The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-07-27
Half way Rock Light.
To the Editor of the Press:

~ Mt EuttOT VI Wc Il T6oo.
Among the many precautions taken by the
general government of the United States for
the protection Of the interests of Maine none
is more worthy of mention than the provis-
ion for the safety of mariners amid the nu-
merous islands and reefs of Casco Bay,
among which are the light and fog bell Of
the Half Way Rock.
This bold rocky island is situated nine
miles from Cape Elizabeth Light and IL
miles from Seguin Light on the edge of the
regular ship channel for coasters to and
from the Provinces and to the principal
ports on the shore of New England.
1t is place of great Importance because
large number of sailing vessels pass 1t day
and night and it is their guard from the very
dangerous reefs, shoals and sunken rocks,
which are common in that portion of Casco
Bay.
The island is large mass Of rock covering
about an acre over which the waves often
beat in perfect fury when driven by a strong
easterly gale.
In the storm ON November %, 1888, the
strong currents sweeping far up on the tow
er and rolling over the island lifted mass
of rock weighing probably 10 tons and car
ried it about 100 feet, leaving it at least 10
feet higher than the place from which it was
torn. In the same gale bars of iron. three
inches by one and half, were bent like will
low twigs.
The Light" which is one of the "third
order" Is in a tower 76feet high and casts
its light Is miles. 1t revolves with a steady
white centre and red flash every 90 seconds.
A small boat house with an upper room
furnished for the keepers Of the Light" is
attached to the tower on the northwestern
side, built of massive oak beams covered
with hard pine three inches thick and bolted
to the solid rock with great iron bolts.
The tower is round. built of granite about
two and one-half feet thick, specimen of
splendid workmanship.
The fog bell, GO feet west of the tower,
weighs about 1000 pounds, and hangs in
massive wooden frame about 80 feet high.
During the dense fogs which sometimes for
weeks hides the island this bell tolls once
every 10sec0nds and is moved by a. wonder
full clockwork attachment which is wound
up every three and a half hours by the brave
keepers, who for that purpose often have to
climb over the slippery rocks amid the blind
ing spray and rushing waters.
In the gale referred to, November %, 1888,
Mr.. w. 4. H0lbrook, one of the bravest and
most Conscientious men. after several mar
tower to the fog bell was obliged to
remain in the tower. and for 2S
hours could not reach the bell. Had the fog
gathered as it sometimes does, who can tell
what might have been the loss of life and
merchandise since no mortal could reach the
fog bell?
We wonder that with the great care taken
by the government for the shipping interests
in this part of the country, and her most ex-
cellent provisions for the we'll being of those
employed in her service an iron railing does
not connect the tower and fog bell, or an
electric attachment by which the bell could
always be worked and the risk of life be
avoided.
Mr.. Holbrook, whose family resides at
Peaks Island, has been the keeper at the
Halfway Rock" for seven years, and has
two trusty assistants, Mr.. Morrison from
Cumberland and Mr.. j. III. Slower from So.
Harpswell. Two Of them are on the island
all the time, one at the close of every two
weeks going home for week, and the third
taking his place.
In the night time one is always on the
watch. and both men are when it is very
stormy
The highest praise is due these hardy men
for the bravery and fidelity with which they
discharge their important duties. Many in
stances of the interest of the United States
government in the commercial interests of
this part of her great domain may be seen in
Casco Bay. N. t. WHITAKER.