1913, 1937, 1938
and 1939, - original photos of
life aboard the Stonehorse Lightship; a large quantity of lighthouse
postcards most dating from the early 1900s; the first U. S. Coast Guard
Bulletins that began in 1939; a daily expenditure book from the Allyns Point
Light; a number of old newspapers dating back to the early 1800s that
related to lighthouse stories; an autographed photo of Rear Admiral Schley
who was Chairman of the Board of the U. S. Lighthouse Board; numerous old
lighthouse advertising items, some dating to the late 1800s, and several
dozen original documents of the United States Lighthouse Service that was
dissolved in 1939 when it was merged into the Coast Guard.
Tim
Harrison, President of the American Lighthouse Foundation said, “All of
these artifacts are a great addition to our ever-growing collection of rare
artifacts and will help us in preserving and telling the story of our
nation’s lighthouses to future generations.”
Of
special interest to
Harrison are the original Lighthouse Service
Bulletins. “Although we do have some photocopies in our files, I’ve never
seen originals before. They rarely surface or appear for auction, and when
they do, they are cost prohibitive to us.”
“The
autograph and photo of Rear Admiral Winfield Scott Schley is also pretty
exciting,” said Bob Trapani, Jr., Executive Director of the American
Lighthouse Foundation. He went on to say that Admiral Schley spent his
career in the Navy and, among other exploits, may be best known for leading
the successful 1884 relief expedition to rescue arctic explorer Adolphus W.
Greely. “However,” continued
Trapani, “our interest is in the fact that
Admiral Schley also served as Lighthouse Inspector for the Second Lighthouse
District from 1879 to 1883 and to receive a photograph with the autograph of
such a distinguished individual from that time in history, is highly unusual
and extremely rare.”
According to Harrison, another interesting item donated is a gold plated
sterling keeper’s hat insignia of the United States Lighthouse
Establishment. Never before used, it is still in its original tissue
wrapping, directly from an old tailor shop that once uniformed lighthouse
keepers. Harrison said, “We have closely examined the hat insignia and have
been able to date it from 1870 to 1880, since the T-bar clasp ceased use in
the 1880s. This type of insignia was for private purchase by lighthouse
keepers wanting a better quality device; as Government issue was generally
of brass.”
Although
the names of donors are known to many of the members of the American
Lighthouse Foundation and Museum of Lighthouse History, Harrison said the
people did not want their names published at this time since they have other
items that they are considering donating to the museum, saying, “The donors
don’t want to be contacted by other museums or antique dealers.” Harrison
reported that the donors came forward after visiting the recently expanded
Museum of Lighthouse History and realized that the American Lighthouse
Foundation would be the best steward for these rare artifacts.
According to Harrison it will probably take several months to go through all
the items but he estimated the value to be well over $45,000. “Naturally it
will cost us additional money to insure the items, properly conserve them
and eventually put them on display,” said Harrison. He continued by saying,
“We hope that more people will come forward with donations of items like
these, as well as cash donations, to help us save and restore the actual
lighthouse structures that are also under our care. It is vital to save not
only the lighthouses but also the history associated with them for future
generations. Our
Museum of
Lighthouse History
has the largest expanding display of rare lighthouse artifacts in the
nation. It’s a treasure trove for anyone wanting to learn more about our
nations maritime history.”
The
Museum of Lighthouse History is located on U. S. Rt. 1 in Wells, Maine, and
is open free to the public daily from 10 am to 4 pm, through Columbus Day,
and after that on weekends or by appointment. To learn more about the
American Lighthouse Foundation or make a donation you can call us at
207-646-0245 or email us at
info@lighthousefoundation.org
