The Light on the Hudson

by Dana Ferry

published by Ithaca Press

A Lighthouse Keeper's Work

Boredom is a word often associated with the life of a lighthouse keeper. An attendant may have been lonely and isolated. But he was accountable for many jobs at the lighthouse. Based on the volume and detail of the work expected of a lighthouse keeper, it is unlikely that he was ever bored.

The biggest responsibility of a lighthouse caretaker was to keep the light burning. The wicks must be trimmed. The Fresnel lens, a featherweight lens that permitted light to penetrate a further expanse, needed to be cleaned. The storm panes accumulated soot on them from the burning kerosene. Each day the keeper would wash these window panes with soap, water, and a mop. This had to be done so the full strength of the light would penetrate through them. Heavy oil cans had to be hauled up many steps to the lantern room. When sunset arrived it was time for the attendant to begin his long watch.

Keeping details consumed a good part of a keeper's job. Weather, ship traffic, and supplies had to be accurately recorded in a Lighthouse Log each day. Sudden visits from the Lighthouse Inspector demanded that the living quarters and the tower needed to be absolutely clean. This cleaning involved polishing the brass, called brightwork. Brass frames of the Fresnel lens, handrails and even a brass dustpan all had to be polished.

Danger was a daily part of a lighthouse attendant‘s life. Frequent painting of the lighthouse tower and living quarters was imperative. Hanging outside the tower windows to paint was risky. Fire could occur any time the light was lit because oil or kerosene were used. Because of the real purpose of a lighthouse, it was located in an unsafe area. Unforeseen storms might happen and rescues always put a keeper's life in peril.

To conclude, the life of a lighthouse keeper was never boring. The light must never be allowed to quench. There was plenty of maintenance in keeping the light lit. A lighthouse caretaker's work was detail-oriented and he lived with danger everyday. Instead, industrious and persevering would better describe a lighthouse keeper's life.

For more information, please visit www.DanaFerry.com.