Nothing about the year 2020 has been normal so far. Throughout the nation – and the world at large, everyone in one form or another is coping with challenges related to the ongoing public health emergency. Even lighthouses have been forced to adapt to this serious and fluid situation. Given all the hurdles that would […]
Two Men in Motor Boat Rescued by Whaleback Lightkeeper Amee
The following story appeared in the Sanford Tribune on July 28, 1911. The incident and subsequent rescue occurred on July 22, 1911, about a half-mile east of Whaleback Lighthouse on White Island Reef. If not for the vigilance and quick response of Whaleback lightkeeper Walter Amee, the two occupants aboard the wrecked motor boat would […]
The Position of Lighthouse Keeper in 1852
The following comments in regards to lighthouse keepers were made in the Report of the Officers Constituting the Light-House Board, 1852. The report examined the condition of the Light-House Establishment of the United States (during the control of Stephen Pleasonton, Fifth Auditor of the U.S. Treasury Department at the time) under the Act of March […]
I Love This Place – Race Point Light Station
The following are reflective thoughts by a modern day “Keeper” at Race Point Light Station. Herb Kinney, the author of these heartfelt words, has dedicated them to the keepers – past, present and future, who through their care and commitment, have preserved Race Point Light Station. And also to their guests who will pass on […]
Pomham Rocks Volunteer Extraordinaire Joe Estrella Passes Away
The following report comes from Dennis Tardiff, chairperson of ALF’s Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse chapter… “It is with great sadness that Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse announces the recent passing of Joseph Estrella on May 9, 2020. As a former Chairman, Board Member and Launch Captain, Joe brought much needed expertise to the success […]
A Glimpse of Life at Race Point Light
The following excerpted letter was written by Frances Hallett, wife of Race Point Light Station keeper Osborne Earle Hallett (1945-1955). The letter was published in the December 1952 edition of the Maine Coast Fisherman. “Will write a few lines. There really hasn’t been too much to write about. Well, summer has gone, and things are […]
Tommy the Cat at Pomham Rocks Light
The following story appeared in the January 18, 1931 edition of the Times-Picayune newspaper. Adolf H. Aronson served as the keeper of the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse (RI) during this time (1908 to 1937). Cat Catches Fish by Diving into Sea Practice Reputed to Have Been Learned from Children “Providence, R.I., Jan. 17 – It’s not […]
A Lighthouse Needed on Little River Island
In an 1843 report to Congress, civil engineer I.W.P. Lewis advocated for a lighthouse to be built on Little River Island in Cutler, Maine. It wasn’t until March 1847 when Congress finally appropriated $5,000 for a light station at Little River. The station was completed later that same year. The report’s text in regards to […]
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse – A Look Back
Today, the Rockland Breakwater and its historic lighthouse that stands sentinel at the south end of the granite structure are well-known and beloved icons of Midcoast Maine. Not only does the breakwater continue to serve as a harbor of refuge along Penobscot Bay, countless thousands of people walk the nearly mile-long stretch each year. This […]
Keeper of Cape Elizabeth Light is Fatally Injured
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 […]
Keeper Sounds Fog Bell by Hand for Two Nights
The following account appeared in the July 1933 Lighthouse Service Bulletin, which was issued monthly by the United States Lighthouse Service from 1912 to 1939… “Thomas L. Chase, keeper of Long Point Light Station, Provincetown, Mass., struck the thousand-pound fog bell by hand during two nights of fog, when the striking mechanism got out of […]
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