Cape Neddick Light / Nubble Light 1879

Officially the Cape Neddick Light Station, it was built in 1879 for $15,000 on a nub of land---thus the Nubble. It was first lighted on July 1, 1879. The current beacon is a 1000 watt bulb behind red plaxiglass. It flashes 3 seconds on and three seconds off. It is visible for 13 miles. The automated foghorn is activated by the atmosphere and blasts every 10 seconds.

The tower is 41 feet high and 88 feet above sea level. It is built of brick that has been covered by metal sheathing. Thirty-three circular iron steps go up to the lantern room. The first innkeeper was Nathanial Otterson, and the last was Russell Ahlgren. The light was automated in 1987.

Living quarters consisted of 3 bedrooms, kitchen, dining, living, and pantry. The smaller red house was once used for fuel and the little white house was a workshop. The light is maintained by the Coast Guard, but the Town of York owns the property and buildings. It is maintained by the York Park and Recreation Committee. There is no public access allowed on the island.

The Sohier Park, which is located on the mainland, has ample parking for visitors as well as benches and rest room facilities. Sohier Park is located off Nubble Road in York Beach. A small gift shop full of lighthouse memorabilia is manned by volunteers from May through October. Proceeds from the sale of goods there go toward the maintanance of the park and lighthouse.

This lighthouse is one of the most photographed and painted in the world. Thousands of people visit it annually, and twice a year the lighthouse is outlined in Christmas lights and lit at night in special celebrations. Christmas in July is part of the York Days celebration held during the last week in July and the first week of August. The Lighting of the Nubble celebration is held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving from 5pm to 7pm. Hot cocoa and homemade cookies are provided free of charge during the Christmas carols. Then Santa arrives via fire truck to flick the switch, turning the lights on. The lights stay on at night until January 1st, weather permitting.

For updated information about the lighthouse please visit www.nubblelight.org

Click Here to read "HOLIDAY LIGHTING OF NUBBLE LIGHT"

Click Here to read Nubble Light  by Elaine Peverly (MS Word)