Lighthouse
Letters
(And
Other Excerpts From The Maine Coast Fisherman)
Compiled
By Seamond Ponsart Roberts
PROLOG:
These are my
transcriptions of some poor photocopies that a nice librarian at Bangor took the
time to hunt up for me off microfilm of the now defunct
Maine Coast Fisherman newspaper, which contained a section called
“Lighthouse Letters,” For many years people at the lighthouses wrote in
newsy, little chatty items. My mother, Emma Ponsart, did this for, I would
guess, two years; and she made friends with other lighthouse keepers in Maine
that way. Two of these friends, Mrs. Morong and Mrs. Baaken, were wives of
lighthouse keepers¾they
exchanged post cards and letters for many years The librarian said that these
microfilms are available for the public to read. So, if you are up that way and
would like to read some old news from the lighthouses from the people who lived
it, check in with them and go through some of these old editions they have on
file. I hope that you enjoy
them.]
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
August
1954
CAUGHT
50 FISH
“I
was out fishing with rod and reel,” writes Emma Ponsart. “Caught over 50
fish. Mr. Fuller also caught a lot of big fish right off West Chop Dock.
“We
were out to Katama Beach, near Great Pond, and a big whale came ashore there.
The women and children were picking up pails of the substance that came from the
whale, but found out it wasn’t ambergris. What a smell it made! My dog, Do-Do,
got in the mess and I was up all night washing the dog, my shoes and my dress.
“I
am sending some pictures of the ship model my husband is making. He is now
making a ship weather vane. He makes birdhouses also. He made one school house
type. The people are starting to come on the island now. Every day, the ferry
boat is all filled up.
“We
were out quahog digging yesterday and got quite a lot. We also fished off the
McBride’s Breakwater. I got all wet from the sea running high as we had quite
a wind blowing.
“We
expect inspection soon. My husband is waiting for a real calm day to whitewash
the tower. It is a two-day job.
“Sending
my best wishes to all the Maine Coast Folks.”
[In
this article was a picture of my father’s ship model,
a picture I had not seen for years.]
West
Chop Light, Tisbury Mass.
September
1954
CAUGHT
36 FLOUNDERS
“We
have had a lot of fog and rain this month,” says Emma Ponsart. “My husband
has finished whitewashing the tower and it looks really nice and so snowy white.
Now, he has the outside painting to do on the houses.
“My
girl, Seamond, flew home Sunday. She came in on the American Airlines plane to
New York and then took a plane to the Island. She had a wonderful trip on the
airlines. She likes California so much she wants to live there. She made the
trip alone.
“The
whale on the south side of the island has been towed out to sea on account of
the smell. I was out fishing with rod and reel to Menemsha Creek and we caught
36 flounders. It was fun pulling them in. At the Creek, there are a lot of
yachts and fishing boats. The beaches are lined with people out sunning. At West
Chop, every other day there are small sailing boats racing. A pretty sight to
see. The islands are just full of summer people. Joe and Mrs. Hindley on Gay
Head Lighthouse called to visit us. Always glad to see them.
“Mrs.
Mary Baaken who used to be on Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse sent me a nice post card
of Owl’s Head Light, and Mrs. Cliff Morong sent me some lovely views of more
Maine lighthouses. I like these lighthouse cards very much.
“My
best to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
October
1954
FLOUNDERING
“It’s
getting fall and windy like winter,” says Emma Ponsart. “Looks like fall is
on the way early to us this year.
“We
were out to Menemsha Creek and caught a full basket of flounders. The breakwater
was just filled with people fishing, hardly a place to cast your line. We gave
most of the fish away.
“The
island is just filled with summer people and hardly a place to park your car in
town. We were blueberrying in the forest and picked a lot of them earlier in
June.
“My
husband is painting outside of the house. The summer sure is slipping away. It
doesn’t hardly seem like we’ve had any summer at all.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
November
1954
LOTS
OF TAUTOG
“Hurricane
Carol took all the docks down at West Chop,” says Emma Ponsart. “I was out
to look at the surf during it and it came way up over our bank. We had no
electricity for three days. Many yachts were driven on the land. Then, Hurricane
Edna came along. What a mess I had to clean up around the place! It took our
skiff into two yards down from us¾into
the neighbor’s yards. Up to Menemsha Creek, it was a sight to see the fishing
boats, yachts and fish buildings all wrecked. By now, the lighter has come and
hoisted the smaller boats out. My husband went to East Chop Light to put on the
kerosene lamp during the two storms and to Edgartown too. It was too fierce to
take the little ferry across to Chappaquiddick and so he could not get to Cape
Pogue. Luckily, the batteries out there held out and the light stayed on. Our
friends, the Nortons in Edgartown, phoned us to say they could see Cape Pogue
Light still burning, which was a great relief to my husband as he worried it
would be out and no way to relight it during the hurricanes. Here at the
lighthouses, we were lucky that most of the heavy damage was at the other end of
the island.
“We
have five fluffy puppies in the cellar. We are going to give them away as we
have two grown dogs now. Seamond has five guinea hens. They are very noisy and
wake us up in the morning.
“I
have caught a lot of tautog off West Chop with rod and reel. It’s fun pulling
them in. The Bass Derby is on now. A lot of bass fishermen are out at Katama
Beach trying to win.
“My
garden was ripped to pieces in the storm. It broke our birdhouses too. I have
been raking leaves and tree limbs ever since the two storms. I don’t feel so
good. I got a cold since there was no heat in the place during the storms. Our
government house is a good one though to have stood all it took. [Missing]
West
Chop Light – Tisbury, Mass.
December
1954
HAPPY
THANKSGIVING
“It’s
getting frosty and cold,” writes Emma Ponsart. “No more fishing for me for
this season, but I’ll miss that.”
“I
was going to Cuttyhunk Island today, but it was too rough to go across the
sound. We had an electrician from Woods Hole Base putting in new lights
upstairs. They give such a good light compared to the old lights we had.
“We
were out to Menemsha Creek. All the hurricane damage is about cleaned up now and
it looks so nice out there to see it as it was before the storms.
