Visiting lighthouses eighty-plus years ago was not nearly as prevalent as it is today. It was not that the public did not have a fascination with lighthouses and their keepers – for they certainly …
Aberrations of Audibility of Fog-Signals
The following information about oddities related to fog signals was published in the government publication, The Modern Light-House Service, 1890, by Arnold Burges Johnson, Chief Clerk, United States …
Dedication and Tradition Still Shine Bright at the Lights
Thirty years have passed since the last lighthouse keeper stood watch at a Maine lighthouse. When Coast Guard keeper Bradley Culp “turned out the light” for the final time at Goat Island Lighthouse in …
Recalling Fourth of July Festivities at Matinicus Rock Light
We are well familiar with the fact that on July 2, 1776, the American Colonies declared their independence from Britain. The very next day the Continental Congress revised the declaration penned by an …
Four-Footed “Tour Guide” at Portland Head Light
For those who visit lighthouses today, we have become quite accustomed – and very appreciative, of all of the hardworking volunteers and staff that open our historic sentinels to the public. Thanks to …
Keeper at West Quoddy Head Deploys the Tried-and-True
The following news story appeared in the Boston Globe on April 22, 1932. The account appeared under the newspaper’s column, entitled, “Odd Items from Everywhere.” At the time, Eugene N. Larrabee …
Lighthouse Disabled
The following news story, entitled "Lighthouse Disabled," appeared in the Daily Kennebec Journal on February 7, 1903. At the time, Samuel John Cavanor was keeper of Ram Island Lighthouse. Keeper …
Heron Neck Lightkeeper Disoriented in Fog
Fog has long been the bane of the mariner. The misty vapor can blot out all visibility, and in doing so, conceal navigational hazards lurking nearby in the vicinity. Many a shipwreck has occurred …
Winter Watchfulness at the Lights
The Maine winter of 2019-20 has not been overly remarkable to date. In some ways, it might even be considered a bit of a disappointment to those who love copious amounts of snow and ice, but still, …
A Dark Lighthouse
The following account appeared in the Rockland Courier-Gazette on March 3, 1923. Hiram Grant served as keeper of the Fort Point Light Station in Stockton Springs from 1866 to 1882. Keeper Grant was …