The following quotation is from “Instructions of Light-Keepers,” July 1, 1881. “Keepers must be courteous and polite to all visitors who conform to the regulations, and show them everything of interest about the station at such times as it will not interfere with their light-house duties. Keepers must not allow visitors to handle the apparatus or deface light-house property. Special care must be taken to prevent the scratching of names or initials on the glass of the lanterns or on the windows of the tower.”

In denying visitors any access to Harbor Light, the members of the New London Planning and Zoning Commission have brought shame on themselves and embarrassment to New London.

As for the neighbors of the ill-treated Lighthouse, I am more than ashamed, I am disgusted. The Lighthouse, a National Monument, predates their arrival by 200 years, yet they seem to regard the Light as their personal decoration. No third graders learning about history, no strangers to our shore either, shall disturb their personal domain.

Must we continue to put up with this shabby treatment? Maybe it’s time for active protest?

Jennifer G. Hillhouse

Old Lyme