Established 1820, 58 feet
present tower built 1859.
Though deeply endangered, White Light shines on at the nine rocky Isles of Shoals
just 10 miles out from Portsmouth Harbor in New Hampshire. Difficult to reach,
it depends now on the fundraising abilities of local kids.
Jeremy's Lighthouse Guide #3
SEE: Update on White Light, Summer 2004
This brick tower stands on the highest part of the southernmost rocky isle in
the storied Isles of Shoals. It is best known as the childhood home of poet/author
Celia Thaxter, whose father Thomas Laighton was keeper from 1839 to 1847. In Among the Isles of Shoals, Celia described evening on White Island. "High above, the lighthouse rays streamed
out into the humid dark," she wrote, "and the cottage windows were ruddy from
the glow within. I felt so much a part of the Lord's universe, I was no more afraid
of the dark than the wave or the winds."
The last Coast Guard crew left the largely inaccessible when the light was automated
in 1986, and the station became the property of the State of New Hampshire. Over
the years a spidery network of cracks has developed in the brick exterior, widening and spreading as each winter stages a new assault
of wind, waves and ice.
In 2000, North Hampton School teacher Sue Reynolds started an effort to restore
the lighthouse. The Lighthouse Kids are a seventh grade community service group,
and also a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation. Each year’s seventh
graders have given presentations to potential donors as well as selling t-shirts
and other items to raise funds. To find out more, visit the Lighthouse Kids web site. Visitors to the Shoals can see this lighthouse best from cruises offered by
the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company or Island Cruises, Sue Reynolds’ company
in Rye. Fundraising cruises held by the Lighthouse Kids and the Friends of Portsmouth
Harbor Lighthouse also pass by.
for much more HISTORY visit Lighthouse.cc
Copyright 2004 by Jeremy D'Entremont, New England Lighthouses
Pictures courtesy of Lighthouse.cc
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