“I
was up to the Baptist Church to a rummage sale and bought some curtain rods and
poem books. It’s lots of fun to look over the different things.
“Soon
it will be Christmastime and the Island will be getting their lights up. They
make the Island look so pretty and cheerful. I suppose the Flying Santa will be
coming. My daughter, Seamond, looks forward to seeing him and all the children
enjoy his visits so much. He has been so good to the lighthouse children on the
Island. He gave every one a gift and made them happy.
“Happy
Thanksgiving to all the Maine Coast Folks!”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
February
1955
BITES
THE HAND THAT FEEDS
“It
has been cold this winter so far,” reports Emma Ponsart. “We have had a lot
of snow. Seamond went sliding on her old-fashioned sled.
“I
have seen a lot of seals out on the rocks and the seagulls have been coming up
in the yard to eat stale bread we put out for them. One of our bantam hens
hatched out three chicks under the chicken coop so we put them in the cellar
during the really cold spell.
“The
Island towns were all lighted up for Christmas and that looked so cheerful. The
Flying Santa didn’t get this far on account of the bad snow storm we had so he
sent the package by mail to Seamond, to the Joe Hindley family up at Gay Head
Lighthouse, the Coast Guard Station at Menemsha Creek and to Mr. and Mrs. Fuller
who live next door.
“We
had a little mouse by our grain bag in the hall. Our dog, Do-Do Bug [Yes, that
was really the little white spitz dog’s name¾we
didn’t name her that; she came complete from the SPCA with the name. ¾SPR]
chased it right into Mr. Kirkland’s pocket. He went home to Oak Bluffs and
there was the mouse still in his pocket. The mouse then bit his hand. Guess the
mouse didn’t like living in Vineyard Haven and wanted to move in Oak Bluffs.
“We
went to the Christmas school singing by the children of Tisbury School. It was
really wonderful for the children singing those Christmas songs and Mr. Edgar
White, local teacher, has trained the children to sing the best I have ever
heard.
“The
Coast Guard Station in Menemsha Creek has a new officer-in-charge. Joe and Mrs.
Hindley of Gay Head Lighthouse called by to see us. It’s so far out to Gay
Head, we don’t get out there often. We like to beach comb on the South Shore.
The breakers rolling in are a pretty sight to see.
“Happy
New Year to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
April
1955
QUAIL
AND CROWS
“We
have had a real cold winter so far,” reports Emma Ponsart. “We went
up-island skating on the ponds and there were lots of people on the pond that
had not skated there for years.
“My
husband was feeding the seagulls stale bread and our parakeet flew right out the
door. We haven’t seen him since. I have walked miles through the woods to find
him. The worst part of it is he will freeze if he doesn’t go inside a house
someplace.
“Seamond
has three hamsters. These hamsters are great pets. She is out of school this
week with a cold and has a lot of fun playing with the hamsters.
“My
husband is making birdhouses for the spring. He is making bird toys for the new
pet shop we have here on the island. We have had more outdoor birds this year.
My hen pen is filled with small sparrows and a flock of quail and black crows.
“Our
ferry boat is back in service today. It seems nice to see it back again. We want
to go to California this summer if we can make it. I’d like to go out there
fishing, so I’ll carry along my fishing poles.
“Looks
like snow again for tomorrow. I hope we don’t get it. Seems good to see the
sunshine. We were out to Katama Beach. I saw two small otters. The otters look
like a seal. A lot of Katama Beach washed away in the storms.
“I
had company this week, Dickie Cornell and Caroline Cornell came from Cuttyhunk.
It was so nice to see them and also Norman Deacon of the Coast Guard Station at
Cuttyhunk who came along with them.
“Well,
I must sign off. My best to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
May
1955
SPRING
FISHING
“We
have been busy raking up the old grass and trash around the station,” reports
Emma Ponsart. “It is the first time we have had any sunshine and it seems so
nice to see a sunny day after the long, cold winter we have had.
“The
Coast Guard chief was down today with a lot of supplies for our station.
“We
have baby starlings in our birdhouses now. One got in the attic and we had to
saw off the boards of the attic to get it out. It made a noise like a rat.
“We
expect Commander Joseph tomorrow. It is so nice to see him as he is always so
well liked by all the service people.
“Haven’t
been out perch fishing this year, but we plan to go out to Gay Head Pond just as
soon as we get a good day. We have got to go digging in our garden plot for bait
to fish with. I really don’t like to handle worms so my husband puts them on
the hook for me when we fish with worms. Other bait, I don’t mind putting on a
hook.
“My
husband made a lot of birdhouses and ship hulls and rigging for the ship modes.
He has a lot to do on his ship models.
“Don’t
know if I’ll plant the garden this year or not. The hurricane whipped it all
down last year. It’s so flat here, the wind whips down a garden.
“My
best wishes to all the lighthouses and the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
June
1955
FIRST
SUMMER VISITORS
“I
was over in Fall River shopping one day last week,” reports Emma Ponsart.
“We flew back to the island by a plane. It was so nice to get off the island
for a change.
“We
went out to Great Pond perch fishing and caught a few. They were small as they
are salt-water perch. Caught a small flatfish for my cat, Snow Drop. We
haven’t had any spring yet. It’s so cold on the island that everyone still
has on their winter coats.
“My
husband is making birdhouses and feeding stations. He likes to make different
things in his spare time. Our outdoor birdhouses are filled with many different
kinds of birds.
“Seamond
is out of school this week. It is Easter vacation. She has been listening to TV
and playing out in the chicken coop with the hens.
“Edgartown
is getting a lot of summer visitors already. It looks really like summer because
there are so many people there on the street. It’s a great yachting harbor and
in summer is filled with yachts. I haven’t started to plant my flowers yet,
it’s been so cold. I like a lot of sunflowers, but last year, the crows picked
all the seeds as soon as I had planted them.
“The
Coast Guard Station at Menemsha Creek looks so nice all painted up, like new. It
has a new location on the bluff overlooking the water. The fishermen up there
are getting ready for their spring fishing season.
