Biddeford’s 8th grade visits Wood
Island Lighthouse
by Sheri Poftak
Wood Island Lighthouse, even being an
island, is well situated for educational opportunities for students.
The Biddeford Middle School’s 8th grade class came to
Biddeford Pool for the day in September. They visited East Point where
they could see Wood Island Lighthouse across the water. They learned
about how the lighthouse inspires artists as Iona
Photo courtesy Sheri Poftak
One of the five groups of students that
visited the lighthouse is shown being transported to Wood Island aboard
the Light Runner
Desmond, an artist from Old Orchard
Beach, was on hand doing a painting of the lighthouse. She is also a
descendent of Keeper Eben Emerson who was quite a hero in the 1860’s for his
saving of the crew of the brig Edyth Ann. She has completed a booklet about
this story for F.O.W.I.L. and
Photo courtesy Sheri Poftak
A group of school students with "Keeper"
Cliff Trebilcock at Wood Island Light Station
shared her
illustrations for the booklet with the students. An Audubon expert was also
on hand at East Point to teach about migrating birds.
F.O.W.I.L.’s boat
Lighrunner brought all 94 students and their teachers to Wood Island. It
took five trips, but they all made it. Mother Nature was smiling that day.
At the lighthouse, they
were greeted by Keeper Cliff Trebilcock who was in his USLHS uniform. They
had the opportunity of going inside the house and tower. What could be
better than a boat ride to an island to learn about this storied lighthouse,
maritime history and the beginnings of America. They were wonderful visitors and F.O.W.I.L. looks
forward to their visit next year.
