The Thacher Island News

The Thacher IslandVOLUME News 10, ISSUE 1 · MAY 2010

Association Volunteers receive Preserve America Stewards Award from the First Lady. The Thacher Island Association was honored recently when Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, designated it as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Stewards. Here are some the weekly volunteers on the island in 2009.

In her letter she said, “Preserve America Stewards nation’s past; are committed to preserving America’s diverse strengthened physical and cultural heritage, and their work regional demonstrates how individuals who care deeply identities and about serving their country and their communities local pride; can make a difference,” Mrs. Obama continued. increased local “I thank and commend the volunteers of The participation Thacher Island Association for protecting our in preserving the country’s cultural nation’s historic treasures, both for your fellow and natural heritage assets; and support for the Official Certificate signed by citizens as well as visitors from near and far. You economic vitality of our communities. First Lady Michelle Obama and set a wonderful example for our young people, who This award is particularly important because it presented to the Thacher Island are the future stewards of our heritage, while also was awarded to only 8 recipients in 2010 and only Association volunteers. improving the quality of life and economic vitality 21 since the program’s inception in 2008. of our nation.” Volunteers typically provide over 3000 man Paul St.Germain, President of the Thacher hours a year to Thacher Island activities. Since 1994 cape ann, MassachuseTTs T

hacher Island was named for Anthony Thacher who, in 1635, win Island, who recently received the letter from the Association along with its volunteerslost his four children and other family membershas in a shipwreck raised T IMAGES during the most severe storm to ever hit the Massachusetts coast. Only L o f A m e r i c a Anthony and his wife Elizabeth survived. The lighthouses have played igh an important role in several wars, including the Revolutionary War and First Lady, commented that “ this was a national over 1.5 million dollars, all of which has gone back T World Wars I and II, when the navy established a radio compass station s Twin LighTs of

to protect the coast from enemy submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. of president almost wrecked on Thacher Island, and the island was used T Thacher isLand, recognition that is well deserved by the volunteers into the island. as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher hacher Island, Cape Ann captures the history, adventures, and intimate stories from over 300 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, including cape ann how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were

who have worked both on the island and off over

applied to improve the lights over the years. i s

Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher Island Association, L a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport resident for and the past 30 years. Volunteers are the heart and soul 15 years and can see the island from his home. With assistance from , ,

the archives of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, he has put together a c

revealing record and a fascinating pictorial history of this fabled island. ape The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods,

of this organization and their contributions have NEW BOOK ON THACHER ISLAND a towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the nn

character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the

preservation of local heritage, making history available to all. P been the mainstay of the successes achieved. We AU l S l

TO BE PUBLISHED IN MAY 2010. T . G .