“Oak
Bluffs is getting their harbor all fixed up with new wharves and will be able to
accommodate more voyagers in the harbor. Our post office is being modernized in
Vineyard Haven and also our hotel, the Mansion House, is being modernized.
“Best
wishes to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
July
1955
ONE
FLOUNDER AND ONE TAUTOG
“We
are getting real nice weather now,” reports Emma Ponsart.
“My
husband has painted the engine room and is now on the garage. Due to so much
rain in April and May, he’s behind on the outdoor painting. Next, he has to
whitewash the tower and that is a big job to do.
“The
inspectors were out to Gay Head Light Station yesterday and the Coast Guard
Station, but didn’t come out to our light this time.
“We
have planted our tomato plants and all kinds of flower seeds. We have many
different kinds of birds in our birdhouses. We put stale bread out every day to
feed them and the sea gulls.
“We
have two baby hamsters. One hamster is light brown and the other one is dark
brown. The mother hamster spins on a wheel.
“The
new First National Store opened in Vineyard Haven. I went down there the first
day and they gave each customer a juice dish and mixing bowls and gave out
chances on a TV set. The new store is a super Super Market.
“I
have caught one flounder and one tautog so far this week. I expect to go fishing
every evening on our beach and see if we can do better than that.
“The
summer people have started to come big time on the isle and up to Menemsha Creek
there are a lot of fishermen tied up to the wharf. We expect the government
carpenters here to shingle the roof and put in all new windows due to the
hurricanes.
“We
have two tame wild rabbits in our yard and a flock of quail. The wild rabbits
are thick up-island and quite a few deer too. My dog, Rexy, likes to chase the
rabbits and Rexy goes and digs moles out of the banks by the shore.
“Sending
my best of wishes to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
August
1956
FISHING
FOR TAUTOG
“Well,
school finished for the summer vacation,” writes Emma Ponsart. “Seamond
spends her time reading and listening to the radio and swimming.
“It’s
been real cool weather and not many summer resort people on the isle.
“I
was on the West Chop dock and caught quite a few tautog fish. It is hard to get
crabs to fish with as they are kind of scarce this year. I have lost two good
fish that got hooked into some junk.
“The
Hyannis boat will dock in Vineyard Haven this year instead of Oak Bluffs.
“Our
Personnel Officer Shea was here to visit us this week. Next week, we expect the
Eastern Board Inspection.
“Our
tomato plants look good for such cool weather. I got quite a few kinds of
different flowers coming up in the garden also.
“The
sea gulls swipe the stale bread from the other birds. Have so many sea gulls in
our year.
“There
are quite a few fishing boats up to Menemsha Creed dock and a few yachts.
“Out
at Katama Beach, quite a few people are on the beach surfcasting. We send our
best to all the Maine Coast Folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
September
1956
BLUEBERRIES
IN COVE
“We
were out to Katama Beach and picked up a lot of wreck wood,” writes Emma
Ponsart. “Out in Los Angeles, they make pretty things out of wreck wood.
“I
have caught a lot of tautog fish including one 12-pound tautog. Now, the dogfish
sharks are in the bend so I don’t catch many more fish. Caught one 35-pound
dogfish on a rod and reel and that was really a pull. I nearly broke my bamboo
pole and the gear. What a pull!
“We
have missed seeing Commander Joseph. We hope he has a happy retirement.
“We
were out to Lambert’s Cove and picked a lot of blueberries. They are very
thick out there in the forest.
“Our
light station has been filled up with summer tourists and the regular artist
colony. The island is packed with summer people and not even a space can be
found to park in town.
“In
Edgartown, the harbor is filled with yachts and quite a few people are fishing
off the breakwater. Here on the light, we have a pet seagull that comes on the
piazza to eat. Seamond has 13 guinea pigs and they eat out of her hand and are
great pets.
“Mr.
and Mrs. Pope from Boston called on me. They were sailing their yacht along the
coast and came to see the birds. We haven’t had many except for the sparrows,
blackbirds and¾oh
yes¾the
seagulls.
“I
was glad to hear that the fishing captain got his dog back after it had fallen
off his boat in No Man’s Land waters. It was just a miracle as it’s so rough
off there that it was saved. Our dogs go swimming every day. It helps to keep
them clean.
“We
send our best to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
November
1956
NO
HURRICANE – SO FAR
“We
were lucky to escape the hurricanes this year, writes Mrs. Emma Ponsart, “but
I hear that one is headed towards the Florida coast. I have caught quite a few
tautog, but the last couple of days, the wind was west, so I didn’t catch
anything.
“We
were going to Cuttyhunk Island, but Mr. Paul Bangs instead went to Block Island
bluefishing, so we expect to go on his yacht, the parakeet, in two Sundays. It
will be a nice trip down along the Elizabeth Islands.
“The
Bass Derby fishermen are catching a lot of bluefish and striped bass. The shores
are just so crowded with all the fishermen.
“We
expect our inspection about the 3rd of October. We miss Commander
Joseph as he was always so cheerful.
“This
year, the tower will be sandblasted. It will show up more out to sea.
“Seamond
has five baby guinea pigs. She has 13 in all. We have a hutch for them under the
pine trees. She won second prize in the fair for Peter, the big brown and white
guinea pig.
“We
are out every day to try to get crabs in our pots for fish bait. We don’t get
many as we think someone is pulling the pots. We send our best to the Main Coast
folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
December
1956
MOST
EXCITING DAY
“We
made the trip to Cuttyhunk Island to vote,” writes Emma Ponsart. “We went by
the way of Menemsha Creek. Dave Jenkins came to get us in his small bass boat,
the Bette Jane. It was a day like summer, so calm, and we went over there
at some speed¾did
it in a half-hour trip.
“We
went to Capt Loveridges’ home and had quahog chowder and then to the Allen
House on the island and had sandwiches, coffee and cake. Then it was to the Town
Hall. We met Mr. Wood there, who owns the mansion on the island and also Mr.
Forbes who owns the three Elizabeth Islands. We met many people, some we
hadn’t seen in 10 years, and I think it was the most exciting day we had had
in 12 years. We were talking to every one all at once.
