 Cape Neddick 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. 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 Week 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 at 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 mid-January, weather permitting.
• Click Here to read "HOLIDAY LIGHTING OF NUBBLE LIGHT"
•Click Here to read Nubble Light by Elaine Peverly (MS Word)
• Click Here to read Lighthouses & Their Preservation Are Important to the Southern Maine Coast Tourism Association
By Bob Trapani, Jr.
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Boon Island Light 1811/1855
133' gray granite conical tower, located offshore 6 miles east of York Beach.
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Whaleback Light 1831/1872
75' gray granite conical tower on a reef. Outer entrance to Portsmouth Harbor, Piscataqua River entrance. View from Fort Foster, Kittery. This image is of the first Whaleback Lighthouse (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
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