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Under a long-term license from the United States Coast Guard, Maine’s Perkin’s Island Lighthouse has come under the care and protection of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
Unfortunately, ALF has only received the tower. The keeper’s house and other buildings, which are now in a total state of ruin, were given to the State of Maine many years ago. The State of Maine has not been a good caretaker as is evident by the photographs that accompany this story and by our recent inspection trip to the island.
We found the lighthouse in remarkably good shape, thanks in part to the care given to it over the years by the United States Coast Guard. The original woodwork inside the 23-foot tower looks as new as the day it was built in 1898. The lantern room shows typical wear and will need restoration work in the very near future.
The real shame here is the rest of the station that sits on a 6.9-acre island. The boathouse, built in 1901 is gone, no one seems to remember when it was destroyed or taken down. The keepers house is in extremely bad shape - it will need a new roof soon if the building is to be saved - the roof over the front porch has already collapsed into the interior. It will also probably need a new chimney, the one that’s there is ready to collapse. The other building, which we assume, must have been a summer kitchen and work/storage building with attached outhouse is also in extremely bad shape with many open areas that have allowed animals and vandals to enter. The old fog signal building is ready to collapse, although State officials have said it will be restored by the time we go to press. The bell 1000-pound bell was removed years ago.
In our estimation it should be considered one of the most endangered historic properties in the State of Maine.
We would encourage people to write and demand that the State of Maine restore this historic property. Tell them that you think it’s a shame that they have allowed this historic property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places to deteriorate to the point where it may be impossible to save. Demand that they take action now! Send your letters to Gov. Angus King, 1 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0001.
If you would like to help ALF restore the tower, send your donations to:
This story appeared in the October 2000 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
All contents copyright © 1995 - 2003 by Lighthouse Digest®, Inc. No story, photograph, or any other item on this website may be reprinted or reproduced without the express permission of Lighthouse Digest. For contact information, click here.
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