“Our
friends, Paul and William MacArthur, are down from the Pocono Mountains. We went
to visit them on our way back from California. They own the prettiest mountain
trail in Pennsylvania and land that overlooks the Delaware Water Gap.
“Kate
Loveridge of Cuttyhunk caught a 16-pound codfish. I have given up tautog fishing
by rod and reel as they are now offshore. I sure miss fishing for them.
“While
on Cuttyhunk Island, we noticed an interesting plaque on a rock near
Fisherman’s Wharf, a tribute to Bob Tilton, ‘The Island’s Best
Conservationist, naturalist, speaker, fisherman, fish-story teller and all
around “Good Joe.”’ We send our best to all the Maine folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
January
1957
RAISING
GUINEA PIGS
“We
are having real summer weather for the month of November,” writes Emma Ponsart.
“Do hope it lasts as it will make our winter months go by faster.
“Our
light tower looks so nice, a new sandblasted concrete job done and whitewashed
brilliant white that should last for another five years.
“My
husband is making lightship mats of every color on a frame that he used to make
these mats out on the Hedge Fence Shoal Lightship.
“We
have quite a few birds in our back yard. We throw out stale bread to feed them
so they hang around. Our guinea pig, the gray one, is expecting baby pigs.
Seamond has 10 guinea pigs in all.
“We
were out to Sakgonekit Beach and picked the prettiest red swamp berries. I made
nice bouquets of them for each room in the house. The beach is lined with wreck
wood. The breakers roll in on it mountain high and I love to hear the echo of
the sea.
“We
went to look for frostfish, but couldn’t find any. Think the tide rip keeps
them offshore. Hope all the Maine Coast folks have a Merry Christmas.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
February
1957
CHRISTMAS
AT WEST CHOP
“So
far, we haven’t had any snow, but tonight, the weather has dropped below zero¾our
first really cold spell,” writes Emma Ponsart.
“Edward
Rowe Snow, The Flying Santa Claus, came to the airport in his shining red
airplane and brought Seamond a package, also one to us, and one to Mr. and Mrs.
Fuller, the assistant keepers. Books were given out to the keepers who were not
present. The Coast Guard received two packages from Santa also. There was quite
a blow on and so it was necessary for him to leave almost immediately for the
next stop, Block Island. Joseph Chase Allen, noted author and correspondent to The
Vineyard Gazette, was on hand to greet Santa and discuss with him, his new
book, The Vengeful Sea, printed by Dodd, Meade and Company, which came
out just this fall. This book is filled to the covers with salty tales of how
the sea claims its victims. Indeed, it is worth your time, for it is a chronicle
of the ocean itself and concerns directly all of the folks living by the sea.
“You
should see the island now. The Christmas lights add a festive sparkle to all the
towns that sort of makes you want to sing when you walk down the streets. The
stores are decorated to the hilt and one local enterprise exudates Christmas
carols over a loudspeaker system each night and it really makes for a happy
season. Worthy of mention here is the home of Mr. F. E. Leslie on Main Street in
Vineyard Haven, which has reindeer and Santa riding the lawn as they would the
sky on a snowy Christmas eve¾a
salute to Mr. Leslie.
“My
husband is making sailor mats. These are made of multi-colored string and yard.
The process involved is long and tedious and somewhat like a loose weave. He
became famous for this art while serving on “Old Number Nine” Lightship in
1929, as I have heard him relate, I think, a thousand times now. Well, I think
they make nice Christmas presents anyway, in spite of the fact that my house is
in a state of chaos from all the yarn and string.
“I
hate to say it, but again the island is being invaded with seagulls on the beach
that have been plastered with crude oil from the passing ships. This¾although
we do have an abundance of seagulls here¾is
an awful shame.
“The
hunting season¾at
last!¾is
over on the island. Now we have time for a breather between whirring bullets and
we can safely walk in the woods again with the danger of being shot at¾which
was so even if you wore bright orange, a fuchsia coat or bright green earmuffs¾all
at one time. The deer crop this year was less than last year, but perhaps that
was because the deer were smarter than the humans. Speaking of hunting, we had
four fat pheasants on our front lawn today and they didn’t even run when A.C.
(sort of alley-kat) and my Tommy Tut ran toward them.
“We
have a new addition: Blanche has arrived. Blanche is a pure albino week-old
guinea pig. She is just the cutest thing in the world. Our alley-kat, Tommy Tut
thinks so too! He eyes her as she prances around and is probably thinking what
guinea-pig steaks would taste like. He had better change his mind before it’s
too late though, or old Tommy Tut will get the “deep six.”
“Well,
tomorrow we’ll begin to deck the halls and the tree too. I wanted to deck the
tower with a big star, but my husband said that we are just supposed to guide
the ships, not wreck them! However, I managed to get him to put lights in the
living room and even that was a struggle because all he wants to do now is make
sailor mats. Once a sailor, always a sailor. Anybody that served on the
lightship from the years 1919-1929, drop my husband a line because he’d like
to hear from some old shipmates: Write Octave J. Ponsart, Vineyard Haven, Mass.
“Well,
this is all for now. Happy New Year to all the folks along the Coast.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
March
1957
LIKES
MCF PICTURES
“Tonight,
the fog signal is on,” writes Emma Ponsart. “It looks like more snow ahead
of us. We have had one of the coldest winters in years.
“Seamond
has been out ice skating a lot on the pond and has enjoyed skating this year
more than any other winter.
“We
were out to Katama Beach to pick up sea shells. But, we can’t seem to find any
moiré shells of any kind. We have been painting on an old collection of shells
which we have stored in the cellar.
“Our
baby guinea pig, Blanche, is about grown up now. Only I have a job to keep dry
bedding as the hay outside gets wet.
“We
have three nice parakeet birds. My husband made a nice big cage for them. We
have a talking peacock on the Victrola to see if they will learn to talk.
“I
have many different birds outside and I throw out stale bread to feed them. We
like to see them. We like to see them around. The sea gulls come up to eat and
are very hungry and quite a few pheasants eat along with them and the other
birds at the same time.
