New book on Thacher Island!

Thacher Island, off Rockport on Massachusetts' Cape Ann, is one of my favorite places in the world. I'm happy to announce that there's a new book available that tells the fascinating story of the island's twin lighthouses in words and hundreds of historic photos -- "Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Massachusetts," written by my good friend Paul St. Germain and published by Arcadia Publishing, the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.

Here's more info from Arcadia:

Off the coast of Cape Ann, Thacher Island’s twin lights are the last remaining operational twin lights in the nation. Throughout history, the lighthouses have played an important role in the Revolutionary War, World I and II protecting the coast from enemy submarines.

In over 200 vintage photographs, local author Paul St. Germain captures the history, adventures, and intimate stories from over 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island.

A portion of the profit from the sale of the book is being donated to the Thacher Island Association toward its restoration efforts.

Highlights of Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Cape Ann:
• Traces the history of the island from 1771 until 2009 through vintage photographs
• Illustrates why and how the two towers were built, and how the island got its name
• Features historic photographs from both public and private collections
• Showcases the lives of many of the lighthouse keepers and their families


Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher Island Association, a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport resident for 15 years and can see the island from his home.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Finer Details of Pemaquid Point Light’s Restoration Getting Plenty of Attention

By Bob Trapani, Jr.

The “heavy lifting” of Phase II restoration at Maine’s Pemaquid Point Lighthouse is winding down, and as it does, the attention is shifting to ensure all the finer details of the project are addressed – details that matter and ultimately separate a good project from a great one.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

Photo of the Day: Boston Light at sunset

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I posted this photo a few months ago. I just played with the contrast and hue a bit, so that it looks quite different. I'm not sure which version I like better.

Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On"

Seacoast Men of Harmony: "Shine On", originally uploaded by nelights.

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, performed at the "Dessertfest" fundraiser for the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse on April 24, 2010, at the Kittery (Maine) Lions Club. Here, they perform the perfect song for a lighthouse event, "Shine On."

Desserts and music -- what more do you need?

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse held a successful "Dessertfest" at the Kittery Lions Club in Kittery, Maine, on Saturday evening, April 24. Nearly 100 attendees chowed down on a variety of sweet delights from area restaurants while enjoying a smorgasbord of tunes.

The following establishments donated food and/or gift certificates for the event:

BG's Boathouse, Black Trumpet Bistro, Brazo, Café Mirabelle, Dinnerhorn, Old Ferry Landing, Margueritas, Me and Ollie's, Muddy River Smokehouse, the Oar House, Popovers, Common Man, Rosa, Chef's Cove Café, Noel's Café, 401 Tavern, Toot Sweet, and Sweet Caroline's Thrift Shop.


Gary Sredzienski entertained with his incredibly versatile accordion playing and with tales of his exploits as the swimming "Creekman." (Check this link!)

Gary brought along several of his collection of beautiful accordions and many artifacts that he has recovered while swimming in local waters.





Here's a clip of Gary in action:

Seacoast Men of Harmony, a barbershop chorus based in Dover, NH, also entertained with several songs. They included a perfect song for a lighthouse fundraiser, "Shine On."

Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse, a chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, now cares for two lighthouses: Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse in New Castle, NH, and Whaleback Lighthouse in Kittery, Maine. This event was a fun way to raise funds and awareness for the preservation of these historic structures. Thanks to all who donated and helped, and all who attended! And thanks to Bob and Ann Trapani for the photos.

Volunteers Nina Trapani, Ann Trapani, and Susan Tisbert

Good Weather Allows for Restoration Efforts to Reach the Top at Pemaquid Point

Since the start of Phase II restoration at Maine's Pemaquid Point Lighthouse on March 16, 2010, the early spring weather has been true to form – unpredictable.

Despite a couple of northeast gales, buckets of rain at times, and even a coating of snow in late March, there has been more than enough interior repointing work, etc., to keep the crews of J.B. Leslie Company busy over the

last month while waiting for better weather.

Click here to read the rest of this story!

Dessertfest Update

The following Portsmouth-area restaurants are donating desserts for our Dessertfest this Saturday, April 24, at the Kittery Lions Club:

BG's Boathouse, Brazo, Dinnerhorn, Old Ferry Landing, Me and Ollie's, Popovers, Muddy River Smokehouse, Chef's Cove, Common Man, 401 Tavern, Toot Sweet

Several restaurants have also donated gift certificates for the raffle we'll hold during the event.

Click here for details!