1

House with new addition.
1902
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland

2

Preparing the light.
1930
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland

3

Keeping the light took a lot more than lighting a lamp. There were books of procedures and instructions. A light keeper had to be a record keeper, maintenance man, planner, and much much more. It was a way of life , for the whole family, for it took a family to do what was expected of Newfoundland lightkeepers.

4

Lightkeepers instruction manual.
1855
Cape Bonavista, Newfoundland

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In order to provide a meaninful service, the lightstation must be efficient and dependable. Throughout history there have been many ways to guide mariners through a harzardous passage. In ancient times fires were lit in firepots, and in some ways even the most recent lights were only refinements of this principle. Whether they are pots filled with wood , suspended from a pole, or a mighty glowing torch , such as was susposed to have been help by the colossus of Rhodes , lights have aided mariners to a safe haven from restless waters. Their aid to commerce have given lightstations a place in every mariners heart, that goes far beyond a mere signpost to danger. Lightstations hold a mythical quality to all who view them, harkening back to the great wonders of the Colossus of Rhodes and the Pharos of Alexandria.

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Our lightkeepers , while not shrouded in the myth of ancient wonders, are no less wonders unto themselves. Based primarily upon the Trinity House model of Britian, Newfoundland lightkeepers were expected to work in harsh climes, remote areas,faultlessly, with little recompense. This they did admirably well. It was much more than lighting a lamp, it was giving life to the night, and safety to countless souls on the sea.