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As the restoration and care of Maine’s remote Little River Lighthouse drew to a close this year volunteers were able to see the rewards of six long years of hard tedious work.
This year the cistern was finished and after 30 years the island finally had fresh water for showers. Two trails were completed on the island, the rediscovered gravesites of shipwrecked sailors were marked, years of old paint were removed from the oil house, and the keepers house was nearly completely furnished, and a stove was brought out to the island for the kitchen.
This year also saw the return of a Boy Scout encampment to the island, a community church service, and a few overnight stays were held with paying guests to allow the volunteers work out the kinks in anticipation for a full overnight guest program for next season.
The year was not without trouble at the island lighthouse as the season started off with a number of problems beginning with the destruction of a temporary dock in a spring storm, which was later partially rebuilt, engine problems with the boat and loss of electricity to the island, which was repaired at great expense.
A number of local fundraisers were held for lighthouse including a potluck super, a film showing, a booth at a local festival and a number of raffles. Also this year the unofficial “Friends” group became an official chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation and elected officers. The new group already has a number of events planned for the winter months and next season.
Their biggest concern is raising additional money for a new permanent pier that they hope will be constructed next year to allow for safe access on and off the island regardless of the tide, which is the highest and lowest here of any other island lighthouse in the United States.
This story appeared in the October 2007 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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