During the third week of August 2007, vandals senselessly
sprayed gold paint on the custom wood shutters and brickwork of the
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, located at the end of a 7/8 mile-long
breakwater in Rockland Harbor.
The Island Transporter, a ferry that runs between
Rockland and Vinalhaven on a daily basis, was the first to
notice that
vandals struck the historic site, and subsequently notified Dot Black,
chairperson for the Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
The Friends of Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a chapter of the American
Lighthouse Foundation, is actively restoring the 1902 sentinel under a lease
agreement with the City of Rockland.
The news of the vandalism caused a wave of outrage within the local Rockland
community, as many residents consider Rockland Breakwater
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
A close-up view of the graffiti that
was sprayed-painted on the structure's
custom wood shutters
Lighthouse a beloved symbol of the City’s heritage
and connection to the sea.
“I was very disappointed that anyone would do that type
of vandalism to a building that we have worked so hard to restore,” said
Dot Black. “The Friends of Rockland Breakwater has been a team effort,
with our dedicated
volunteers continuing to work together for the good of the lighthouse. We
always amaze ourselves with how much gets accomplished each season.”
Black went on to say, “So I am certainly sad and angry not only for myself,
but our group as well. To quote my neighbor Jim McIntyre who was aboard the
Island Transporter, which reported the news to me, ‘I have never
heard you so quiet. I wondered if you heard me or that you were still on the
line.’”
Black concluded, “I felt worse when I saw the pictures of the graffiti –
images that
made a horrible situation very clear. After that I was pleased to hear
from Leanne Robicheau, editor of the Village Soup newspaper, who
is such a great friend. She publicized the news and photos on Village
Soup right away, which created a great outpouring of support from
the community.”
