Besides hosting paying guests (at probably $300 or more a night), the light and island will be a community resource and host youth, public and group events. In 1907, crews erected an octagonal tower on the roof of that building and installed a flashing 600-candlepower oil vapor lamp 59 feet above the water. Located off Southport Islandís Cape Newagen, 5 miles from Boothbay Harbor, the station has guided mariners past the treacherous Cuckolds outcroppings through fog, rain, snow and dark of night since 1892, when the fog signal building was built.
The job entails a lot of hard work ó tending to guests, maintaining the property, crewing on cruises, preparing meals, housecleaning, serving as concierge and docent. ìIt is not always like a duck puddle out there,î Reingold says. Develop a passion Interest in lighthouses, maritime history or water and navigation can be helpful for lighthouse keepers and enthusiasts.
The seas, too, can ruin the best-laid plans, being so rough at times that the island is inaccessible by boat, though a helipad will enable those with deep pockets to come and go. How to become a lighthouse keeper Consider following these five steps if you have an interest in becoming a lighthouse keeper: 1. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823, the need for a lighthouse became evident. She says a local lobsterman went out to the island for what he thought would be a weekend stay and wound up fogged in. Learn more on our Visit the Lighthouse & Keepers Quarters page. Back in the days of paraffin-vapour lamps that meant keeping watch in the lantern of the lighthouse, tending the light to make sure it burned as brightly and cleanly as possible, and winding the.
You can help prepare Lighthouse so that when the storm comes, the. ìIt is elegant, but a little rugged, a little wild."Īnd a little unpredictable. The duty of a lighthouse keeper was primarily to watch the light or to ‘keep a good light’ as the rules and regulations stated. We are asking you to choose to make a monthly investment and become a Lighthouse Keeper.
"What makes this different from your ordinary bed-and-breakfast is that it has a bit of daring and adventure,î she says. It will be a stipend, not a full-blown salary, the real reward being the opportunity to live six months of the year on an island off Maine. Although the weather is frequently cold, wet and very windy, lighthouse keepers will be able to take advantage of the island’s rich biodiversity and rugged coastline. Reingold isnít sure how much the pay will be. Being a keeper for a week is a wonderfully unique volunteer opportunity in which you will stay in the actual lighthouse and share your time and talents.