Throughout the history of lighthouses, keepers could not tend the light or clean the tower from top to bottom without climbing a set of stairs to reach the lantern. It was task that could be required a number of times per day and undertaken as just part of the job. If the lighthouse was a […]
A Tornado at Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse
The following story appeared in the June 6, 1865 edition of The Portland Daily Press. James Mariner was the keeper of the Two Lights at Cape Elizabeth during this time. Mr. Mariner served as keeper of this light station from 1861 to 1869. At the time, the original 1828 east and west towers at Cape […]
William Kourakos Receives ALF’s “Keeper of the Light” Award
The American Lighthouse Foundation honored William Kourakos as a recipient of the “Keeper of the Light” award during the organization’s annual Lighthouse Gala, which was held at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport on May 15, 2016. ALF’s “Keeper of the Light” award honors those individuals in the national lighthouse community who have contributed in a […]
J.B. Leslie Company is Presented with ALF’s 2012 President’s Award
The American Lighthouse Foundation held its annual lighthouse gala at the Four Points by Sheraton in Eastham, MA, on April 28, 2012. The organization’s signature event featured some wonderful lighthouse camaraderie, fundraising, a great meal and some Cape Cod lighthouses open for climbing (Nauset, The Three Sisters and Highland), but the highlight of the evening […]
Working to Keep Water Outside Where it Belongs
One of the most difficult aspects of lighthouse preservation is keeping water from finding its way inside a light tower. The battle seems endless at times, but one that must be waged with a vigilant resistance to ensure the best protection possible for the historic integrity of the lights. On February 5, 2011, the American […]
ALF Volunteers Tackle More than Housekeeping Work at Cape Elizabeth Light
Taking advantage of a day (2/5/11) when professional contracting work was being done in the lantern of Cape Elizabeth Light, a group of American Lighthouse Foundation volunteers gathered at the lighthouse to simultaneously carry out some housekeeping inside the tower. No sooner had the volunteers arrived and tried to open the entry door to the […]
