. It was shipped to Biloxi by railroad car and erected in 1848. It was coated with black coal tar as a rust preventative in 1867. This action gave birth to a popular legend that the lighthouse was painted black to mourn the death of Abraham Lincoln. It was later repainted white in 1869. Electricity was connected to the lighthouse in 1926. In 1968 it was declared surplus, deeded to the city of Biloxi and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is a Biloxi landmark, located in the neutral-ground (median) between the eastbound and westbound lanes of U.S. Hwy 90. It stands 61 feet tall and is of cast iron construction.
Special thanks to Mr. Harry Joachim, Director, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce for his kind assistance and use of the Chamber facilities.
QSL to Ernie Orman - W5OXA via CBA, SASE appreciated (standard QSL size)
Participants: Ernie, W5OXA Organizer and SSB Op - Kim, N5XGI setup crew - Darryl, KD5CQT SSB Op - Randy, W5UE CW/SSB Op - Frank, WA5GDF SSB Op
Visitors: Don, W5DJW - David, KD5BED - Ira, NN5AF - Evelyn, KB5ZIA
