.jpg)
One of Northwest PA's Premier Landmarks
It’s time to do some pre-planning to enjoy one of Northwest Pennsylvania’s one-of-a-kind architectural landmarks. The Sherman Memorial Lighthouse, a unique project conceived by Jack Sherman, Tionesta businessman, is available for viewing as a benefit for the Tionesta Lions community projects on the following dates:
Tours are conducted on the Second Saturday of the month June through October plus the third Saturday of August during the town's Indian Festival.
Private tours are available, call Jim McGuire 814-755-3672 or jrmcguire@verizon.net
Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss this opportunity. Tours run continuously from 1 to 4 pm. Cost of the tour is $5 donation for adults and $2 for children.
The octagon shaped tower, fifty feet high and sixteen feet in diameter based on Jack Sherman’s conceptual design is a one-of-a-kind lighthouse. Most existing lighthouses are of masonry or concrete construction. The Sherman Lighthouse is rendered in timber framing, vertical beams, OSB and Styrofoam board. The pre-manufactured lantern room is twenty-five feet high and 12 feet in diameter and constructed of aluminum and glass. A spectacular view of Tionesta and surrounding area is provided from the lantern room.
The lighthouse foundation is solid, reinforced concrete two feet thick and 18 feet in diameter. There is a basement within the foundation walls, plus six floors. All floors and the basement can be accessed by spiral stairs, seventy-six (76) steps to be exact. A video recording will be available to those unable or unwilling to climb the 76 steps.
The Sherman Memorial Lighthouse is located on Lighthouse Island, at the end of Sherman St. (formerly Highland Street) in Tionesta.
What you will see on the lighthouse tour:
o First Floor – Entry to Lighthouse - Overview of lighthouse – some miniatures, picture of lighthouse, lightning strike of lighthouse.
o Second Floor – Family History – Highlights Joe Sherman’s business endeavors: farming/championship cattle, coal mining, trucking, sand & gravel, ready-mix concrete, and banking. (Two windows)
o Third Floor – Artwork of lighthouses by local artists and gifts presented to the Sherman Family. (Two windows)
o Fourth Floor – Jack Sherman’s collection of lighthouse miniatures. (Two windows)
o Fifth Floor – Features the design and construction of the Sherman Memorial Lighthouse. (No windows)
o Sixth Floor – Lantern room and access to outside deck with guardrail.
o Basement – Miniature representation of seaside village.
How to get there: Tionesta, situated on the Allegheny River, is located in Forest County north of I-80.From the Brookville exit (78) on I-80, take Route 36 north 42 miles to Tionesta. From the Warren area, take Route 62 South to Tionesta. From the Erie area, take Rts. 19, 97, 8 and 36 through Waterford, Union City, Titusville, and Pleasantville to Tionesta.