“I
enjoy the Sunbeam letters in the MCF and I think it does wonderful work. I
enjoyed looking at all the lovely pictures in the paper.
“We
send our best to all the Maine coast.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
April
1957
SEA
FOWL AND SEALS AT WEST CHOP LIGHT
“We
were out to Katama Beach today and picked up seashells,” writes Emma Ponsart.
“We have been painting sea shells with different scenes all winter.
“Seamond
is going to Boston tomorrow with the school class just for the day. It will be a
change for her as she has never been to Boston before. They will take the 6
o’clock ferry across. Frank Viera, the government carpenter, is here putting
new doors on the Engine House.
“We
had company over the weekend, Gene Beauregard, my husband’s chum was down to
visit us. He came down on the Northeast Airlines plane from Fall River.
“Out
by our beach are lots of sea fowl. Birds of every color and quite a few seals
out on the rocks at low tide.
“We
have a new parakeet bird. It’s all white in color. We put the new bird in a
cage all by itself, afraid that the other two would pick at it.
“It’s
getting colder tonight. Looks like snow. I hope we get an early spring. It’s
been such a cold winter and I’m just waiting for spring to come so we can go
up to Gay Head Pond to perch fish. It’s lots of fun to catch them.
“Sending
our best to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
May
1957
SPIC,
SPAN AND BABO
“With
the spring weather have come numerous species of our fine feathered friends that
enjoy feeding at the rustic pine feeding station that we have in our yard,”
writes Mrs. Emma Ponsart.
“Well,
a famous author once wrote a story, ‘Pigs is Pigs,’ concerning the
prolificness of guinea pigs¾and
MY, don’t we know it! We have three new g.p.’s that are named by my
detergent loving daughter, Spic, Span and Babo. They are so cute! Spic and Span
are pure white albinos and Babo is half and half¾this
‘original’ name, i.e. black and white here and there.
“My
husband looked out the window the other day to see our friend, Gulliver-the-Gull
(a great black back) perch on one of our bird houses. The gull didn’t seem the
least bit concerned that the house fell under his weight and suddenly he was
left without anything more material than air on which to stand. He just flew
away and tried to land there where the house had been. Some queer birds we have
around here.
“We
were driving around the island yesterday and decided to see what was going on at
Katama Beach. Well, we were quite surprised to find that the beach is so rapidly
regaining its former grandeur by rebuilding its contours from the last storms.
Quite remarkable when one remembers what happened to the beach during Hurricane
Carol.
“There
is talk of stationing a Coast Guard Patrol boat¾an
83-footer in Oak Bluffs’ Harbor. Also, there will be the new ferry for
Nantucket almost any day. The ferry is still in Maryland undergoing preliminary
trial runs and tests of all sorts. We Vineyarders are a little jealous of this
new wonder boat, but hope that the Nantucketers have just as good a ferry as
ours is.
“Well,
will sign off here, sending all our best wishes to the folks along the Maine
Coast.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
June
1957
REGRETS
LOSS OF SEAMAN’S BETHEL
“My
husband went to Brighton Marine Hospital three weeks ago,” writes Mrs. Emma
Ponsart. “He went off on a helicopter out of Woods Hole, the Air Force Base. I
was up (Seamond and I) and spent Easter Sunday with him. The lighthouse is
surely lonely without him. Commander Hauser of Woods Hole Coast Guard has been
wonderful to us, as have Sullivan and the staff at the base. We can never forget
their kindness to us. We have a Coast Guard boy here to take his place and he is
a very nice boy. We all like him very much.
“The
little Seaman’s Bethel of Vineyard Haven has been sold. It doesn’t seem
possible that such a sad thing could happen. Mr. Tower, its chaplain, has been a
wonderful man to the fishermen that come in, entertaining them, and we remember
all the winter nights we spent there reading and passing an evening playing
games and all the good things he did for the Coast Guard, the fishermen, and us
sea and lighthouse people as well. I don’t know of anything that did as much
good as Mr. Tower did in the Seaman’s Bethel and I can’t see why it was ever
sold.
“I
have planted a few flower seeds, but it is still cold nights.
“I
understand there is a whale ashore on the south side of the island, but I
haven’t seen it yet.
“We
have many song birds in our bird houses. I was out to the beach yesterday
looking for sea shells to pain. I saw some nice driftwood. I just get a book
from Los Angeles, to learn how to decorate it.
“Sending
my best wishes to all the Maine Coast folks.”
West
Chop Light, Tisbury, Mass.
July
1957
GOOD
BLUEBERRY CROP AHEAD AT TISBURY
“We
are getting our spring weather now,” writes Mrs. Emma Ponsart. “But spring
came late this year.
“We
have many different birds of every color in our bird houses. We put our
parakeets’ cages near the window so our birds can see the outdoor birds.
“The
ferryboat going by looks so pretty all lit up at night.
“We
haven’t been out fishing this year on account of my husband being ill. He’s
still on sick leave. I guess it will take a long time before he is better.
“We
haven’t many summer people on the island yet, but soon they will be coming
along.
“My
brother is out of Staten Island New York Hospital resting at home in New
Bedford. Will be a long time before he can go back to his ship in New York.
“The
wood ticks are thick out here at the light. We have to pick them off our three
dogs every night. The dogs go into the water and that gets some of them off
also.
“Looks
like a good blueberry year. All the blueberry trees have lots of good-looking
blooms.
“Seamond
is learning to drive the car. So far, she has done well at it. She took
driver’s training in school.
“We
send our best wishes to all the Maine Coast folks.”
OTHER
PEOPLE’S EXCERPTS: Hard to tell who wrote some of these and hard to read, too,
but perhaps worth the recording as parts and pieces of lighthouse history.}
Cape
Elizabeth Light Station
February
1954
SICK
CALLS CHRISTMAS NIGHT
“In
a few days we will be getting all mixed up on the dates again. I’ll be writing
1954 when it should be 1955,” writes Mrs. Clifton Morong. “This year has
flown by so fast that I can’t figure out where it has done. The fleetness of
the time is all right when you are young, but not so good as you grow older.
