Location | 15 East River Drive, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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Year first constructed | 1887 |
Automated | 1990 |
Foundation | Natural |
Construction | Brick |
Tower shape | Hexagonal |
Height | 30 feet (9 m) |
ARLHS number | USA-1088 |
Boat House #15
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Architectural style: | Colonial Revival, Shingle Style |
Governing body: | Sedgeley Club |
Part of: | Boathouse Row (#87000821[1]) |
Designated CP: | February 27, 1987 |
The Turtle Rock Light is a lighthouse built in 1887 to aid traffic on the Schuylkill River near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The lighthouse was constructed by Frank Thurwanger at a cost of $2,663 on an area of land just west of Boathouse Row. The lighthouse has a hexagonal lantern room with an octagonal walkway. Gas was first used to power the light, but in 1990, when the lighthouse was repainted and received a new wooden balustrade and newel posts, the beacon was electrified.
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The lighthouse is operated by the Sedgeley Club, a social club located at #15 Boathouse Row in the historic Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark.[2] In 1897, the club was founded as the Bicycle, Barge and Canoe Club, but quickly changed its name to the Sedgeley Club.[3] The Club initially occupied #14 Boathouse Row, until 1902, when the Fairmount Park Commission permitted the Club to build its own boathouse.[3] The building, designed by Arthur H. Brockie, was adapted to encompass the lighthouse that predates it.[3] Brockie designed a shingle, colonial revival house.[4] After completing this design, Brockie joined the University Barge Club in 1902.[5]
World War II caused the Club to stop operating as an athletic facility.[3] The Sedgeley Club still operates as a social club and shares its space with a chapter of The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.[6] Some Sedgeley Club members' boats are stored at the Public Canoe House, up river.[6]
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