Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
Deborah & William Hillyard
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Vacations -
Lighthouses
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, ME
Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, ME
The first Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, a small wooden tower on the end of the 1,800 foot breakwater, went into service in 1855. The first light was a sixth-order (the lowest power) Fresnel lens with a fixed red light. By the early 1870s, it was replaced by a temporary tower while the breakwater was extended. The new tower, known locally as the "Bug Light", was commissioned in 1875. Its design is based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates which was built in Athens in the fourth century B.C.
By 1889, a small keepers house was built adjacent to the lighthouse, and in 1903 a second story was added. In 1934 the light was electrified, and the following year the keepers cottage was demolished. During the 1940s, the local shipyards expanded their operations into the harbor reducing the length of the breakwater until, as now, it was only about 100 feet off shore. It was decommissioned in 1943.
Today, the light is surrounded by a park, the "Bug Light Park", and its beacon shines again flashing every four seconds.
By 1889, a small keepers house was built adjacent to the lighthouse, and in 1903 a second story was added. In 1934 the light was electrified, and the following year the keepers cottage was demolished. During the 1940s, the local shipyards expanded their operations into the harbor reducing the length of the breakwater until, as now, it was only about 100 feet off shore. It was decommissioned in 1943.
Today, the light is surrounded by a park, the "Bug Light Park", and its beacon shines again flashing every four seconds.
Spring Point Ledge Light is a "spark plug" type of lighthouse with a brick tower on top of a cast iron base. The tower included living accommodation for the keeper and his assistant; only single men were permitted in this lighthouse. It was first commissioned in 1897. The beacon comprised an oil powered lamp with a fifth-order Fresnel lens. It was converted to electricity in 1934. In 1951, the breakwater that is visible in the photographs was built. The lighthouse is open to the public on a few days a year.
A postcard of the Bug Light taken around 1915/1930. The keeper's cottage is still there, as are the two additional rooms built in 1903.
Credit The Smithsonian
Credit The Smithsonian
A postcard of the lighthouse from the early 20th century long before the breakwater was built. Credit The Smithsonian
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