“We
had a nice Christmas. On December 16th, Edward Rowe Snow, the Flying
Santa Claus, flew over and dropped a package which landed down in the village.
Some of the Coast Guard boys picked it up. Pictures were taken for television
and that evening on the news over Channels 6 and 13 it showed Mrs. Snow being
greeted at the airport with Mr. Stimpson and also his plane flying over this
light and members of the crew at the lifeboat station running out and picking up
the packages. It is very thoughtful of the Flying Santa Claus to remember us
each year and we really appreciate it. On Christmas day we ate dinner at the
lifeboat station and enjoyed -----------(article cut off here).
Halfway
Rock Light Station, South Portland, Me.
FINE
BUNCH AT DAMARISCOVE
“Well,
Owen, I guess it is about time that we dropped a few lines to MCF and let your
friends know that we exist,” says Carl “Sully” Salonick.
“There
have been a few changes aboard the station since I was last assigned here.
Forrest S. Cheney, BML1 has been transferred to the Portland Lightship and James
R. Wilson, EN1 is the new Officer-in Charge. Assistant to Wilson is myself, Carl
Salonick, EN2, and then we have two seamen who are James F. Gormley and Edward
DeRush.”
Brant
Point Lifeboat Station, Nantucket, Mass.
September
1954
NANTUCKET
IN SUMMER
“It
has been quite sometime since you last heard from me and many changes have taken
place since then,” reports John Kittila. “We have had quite a turnover in
our crew, mostly due to the expiration of the man’s enlistment and his being
discharged to join the civilian ranks.”
COAST
GUARD PAINTING MANUAL
“It
is my privilege to announce that the Cape Elizabeth Light Station is now under
new management, writes the new Officer-in-Charge, [looks like] W. J. Luttginham.
All fellow light keepers are cordially invited to visit with us and enjoy our
Southern hospitality. The present staff is composed of the [missing] states of
Louisiana, Texas and Colorado. We have received, despite restrictions,
limitations, budgets, and etc., to endeavor all possible [missing] within our
scope to insure each and every light keeper visitor the most enjoyable stay
ever, which under the present circumstances is only the most and the least we
can offer.
“We
have had a slightly eventful month consisting of an honored and unexpected visit
by Captain Ned Sparrow, Chief, Aids to Navigation, USCG. Also, we had a thorough
inspection by acting Group Commander, D.E. Farnsworth, which we are proud to say
proved very satisfactory, considering the situation. Our fog signal house is now
our prize feature as we have just completed redecorating the interior in
accordance with the new progressive Coast Guard Painting Manual.”
Great
Buck Island Light Station
October
1954
HORN
NUTTY
Southwest
Harbor, ME. “We’ve gotten settled so thought we would write you a few
lines,” says Horace Smith. “We like it here very much. It seems so good to
have electricity again, if only DC. The converter for the television arrived
about two weeks ago and it’s working fairly good. We’re sorry to hear Jay
Cope and his family are leaving for Baker Island. They’ve really been good
neighbors. The weather has been nice most of the time since we got here. There
was one bad fog spell that lasted about a week. The foghorn almost drove
everyone crazy. Will close for now.”
Saddleback
Ledge Light, Vinalhaven Me.
November
1954
SADDLEBACK
TO BE UNTENDED
“Hello
to all you wickies along the coast from Al Sampson. At present, Tom Maddocks is
in Cincinnati, Ohio enjoying 30 days leave and a well-needed rest after the
hurricanes. I was not here during the storms, but I can give you all the
necessary data on the same. We lost the boat slip, the boom, and the house took
quite a beating. Other than that, everything is ship shape. As you have probably
heard or read, this light will soon be untended.
“Gene
Lazaro will be leaving the Coast Guard in a month to be a civilian. Well, I’m
not much for writing, so I’ll close for now. Tom will write you a longer and
better letter when he returns. I would like to say hello to my friend and
ex-shipmate Luther Witt aboard the Portland Lightship.”
Bass
Harbor Head Light Station, McKinley, Me.
November
1954
$230
FOR CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
“Many
thanks for putting in the paper the part I wrote about the rug exhibit in
Southwest in August. As a result, we had several rug hookers to the exhibit. It
was a very good exhibit and well attended. Over 300 came during that afternoon
and evening. We are able to give to the Congregational Church as a result of our
rug making over $230. Thanks very much, from Eugene Coleman.”
December
1954
BELL
TOWER MOVES
Cutler,
Maine. “Here is a picture for the lighthouse news,” writes Mrs. Glenn Farris
of Cutler. “It was Hurricane Edna that did the damage on the lighthouses along
the coast. The two pictures show what the wind and sea can do when they are
angry. The bell tower was moved 8 feet from where it stood so many years.
“The
other picture shows where the bell tower tore up the walk and steps. I just
stood in astonishment at the destruction. Large rocks and debris were halfway up
to the dwelling. Also, many trees were blown down all over the island.
“Little
River Light was my home for 19 years. Willie Corbett was the keeper from 1924
{might be wrong, hard to read this date} until his retirement in 1942. I am his
daughter. He had a family of four boys and four girls. His wife died in 1946. He
married again to Selia Dennison McNeil of this town five years ago. They live in
his old homestead which is a quiet beautiful spot a half-mile from the village.
Of course, his interests would be with the lighthouse keeper during bad storms.
When I was a child, I used to love a storm but it makes a difference when you
get older, that is, if you marry a fisherman as I did. Storms can destroy many
traps. My father’s first station when he entered the service was Saddleback.
From there, he went to Monhegan, Tenants Harbor and then to Little River.
“As
I look back on my childhood days, they were happy ones. We children had to
attend the schools in the village meaning we had to cross the water every day
and take the dinners. Of course, that was fun for us, but I think of my mother,
how hard she had to work for us, cooking [missing], washing, and getting our
lunches ready. My father always kept a cow, hens and a pig. Some of our trips
across the water were not too pleasant, but it didn’t seem to bother us much
for we trusted in our father that we would reach land safely.
