The Pink House Remains Sound Through The Storm (s)

March came in like a Lion indeed, with two back-to-back Nor'easters hitting the seacoast, followed by a third storm in a matter of two weeks. As the first storm threatened to flood over Plum Island Turnpike at hight tide, many citizens wrote in with concern as to how this was effecting the beloved Pink House.

The Pink Lady looks lovely in the snow. Photo by Kelly Page

In fact, the several homes across the street in Plumbush Downs and the house just east of the Pink House were all in the same boat... so to speak! The waters came close for four tide cycles in the first storm, which was slow moving and hovered for approximately 36 hours, but they did recede during low tides making the PI Pike passable, giving homes along it a bit of a break. The second and third storms were less severe for our area respectively.  There was flooding in several of the establishments along the PI Pike, including the Beachcoma, PI Provisions and PITA Hall (all of whom support the Pink House, with the hall  generously donating the space for  Pink House meetings). 

Regardless, we were all anxiously awaiting the results from our volunteer Bill Barrett, a trusted Licensed HIC /CSL builder and Plum Island resident himself, who does the annual walk through to confirm her condition. Bill and Parker River Wildlife Manager Bill Peterson met last Tuesday, March 20 at 5 PM to do the check up for the third year in a row. 

"The water is still high, but the Pink House is standing strong" was the message from photographer Sandy Tilton on March 3, 2018

Barrett reported that the Pink House was just fine!!  However much we'd love to replace the roof, there have been no leaks. And windy as it is out there, the Cupola holds up and is weather tight as well. 

The Pink House sits on a full basement, that due to the fact that it's abandoned, can have a little water on the floor itself - and while we were expecting that the entire basement filled when the PI Pike flooded over, apparently that was far from the case. Barrett noted a clear new water-line of the storms in evidence - but it showed that approximately only an inch of storm water came into the basement!
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Sandy Tilton, Pink House Volunteer/Photographer/Researcher said, "The Pink House has withstood an awful lot in her lifespan. I'm sure there have been worse storms," adding that now so many more people notice and care.  And it's true. The number of people who follow Pink House news steadily progresses in their efforts to find a way to preserve, restore and keep the icon in the community.

Support The Pink House regularly checks and asks the Parker River WIldlife Refuge to repair any broken windows. This house, built in 1925 has proven it was built to last! Donor Peg Malumphy of Maine said it best when she commented on Facebook: "Nevertheless... she persisted! Rock On Pink House!"

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