Collections Spotlight: New Cast Iron Doorstop Enriches Old Baldy Collection

This month, we’re thrilled to showcase a remarkable new addition to the Old Baldy Foundation collection. We are particularly excited about this donation for its unique charm and historical value. Dr. Charles Scott, a longtime supporter and homeowner, generously contributed a 9-inch-tall cast iron doorstop featuring our beloved Old Baldy. As Dr. Scott humorously noted, “It’s heavy,” and indeed, it is. This intricately crafted piece captures the distinctive pockmarked stucco of our tower, set against the backdrop of the brick oil house and a few surrounding trees.

While we immediately appreciated the craftsmanship, the history of this doorstop was initially a mystery to us. To unravel its background, we reached out to John Havel, historian with the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society. Mr. Havel informed us that the doorstop is likely part of a collection of cast iron lighthouse doorstops produced between 1985 and 1995 by a company in Monroe, Georgia. This series included over 70 collectible items such as doorstops, bookends, and figurines. He even provided us with an old advertisement for these collectables. 

In the future, we’re excited to display this doorstop alongside our existing cast iron Fresnel emblem, which, as Mr. Havel identified for us years ago, was also created by the same company. Although the exact purpose of the Fresnel emblem remains uncertain, Mr. Havel speculated that it was made to commemorate a Fresnel-related event. Regardless, both the doorstop and the Fresnel emblem offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Old Baldy, enriching our collection and enhancing our appreciation of the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse.