A first order fresnel lens manufactured in 1850 in France by Henry LaPaute, with a clock mechanism built in 1872, was installed atop the Piedras Blancas lighthouse in 1874. In 1949, it was removed from the lighthouse when an aero-beacon was installed. Through the efforts of Byron Boisen, Eddie Shaug, Guy Bond, and Roland Houtz of the Cambria Lions Club, the lens was moved to the Lions Pinedorado Gounds. During 1990-1994, the lens was renovated, and a new lantern room and walkways were constructed on this site under the leadership of the Friends of the Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Lens.