“I
always enjoy reading the lighthouse news and the months seem long waiting for
the paper to come.”
FROSTY
MORNING WITH ICE
“Guess
it’s time I wrote,” says Betty Holmes. “I seem to be neglecting things
lately.
“Today
is a fine day after all the hurricanes. Hurricane Hazel passed us, but Edna sure
tore things up here at the light station. It washed our banking away quite a
bit. A few more storms like that and we’ll be sitting right out in the water.
“There’s
not much doing in Beaver this time, only that they’re coming along good with
the breakwater. We saw Hurricane Hazel in Toronto on television. Guess it was
pretty bad, especially the floods. I sure hope we don’t have any more. The
weather has been pretty cool this morning being frosty and a little ice. I guess
summer is over for another year. It just gets here then leaves. Will close for
now until next month.”
August
1956
??
Brews Head Light – Beaver Harbour, N.B.
A
PIECE OF A THANK YOU NOTE
Winthrop,
Mass. “Mr. Don MacKay, Mr. Art Carthy and myself left Westport, N.S. bound for
Winthrop, Mass. in a 38-foot sport fisherman built at Cape St. Mary’s N.S.
Everything was fine until we were about two miles SE of Machias Seal Island
Light when engine trouble developed. After seven hours and some worry due to the
terrific tide and a small anchor and short line, we were sighted by Mr. Howard
Ingalls the lightkeeper.
“The
way he and his assistant, Wilfred Fleet, ran their dory down over the rocks and
bucking a terrific tide bringing us an extra anchor and line then rowing back to
radio the U.S. Coast Guard then rowing back to help us with the engine was
something we shall never forget.
“The
Canadian Lighthouse Service should be proud to have such fine and kind men in
their service. They stayed with us until the arrival of a Coast Guard boat in
charge of Wimpy Greelaw, who towed us until he was relieved of by BM1 Earl
Purrington and Juan Cajandig BM3 of the Moosepeak Station at West Jonesport. We
were towed to their station where we were fed and given a place to sleep and we
sure needed it as we had not slept for two days. These boys were the finest and
kindest guys we ever met. The boat is still at Jonesport being repaired.
“If
you will report this in your paper, we will appreciate it. I feel that such
great seamanship and kindness should not go unnoticed. Thanking you kindly, I
remain,”
Richard
H. Gardner
14
Atkinson Street
Lynn,
Mass.
Fort
Point Light, Stockton Springs, Me.
September
1956
CODY
AND THE BELL
“Hello
fellow lightkeepers along the coast,” writes Ernest Mathie. “Have been busy
mowing lawns and trying to get the spruce green on the windows and doors. The
weatherman has kept me mowing lawns on pleasant days when I should be painting.
He is not at all cooperative.
“There
are quite a lot of summer visitors around and the cottages on Fort Point Road
are full. Colby Wardwell and family of Bangor are spending the summer at their
cottage. The Robert Fosters and many friends are at their summer house for
several weeks. The Clarence Costales and friends and the Mitchells and Hoyts
will be along soon for their vacations at their cottages.
“Hoyt
Chane’s three granddaughters made the headlines in Lubec, saving two young men
from drowning. It took quick thinking and prompt work and much courage on the
girls part to bring the victims safely ashore. He must be very proud of them and
we are also. The time passes quickly and fall weather is here evenings. Our
little garden has produced radishes, beet greens, and carrots with cukes to
follow. The flowers have been beautiful, nature waters then.
“Our
old dog, Cody, walked out and started pulling at the bell rope one day last week
as a tanker was going in the river. She barked and seemed quite spry for an old
lady dog when they saluted. She had an audience at the time and that is what she
likes. Am looking forward to my fall vacation. Bye fellow keepers.”
A
PIECE FROM MRS. MORONG
“We
recently had more company all at once than we’ve had for a long time. First
there was Mr. and Mrs. William Yost of Reading, Pa., and their daughter, Terry
Lee. Bill used to be stationed here in the Coast Guard Station and lived in the
house next to us, but now out of the [missing]
“On
Wednesday, we spent almost one entire day on the beach in front of the lifeboat
station, cooking our dinner of hot dogs and hamburgers over an open fire on the
rocks. Present besides our own family were Mr. And Mrs. Gerald Morong, Mr. and
Mrs. Bob Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hardy, Mr. and Mrs. McDonough, Mr. and Mrs.
William Morong of Madison, Mr. and Mrs. William Morong, Jr, and four children of
South Berwick, and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Morong and three children of Peabody,
Mass.
“A
lot of people fish off the rocks, but I don’t think they catch anything. My
husband has got a few traps out but lobsters are very scarce and so far we have
only had one salad and one dish of stew. And there I thought we would have
lobsters at least twice a week. Oh well, I can dream, can’t I?
“I
would like to say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace McLaughlin of Tenants Harbor. I
hope you are both enjoying the best of health. I miss you and the games of
“63” we used to have.”
Libby
Island Light, Machiasport, Me.
December
1956
A
WHITE CHRISTMAS
“Now
that the Christmas season is here, the crew of Libby Island wants to wish all
the readers of Maine Coast Fisherman a Happy Christmas and Happy New Year,”
writes Walter W. White.
“Things
are looking brighter, or should I saw warmer on Libby Island this winter. Uncle
Joe Coastie has given us a new oil burner to keep us warm and cheerful this
winter. We are waiting patiently for a new TV set, but we haven’t seen it yet.
Maybe Santa will bring it yet, who knows.
“Now
the weather is too cold to work outside and most of the inside work is done, how
about a few suggestions of some hobbies to work on this winter from you or other
wickies. There must be something besides duck hunting and reading, especially if
you can’t read. There seems to be a lot of ducks, but they are flying far out
of range for anything smaller than a cannon.”
ANNUAL
FLIGHT
Editor,
Maine Coast Fisherman
“I
will make my usual trip over the Maine lighthouses and promise as in the past
that every lighthouse keeper or Coast Guardsman who writes to me will receive a
package.”
