Over 200 Hundred Attend Little River Lighthouse Event
On a picture
perfect day July 31st day, people from all over the United
States visited the historic Little River Lighthouse in Cutler, Maine for
its second official Open House of the 2010 season.
Most of the
people who attended were from the New England area; however, people came
from as far away as Texas and Arizona. While on the island, visitors
were allowed to climb the tower, tour the restored
Photo by Lee Leighton
Visitors mingled on the grounds as they
toured the historic Little River
Lighthouse Station on an island off the harbor of
Cutler, Maine during its 2nd
Open House
of the 2010 season held this past July
31.
keeper’s house,
view the historic artifacts on display, and explore the 15-acre rock-bound
tree-covered island. One man from Texas said, “I’ll never be able to
experience something like this again my lifetime. My wife and I are
delighted that this rare opportunity was made available to us.”
Guests were
treated to a hot dog cookout and live music by Stephen Sanfilippo, who sang
sea shanty songs while playing a variety of musical instruments.
However, the day
didn’t go off without hitch. Two of the boats that were being used to
transport guests to and from the island broke down. However, as is typical
of the friendly fishing village of Cutler, three local lobstermen, Norb
Lemeiux, John Drouin and Matt Fitzhenry, came to the rescue with their boats
to lend a hand transporting people. “We couldn’t have done it without their
help,” said Kathleen Finnegan of the Friends group.
Two former
lighthouse keepers who were stationed at the lighthouse were on hand for the
festivities. Terry Rowden, who was stationed as a keeper at the lighthouse
from 1968 to 1970, still lives in Cutler and is an active member of the
Friends group, was piloting one of the lighthouse boats that took the
visitors back and forth. Also on hand was David Bartholomay, who was
stationed at the lighthouse in the early 1970s. He and his wife drove up
from Connecticut for the Open House. He said that words could not express
the emotions he experienced seeing the hard work done by the volunteers in
restoring Little River Lighthouse, a place he once called home. He said he
was especially grateful to Tim Harrison, president of the group, for leading
the charge that restored the historic lighthouse.
To learn more
about Little River Lighthouse, you can visit their web site at
or call them at 207-259-3833. Their next and
final Open House of the 2010 season will be held, weather permitting, August
14 at 1 PM.
