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The Light on the Hudson by Dana Ferry published by Ithaca Press Families Living at Light Stations Families hoped to remain together when a keeper was stationed at a lighthouse. A family would rarely be allowed to live at an obscure light station. Among other factors, if there were school-age children in the family, their education had to be considered. When families were permitted to live at a lighthouse station, their contribution to keeping the light burning was admirable. The keeper’s children swept the stairs from the lantern room down to the oil room, washed the soot from the tower window panes, and hauled heavy oil cans up the tower stairs. Frequently, dead birds needed to be removed from the gallery deck because they were drawn to the brightness of the light and flew into the tower windows. The children cared for chickens and small livestock, tended a kitchen garden, and polished the vast quantity of brass contained in the lighthouse. There were occasions when a family member took on the role of light keeper. In 1856, the keeper of the Matinicus Rock Light in Maine was unable to return to the lighthouse because of a raging storm on the sea. His 17-year-old daughter, Abbie Burgess, manned the tower for four weeks until he returned, while her mother was ill in bed. Many rescues were bravely executed. In 1857, 15-year-old Ida Lewis moved with her family to the Lime Rock Light in Rhode Island. She became an expert rower, and was known for the many lives she saved. In 1887, Congress appointed Ida as keeper of the Lime Rock Light. Because of Ida Lewis’s and Abbie Burgess’s courageous acts at the Lime Rock Light and the Matinicus Rock Light, women were often selected as light keepers. The actions of family members while living at lighthouses were gallant. Wives and children shared in the routine maintenance and chores and manned the light in the keeper’s absence. They were fully aware of the importance of having the light burn from sunset to sunrise. The hard work and devotion of these families is praiseworthy. Families stepped up to the challenges of manning lighthouses. Inquiring minds can read more at www.DanaFerry.com.		Order The Light on the Hudson by Dana Ferry Price of The Light on the Hudson $18.00 US Questions? E-Mail to Ithaca Press books@ithacapress.com (607) 273-2870

The Light on the Hudson

by Dana Ferry

published by Ithaca Press

Families Living at Light Stations

Families hoped to remain together when a keeper was stationed at a lighthouse. A family would rarely be allowed to live at an obscure light station. Among other factors, if there were school-age children in the family, their education had to be considered. When families were permitted to live at a lighthouse station, their contribution to keeping the light burning was admirable.

The keeper’s children swept the stairs from the lantern room down to the oil room, washed the soot from the tower window panes, and hauled heavy oil cans up the tower stairs. Frequently, dead birds needed to be removed from the gallery deck because they were drawn to the brightness of the light and flew into the tower windows. The children cared for chickens and small livestock, tended a kitchen garden, and polished the vast quantity of brass contained in the lighthouse.

There were occasions when a family member took on the role of light keeper. In 1856, the keeper of the Matinicus Rock Light in Maine was unable to return to the lighthouse because of a raging storm on the sea. His 17-year-old daughter, Abbie Burgess, manned the tower for four weeks until he returned, while her mother was ill in bed.

Many rescues were bravely executed. In 1857, 15-year-old Ida Lewis moved with her family to the Lime Rock Light in Rhode Island. She became an expert rower, and was known for the many lives she saved. In 1887, Congress appointed Ida as keeper of the Lime Rock Light. Because of Ida Lewis’s and Abbie Burgess’s courageous acts at the Lime Rock Light and the Matinicus Rock Light, women were often selected as light keepers.

The actions of family members while living at lighthouses were gallant. Wives and children shared in the routine maintenance and chores and manned the light in the keeper’s absence. They were fully aware of the importance of having the light burn from sunset to sunrise. The hard work and devotion of these families is praiseworthy.

Families stepped up to the challenges of manning lighthouses. Inquiring minds can read more at www.DanaFerry.com.