are blessed with individuals who have hands on ERMAI knowledge of carpentry, wood working, electrical, n Paul St.Germain is the President of the Thacher-!$%).4(% Island plumbing, mechanics, welding, painting, grounds Association since 2002 andwww.arcadiapublishing.com a Rockport resident for the ISBn-13 978-0-7385-7228-4 $21.99 keeping, solar electronics, computers, boat ISBn-10 0-7385-7228-4 past 20 years has recently completed52199 a vintage photo- handling, masonry, metal work, fund raising, grant graph book on Thacher Island.9 7 8 0 7 3 8 5In 7 2 2 8 4 2000 he researched Paul St. Germain writing, and event planning.” and wrote the successful nomination application which The Preserve America program is a federal resulted in designating the Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher Island as a National effort to encourage and support community efforts Historic Landmark by the Interior Department’s National Park Service. During the to preserve and enjoy America’s priceless cultural two year research phase he unearthed a wide variety of original documents and and natural heritage. The goals of the initiative photographs which traced the unique history of the twin lights of Thacher Island include a greater shared knowledge about the since 1635. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 CONTINUED FROM THE COVER Local TIA member donates ship models to the NEW BOOK ON THACHER ISLAND TO BE PUBLISHED IN MAY 2010. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Thacher Island Museum. CONTINUED FROM THE COVER administers Preserve America Ed Locke, a TIA member and local Rockporter, exhibit. They include the Chebacco boat Lion He has been a board member of the Sandy during the summer months to do carpentry photographs, many never seen before. programs with the Department Bay Historical Society as well as the Thacher work on the island. His current project along has put his wood working skills to use. He has about 1804 , the pinky Essex dated around It will retail for $21.99 but is available of the Interior, in cooperation Island Association. His interests in history with his fellow volunteers is to restore the made several half hull ship models of various 1821, the Gloucester schooner Onato, ,built by through the Association for only $19.00 with 10 other federal agencies. and maritime activities, and living within railway tram system which was used to schooners and fishing boats that have inhabited Oxner and Story at Essex in 1904, and the Grace including shipping if you renew your For more information visit view of Thacher Island, prompted his effort transport coal and supplies around the island the waters around Thacher Island in the 1800’s. L. Fears ,1874 the boat that Captain Howard membership for 2010. www.achp.gov and www. The models are made of a variety of woods Blackburn went astray from in January1883 to create this pictorial history on behalf of in the 1880’s. preserveamerica.gov/stewards the Thacher Island Association. It is also available on Amazon.com and including, poplar, mahogany and birch. Ed uses fishing off Newfoundland. Blackburn was lost at St.Germain said, “I hope this work will to see the page that showcases Barnes &Noble.com and a variety of other actual architectural boat drawings and from sea for 5 days and rowed 60 miles in a blinding With assistance from the Sandy Bay awaken more interest in Thacher Island, The Thacher Island Association on-line book sellers. these he creates the half hulls that are to exact snow storm, lost his fingers from severe frostbite Historical Society, the National Archives, encourage membership to the Association volunteer efforts to care for scale. These drawings came from Joe Garland’s after wrapping his hands around the oars having important historic resources for U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s office and as well as highlight the significant historical Thacher Island Vintage Post Card book Down to the Sea, the fishing schooners of lost his mittens. many other sources, he has put together a role Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher packets, a companion piece to the book, the benefit of present and future Gloucester. Ed hopes to finish the series this summer. generations. revealing record and a fascinating pictorial Island played in the growth of America. are available featuring 15 different scenes Each model is unique in shape and form. Ed We plan to provide a special display area for history of this fabled island. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to taken from the book. The price is $7.99 plus mounts them on a wood back plate and adds a all to appreciate his expert craftsmanship. We the Association.” shipping also from the Association. spar varnish finish to them. thank Ed for his generous donation and hope The book highlights how Thacher Island We provided Ed with a list of ships that we that we have many visitors to admire his work. was named for Anthony Thacher, who in Arcadia Publishing has added this Straitsmouth Lighthouse. thought would be appropriate for the museum 1635 lost his four children and other family book to its Images of America series which members in a shipwreck during the most celebrates the history of neighborhoods, severe storm ever to hit the Massachusetts towns, and cities across the country. Using coast. Only Anthony and his wife Elizabeth archival photographs, each present the survived. The lighthouses have played an distinctive stories from the past that shape important role in several wars, including the the character of the community today. Revolutionary War and World War I and II, The book is 128 pages with 200 vintage when the navy established a radio compass station to protect the coast from enemy Postcard packet submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. president featuring 15 photos POSTCARDS almost wrecked on Thacher Island, the island o f A m e r i c a from the book. was used as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher Twin LighTS Of This half hull is model of the Chebacco boat Chebacco Boat hull drawing from which Ed made Island, Cape Ann captures the history, ThACheR iSLAnD, CAPe Ann Lion built in 1804. This is one of four different his model. adventures, and intimate stories from over designs Ed Locke is building for the Thacher 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island Museum. island, including how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were applied to improve the lights over the years. Straitsmouth Island Town of Rockport. He listed the reasons why Community House and Library. Besides his focus on fund raising Sample of a few of the this was a good idea for the town when he h Insures continued maintenance of Lighthouse accepted by spoke on the issue stating; efforts for the restoration of the structures 200 vintage photos Straitsmouth Island as a wildlife sanctuary in on Thacher Island, St.Germain volunteers Rockport Town Meeting. partnership with Mass Audubon. included in the book. h Reinforcement of Rockport’s maritime 15 H i s t o r i c P o s t c a r d s On April 3 the Rockport Town meeting heritage by ownership of a historically cape ann, MassachuseTTs T attendees voted unanimously to approve Next steps hacher Island was named for Anthony Thacher who, in 1635, win significant lighthouse dating to 1834 that is include theT lostsigning his four children and other familyand members in a shipwreck IMAGES during the most severe storm to ever hit the Massachusetts coast. Only L o f A m e r i c a Anthony and his wife Elizabeth survived. The lighthouses have played igh an important role in several wars, including the Revolutionary War and Article E of the Town warrant that stated; listed on the National Registry of Historic T World Wars I and II, when the navy established a radio compass station s Twin LighTs of registering of the deed, and approval of a to protect the coast from enemy submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. of president almost wrecked on Thacher Island, and the island was used T Thacher isLand, “To see if the Town will vote to authorize Places. as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher hacher licensing agreement withIsland, Cape the Ann captures Mass the history, adventures, Audu and intimate stories- from over 300 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, including cape ann how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were

