14
Some days we would watch herds of seals going by on the drift ice and see the ships and men on the ice after the seals.15
Buildings on North-East end of St. Paul's Island20th Century
St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
16
The worst feature of life on the island is sickness. One winter mother took sick and they took her to hospital by ice breaker. Five weeks later she came back by helicopter. Then I became ill and a helicopter quickly took me to the hospital in North Sydney.17
The Lighthouse Keeper scales the lighthouse to paint the outside20th Century
North-East Light, St. Paul's Island, Canada
Credits:The North Highlands Community Museum
18
On fine days we would sometimes visit the lighthouse keeper at the other end of the island. They lived on a small rock off the main island, normally reached by going across on a boats wain's chair. Once during the first winter we spent on the island, the chair broke as it went across the channel and a man was drowned. Everyone felt very sad that say.19
Skidway leading to lightkeepers residence20th Century
St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
20
Winter with its gales and snow was spent by making things out of wood, and to so this I had a special room and tool with which to work. Days we could get outdoors we coasted, built frots and igloos and made other things out of snow.21
Skidway on the North-east islet leading up from the Tittle to buildings20th Century
St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
22
In December, 1959 we received notice of transfer. We were to go to the light at Port Bickerton, but first my father had to spend two months in Halifax on a radio beacon course.23
Houses and Light houses, Northeast Light20th Century
St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
Credits:North Highlands Museum
24
In April word came to be ready to leave in five days. Then came a busy time of packing and crating all our possessions and taking them to the landing.25
South West Light from the water20th Century
South West Light, St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia
Credits:The North Highlands Community Museum
26
At last the day came to leave, and we went aboard the ship. As we sailed through the drift ice, my eyes looked back at our island disappearing in the distance; a lump came in my throat and maybe a tear or two in my eyes. After all I spent some of the happiest day ever on that lonely island.27
Old wooden tower20th Century
South West Light, St. Paul's Island, Nova Scotia
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