Guardians of the lights
Subtitle: the men and women of the U.S. Lighthouse Service
By: Elinor DeWire.
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: Pineapple Press, Inc.
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Sarasota, Florida
Language: eng
Number of pages: 317
ISBN-13: 9781561640775
Subjects: United States. Bureau of Light-Houses.; Lighthouse keepers -- United States -- History.; Lighthouse keepers -- United States -- Family relationships.; Lighthouses -- United States -- History.
Description: In a charming blend of history and human interest, this book paints a colorful portrait of the lives of a vanished breed—the lighthouse keepers—from the year 1716, when the first lighthouse was established in America, to the early 1980s when automation replaced the last human "guardian of the light." A wealth of material from the archives of the 19th and 20th centuries—primarily letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts —provides vivid stories about lighthouse keeping in this country: the daily work; coping with fog, storms, and other catastrophes; legends and ghosts; women's and family's roles; lighthouse children and pets; the natural world around lighthouses; and the diverse characters of those who held the job. Lighthouse keeping was a unique occupation, now obsolete, and this book is a fitting tribute to these tough, usually solitary, and dedicated heroes who kept the lights burning every night, without fail.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 302-311) and index.