Mr. Nauset Light dead at 75

06/25/03 9:56 PM

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One of the nations most ardent lighthouse preservationists, Harold Jennings, died at his home after a battle with cancer.

Mr. Jennings spent his youth on Lovell's Island in Boston Harbor where his father was keeper and later authored the book "Lighthouse Family" which recalled those days. He was one of the first to promote the move of Massachusetts's Nauset Light and was actively involved in the Nauset Light Preservation Society and its efforts to save Nauset Light from the eroding cliff. He was designated the "Official Keeper of the Light" by the society. Last year he was also cited with an award by the New England Lighthouse Foundation for his preservation work.

Mr. Jennings had also helped in the restoration of an old Coast Guard boat from Rock Harbor and led tours on the boat as well tours at Nauset Light. He was an active in his church, the Boy Scouts and the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

To those that new him personally, he was a warm man, always willing to help, counsel, or just be there. He acted and behaved with the energy of a 20 year old but with the wit and wisdom of 200 year old. Bill Burt, past president of the Nauset Light Preservation Society put in best in a letter to a local newspaper:

"He was a man of ardent opinion and tremendous, infectious energy. During all of his bustling about, he told stories of his dad and the spit and polish routine of a keeper's son. Each person who allowed themselves to be touched by Harold and his wife, Hattie, and their love of lighthouses became a piece of his "polished brass." Harold spent a lifetime polishing this kind of brass that is described in the last verse of the "The Lighthouse Keeper's Lament" . . .

And when I have polished until I am cold And I'm taken aloft to the Heavenly fold Will my harp and my crown be made of pure gold? No. Brasswork

Thanks for the polish, Harold!"

This story appeared in the November 1996 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.

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