Edward
Rowe Snow
February
1957
VETERAN
LOBSTERMAN HEADS BAKER’S ISLAND LIGHT RENEWAL DRIVE
Southwest
Harbor, Me. Clifford M. Robbins, veteran Southwest Harbor harbormaster and
skipper of the lobster boat, Pansy L. Robbins, is heading a drive to have
the Baker’s Island Light re-established. The light was discontinued in the
fall of 1955, and a public hearing requesting its reactivation was held a year
ago.
Petitions
circulated among fishermen, lobstermen, and sardine boat captains have been
signed and forwarded to the First Coast Guard District Headquarters, Boston,
with the administrative details of the appears being handled by George B.
Lauriat, Southwest Harbor lawyer. The CG commandant has reported that the matter
has been forwarded to Washington for review.
Robbins
has a special interest in having the light restored in addition to his concern
because of its importance to navigation. In January 1900, he and his new bride
took off for Bakers Island in a dory to set up housekeeping making the trip in
the middle of a northwest gale.
Point
Lepreau, N.B.
February
1957
FIRE
DESTORYS POINT LEPREAU LIGHTHOUSE
The
lighthouse on the end of Point Lepreau. About 30 miles from St. John, N.B., was
struck by lightning during the story the last of December and was totally
destroyed. The Black’s Harbour Fire Department succeeded in saving Keeper
Donald Wilson’s home. The Point Lepreau Light, a few miles eastward of the
village of Maces Bay, was an important Bay of Fundy beacon.
Machias,
Me.
February
1957
SACK
TIME IS HERE
“Now
that I have moved into my winter home from Rocky Lake, will try to get a letter
out to you each month, but there is so little to write about,” reports Ralph
Demmons.
“Had
a good fishing season and a poor hunting one compared with last year, although
my partner and I cornered a 7-point buck which I shot. My old man got a
7-pointer also. The deer were not shot in their usual feeding grounds and when
you did find them, they were mighty foxy. The partridge season was better.
Hunted with a dog for the first time and did really well.
“Have
my boat at home for repairs. Will put on new outside garboards next spring.
“I
plan to use a 3.4-inch oak over marine glue and shellac to break ice with next
fall. I powered the old barge with two 5 HP Sea Kings last summer and though it
increased the speed very little, it sure gave power to go to windward.
“Will
re-build my engines this winter and plan on going into business next spring.
I’ll guide as long as I can make expenses.
“Will
try to cut wood and ice as soon as weather permits, and move into summer
quarters as soon as the ice goes out¾as
usual.
“It
is sure tough to have to sack in for these next three months, but may get ice
fishing once in awhile.
“I
hope all the wickies had a good Christmas and will have a prosperous New
Year.”
April
1957
MORONGS
TO TRY CIVILIAN LIFE
“Here
were are all settled in our [missing] rent at Pond Cove¾have
been here since the first of January,” writes Mrs. Clifton S. Morong, of Cape
Elizabeth. “It is a cozy place but I do miss looking out and seeing the broad
expanse of the Atlantic Ocean from almost every window, hearing the shrill cries
of the sea gulls when I wake up in the morning and breathing in that
invigorating salty air that comes off the sea, especially when it is foggy. Now
that the snow has practically disappeared and the air is more spring-like, I
would like to be able to walk along the shore picking up the odd pieces of
driftwood or stuffing my pockets full of unusual rocks like I did when I lived
at Two Lights, but I live too far away for that now. However, I do have some
consolation. From my bedroom window upstairs, I can catch a glimpse of the ocean
and Richard’s Island and at night I can see the flashing light of the Portland
Lightship.
“Pond
Cove is about four miles from Two Lights and the schools, town hall, library,
fire station, drug store, two grocery stores and two filling stations are all
here. It is also the end of the bus line from Portland, so the children and I
are handy to everything.
“The
light at Two Lights is certainly deserted now, with nothing but empty buildings
there. It is too bad to see those nice houses falling to pieces and such an old
landmark as Two Lights abandoned [missing].
Squirrel
Point Light, Phippsburg, Me.
May
1957
NEW
OFFICES
“All
quiet along this section of the Kennebec,” writes C. A. Skolfield.
“During
January, we had a lot of drift ice in the river; since then, very little. Now,
it looks as though most of the ice above us would rot out, rather than break up
and come down.
“Chief
Sims of the South Portland Base installed an electric radiotelephone in what
used to be the pantry here. Since then, we’ve taken out the old counter and
closets and rebuilt the room for an office.
“It
is a lot handier than having files in one place, books in another and desk and
typewriter in still another, but the office work is still the same old headache.
“Haven’t
done much hunting this winter; my partner couldn’t come over very often and
I’m down to two dogs, one of those 14 years old. He still likes to go, but he
can’t cover ground much faster than I can. The few fox I have seen this winter
looked to be in good shape. Hope they have the disease wiped them out, and that
they will stage a comeback.”
July
1957
MYSTIC
MUSEUM PUTS OLDEST REGISTERED YACHT ON EXHIBIT
Mystic,
Conn. The oldest yacht in Lloyd’s Register has joined Mystic Seaport’s fleet
of exhibit vessels. In late years, this sleek white steam launch with her
fringed canvas awning has been known as the Glory B., though originally
named Nellie. George B. Lauder of Greenwich, Conn, her most recent owner,
has given her to the Marine Historical Association. She is now on exhibit at the
Mystic Seaport.
Nellie
was built in 1872 at the Atlantic works in East Boston. She is 30 feet overall
and powered by a single cylinder steam engine. For a time, she was operated on
Lake Winnepausakee, NH, following an earlier history at Portsmouth, New Haven,
and Guilford, Connecticut, waters which were more familiar to her in her later
years as Glory B.
EPILOGUE:
These letters, excerpts and articles demonstrate there was once a way of life
that will never be experienced again. Gone are most of the Congressionally
appointed Keepers, gone are the Coast Guardsmen that followed them, gone are the
last vestiges of the U.S. Lighthouse Service. Memories have faded, articles and
letters have yellowed and are difficult to read. The last memory of life on a
lighthouse will soon be extinguished and fade forever into the past.
Seamond
in New Bedford 1999
—
• • • —