Tucked away on the eastern shore of Centre Island lies a spot that feels more like the craggy coast of Maine than this exclusive Island enclave just an hour away from the bustle of Manhattan.

At this magnificent and rustic locale is the unique home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Wooderson ("Woody") Glenn. And what makes it even more unique is the remarkable restoration of the 19th century Oyster Bay Lighthouse that the Glenn's rescued from certain demolition, and brought to their property in 1965.

"It was a labor of love," said Mr. Glenn, at the Award Presentation by the Oyster Bay Historical Society. The lighthouse, which beaconed for so many years at the entrance to Oyster Bay in Cold Spring Harbor, had deteriorated to the point that the Coast Guard decided to replace it with a lattice tower.

Woody and his father noticed that the lighthouse was being disassembled from the caisson on which it had previously been mounted. After the cast iron lantern was removed and wooden part of the structure was dumped into the water, the Glenn's were able to persuade the Coast Guard to let them move the lighthouse to Woody's property. With a little luck and a lot of engineering skill, the lighthouse was moved from the caisson to its present location with a minimum of damage. It now serves as a unique guest cottage.

At the presentation, Society President Maureen Monck stated that the Credo of the Oyster Bay Historical Society is "preserving our past and protecting our future." And noted that a project of this scope dramatically reflected the essence of that goal.

"It took a great deal of foresight and dedication to rescue this important Oyster Bay Landmark, and the Glenn's are to be greatly commended for their efforts," said President Monck.

Tom Kuehhas, director of the Oyster Bay Historical Society, then presented Mr. Glenn with the Society's "Historic Preservation Award" and stressed the great importance of preserving landmarks such as these for future generations.

For further information, visit the Oyster Bay Historical Society at 20 Summit Street, or go to their website: OYSTERBAYHISTORY.ORG.