For over nine decades, the beloved Flying Santa made a number of visits to Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs during his annual Christmastime journey through the skies of Maine. Whether it was …
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A ‘Story Kind of Nice’ from Matinicus Rock Keeper
The 1950 Christmas season was anything but normal for the keepers on Matinicus Rock. Just one month earlier on November 26, 1950, a storm for the ages battered the Rock with such fury that to this …
A Happy New Year Day
Words from the past can often find relevance in the presence – even when the circumstances have no direct connection. In a letter from the keepers of Matinicus Rock Light Station written ninety-two …
A Maine Lighthouse and its Connection to a National Christmas Tree
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American people were thrust into a state of shock and fear as a war that was engulfing much of the world had suddenly become all too …
Thanksgiving at The Rock
I was thinking how very different Thanksgiving 2020 feels compared to holidays in years gone by, and how – in some strange way, it mirrors aspects of many a Thanksgiving Day at offshore lighthouses …
Matinicus Rock Through the Eyes of an Island Child
Throughout Maine’s long and storied lighthouse history, authors, travel writers and news reporters have yearned to learn more about the lights and those who kept them. And rightfully so, for the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A Thanksgiving to Remember at Boon Island Light
As autumn’s vibrant personality gives way to burnt oranges and browns, our thoughts naturally gravitate to the approaching holiday season. Beginning with Thanksgiving, we happily immerse ourselves in …