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Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City, New Jersey, has the distinction of being New Jersey\u2019s tallest lighthouse and the nation\u2019s third tallest masonry lighthouse at 171 feet. The tower was designed by George Meade, who later commanded the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. The light went into service in early 1857. \n\n\n\nAbsecon Lighthouse, New Jersey, at sunrise. Courtesy of Absecon Lighthouse.\n\n\n\nBuddy Grover and Jean Muchanic\n\n\n\nBuddy Grover\n\n\n\nAfter three quarters of a century as a family station with a principal keeper and two assistants, the light was deactivated in 1933. There was talk of demolishing the lighthouse, but it was saved when Atlantic City took control of it in 1946. The Inlet Public/Private Association was created in the 1990s to rebuild the principal keeper\u2019s dwelling, which had been demolished, and to restore the lighthouse and lens.\n\n\n\nJean Muchanic has been the executive director of Absecon Lighthouse for nearly 20 years. And Buddy Grover has been a lighthouse volunteer for more than 10 years. At the age of 95, he greets visitors in a keeper\u2019s uniform and answers their questions.