It was the wackiest three-hour tour since Gilligan visited his island. A boatload of journalists and lighthouse lovers cruised aboard the MV Thomas Laighton to barren Boon Island off the coast of Southern Maine. 

 

The tallest lighthouse in Maine is an accident waiting to happen. The 19th century lighthouse tower, the tallest in Maine, is taking a beating from wind, water, salt and sun. No one wants to pay the restoration and maintenance costs, not the feds, the coast guard, the state of Maine or the towns of Kittery or York.

 

So the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF) has come to the rescue and leased the island. ALF declared the island a soverign nation. Since no one lives on the 300 x 700 foot rock, there are no taxes to collect. So to raise funds, ALF is selling off its political offices. $100,000 gets you the Presidency, and there are lot of openings.

 

On April 1, 2003 journalsts watched as the leaders of ALF, dressed in antique military costumes, read a declaration of indendence. ALF President Tim Harrison played the part of Boon's Regent Lord Master. Visitors on the cruise ship pledged an oath to Boon Island, got a free lunch and bought souvenirs. As the ship curcled Boon Island former lighthous keepers posed on the deck and reminsced about life on the bleak offshore station.  It was a wacky cruise with a serious message. Boon Island has begun a new chapter in its history.   --- JDR

 

For more on the history of Boon visit Lighthouse.cc
To join ALF and support the Republic of Boon

All photos by Ralph Morang
Copyright (c) 2003 Ralph Morang.