the Board of Selectmen to acquire by gift

applied to improve the lights over the years. i

h s Addition of 1.8 acres of land to the Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher Island Association, L bon for a right of way easement to access and a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport resident for 15 years and can see the island from his home. With assistance from

all right, title and interest held by the United ,

the archives of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, he has put together a c

Town’s open space inventory at no cost to the ape the lighthouse through revealingtheir record and land.a fascinating pictorial history of this fabled island. The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods,

States of America in and to that certain a towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, Town. each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the nn

character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the

Then the biggest job will be to find sourc- P preservation of local heritage, making history available to all. parcel of land known as The Straitsmouth AU l S l T h Acquisition of an attractive site which G . Island Lighthouse containing approximately es of funding for the estimated $300,000 ERMAI 1.8 acres of land more or less and located adds to the waterfront’s scenic vista and to cost to restore and repair the light tower n -!$%).4(% on Straitsmouth Island, off the coast of the Town’s inventory of tourist attractions. over the next few years.www.arcadiapublishing.com Work is not ex- ISBn-13 978-0-7385-7228-4 $21.99 ISBn-10 0-7385-7228-4 Rockport, Essex County, Massachusetts h 52199 Continue the Town’s tradition to maintain pected to start until 2012 and depends on together with any improvements thereon; or 9 7 8 0 7 3 8 5 7 2 2 8 4 Paul St. Germain and preserve historical buildings that add our success in soliciting funds via grants act on anything relative thereto.” value to the Town. Cover of new 128 page The motion was made by Paul St.Germain, and donations. h Preservation of a cultural icon to join the book by Thacher Island President of the Association, on behalf of twin lighthouses of Thacher Island, Motif#1, Association President, the Thacher Island Town Committee and the Halibut Point, Paper House, Old Castle, Paul St. Germain.

Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse Update. CONTINUED FROM THE COVER Local TIA member donates ship models to the NEW BOOK ON THACHER ISLAND TO BE PUBLISHED IN MAY 2010. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) Thacher Island Museum. CONTINUED FROM THE COVER administers Preserve America Ed Locke, a TIA member and local Rockporter, exhibit. They include the Chebacco boat Lion He has been a board member of the Sandy during the summer months to do carpentry photographs, many never seen before. programs with the Department Bay Historical Society as well as the Thacher work on the island. His current project along has put his wood working skills to use. He has about 1804 , the pinky Essex dated around It will retail for $21.99 but is available of the Interior, in cooperation Island Association. His interests in history with his fellow volunteers is to restore the made several half hull ship models of various 1821, the Gloucester schooner Onato, ,built by through the Association for only $19.00 with 10 other federal agencies. and maritime activities, and living within railway tram system which was used to schooners and fishing boats that have inhabited Oxner and Story at Essex in 1904, and the Grace including shipping if you renew your For more information visit view of Thacher Island, prompted his effort transport coal and supplies around the island the waters around Thacher Island in the 1800’s. L. Fears ,1874 the boat that Captain Howard membership for 2010. www.achp.gov and www. The models are made of a variety of woods Blackburn went astray from in January1883 to create this pictorial history on behalf of in the 1880’s. preserveamerica.gov/stewards the Thacher Island Association. It is also available on Amazon.com and including, poplar, mahogany and birch. Ed uses fishing off Newfoundland. Blackburn was lost at St.Germain said, “I hope this work will to see the page that showcases Barnes &Noble.com and a variety of other actual architectural boat drawings and from sea for 5 days and rowed 60 miles in a blinding With assistance from the Sandy Bay awaken more interest in Thacher Island, The Thacher Island Association on-line book sellers. these he creates the half hulls that are to exact snow storm, lost his fingers from severe frostbite Historical Society, the National Archives, encourage membership to the Association volunteer efforts to care for scale. These drawings came from Joe Garland’s after wrapping his hands around the oars having important historic resources for U.S. Coast Guard Historian’s office and as well as highlight the significant historical Thacher Island Vintage Post Card book Down to the Sea, the fishing schooners of lost his mittens. many other sources, he has put together a role Cape Ann Light Station on Thacher packets, a companion piece to the book, the benefit of present and future Gloucester. Ed hopes to finish the series this summer. generations. revealing record and a fascinating pictorial Island played in the growth of America. are available featuring 15 different scenes Each model is unique in shape and form. Ed We plan to provide a special display area for history of this fabled island. Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to taken from the book. The price is $7.99 plus mounts them on a wood back plate and adds a all to appreciate his expert craftsmanship. We the Association.” shipping also from the Association. spar varnish finish to them. thank Ed for his generous donation and hope The book highlights how Thacher Island We provided Ed with a list of ships that we that we have many visitors to admire his work. was named for Anthony Thacher, who in Arcadia Publishing has added this Straitsmouth Lighthouse. thought would be appropriate for the museum 1635 lost his four children and other family book to its Images of America series which members in a shipwreck during the most celebrates the history of neighborhoods, severe storm ever to hit the Massachusetts towns, and cities across the country. Using coast. Only Anthony and his wife Elizabeth archival photographs, each present the survived. The lighthouses have played an distinctive stories from the past that shape important role in several wars, including the the character of the community today. Revolutionary War and World War I and II, The book is 128 pages with 200 vintage when the navy established a radio compass station to protect the coast from enemy Postcard packet submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. president featuring 15 photos POSTCARDS almost wrecked on Thacher Island, the island o f A m e r i c a from the book. was used as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher Twin LighTS Of This half hull is model of the Chebacco boat Chebacco Boat hull drawing from which Ed made Island, Cape Ann captures the history, ThACheR iSLAnD, CAPe Ann Lion built in 1804. This is one of four different his model. adventures, and intimate stories from over designs Ed Locke is building for the Thacher 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island Museum. island, including how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were applied to improve the lights over the years. Straitsmouth Island Town of Rockport. He listed the reasons why Community House and Library. Besides his focus on fund raising Sample of a few of the this was a good idea for the town when he h Insures continued maintenance of Lighthouse accepted by spoke on the issue stating; efforts for the restoration of the structures 200 vintage photos Straitsmouth Island as a wildlife sanctuary in on Thacher Island, St.Germain volunteers Rockport Town Meeting. partnership with Mass Audubon. included in the book. h Reinforcement of Rockport’s maritime 15 H i s t o r i c P o s t c a r d s On April 3 the Rockport Town meeting heritage by ownership of a historically cape ann, MassachuseTTs T attendees voted unanimously to approve Next steps hacher Island was named for Anthony Thacher who, in 1635, win significant lighthouse dating to 1834 that is include theT lostsigning his four children and other familyand members in a shipwreck IMAGES during the most severe storm to ever hit the Massachusetts coast. Only L o f A m e r i c a Anthony and his wife Elizabeth survived. The lighthouses have played igh an important role in several wars, including the Revolutionary War and Article E of the Town warrant that stated; listed on the National Registry of Historic T World Wars I and II, when the navy established a radio compass station s Twin LighTs of registering of the deed, and approval of a to protect the coast from enemy submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. of president almost wrecked on Thacher Island, and the island was used T Thacher isLand, “To see if the Town will vote to authorize Places. as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher hacher licensing agreement withIsland, Cape the Ann captures Mass the history, adventures, Audu and intimate stories- from over 300 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, including cape ann how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were

the Board of Selectmen to acquire by gift applied to improve the lights over the years. i h s Addition of 1.8 acres of land to the Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher Island Association, L bon for a right of way easement to access and a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport resident for 15 years and can see the island from his home. With assistance from

all right, title and interest held by the United ,

the archives of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, he has put together a c

States of America in and to that certain a towns, and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, Town. each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the nn character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the

Straitsmouth Island Lighthouse Update. Born on January 30, 1927, Alice Orne dren, Melinda, Cara, Idella and Glad- Recalling her mother Alice said, “my thing. It was a vapor light thing and had of ducks and rabbits. They tasted pretty Memories went to live on Thacher when she was wyn. Austin Beal was married to Annie mother was known for feeding people. what they called a mantle. They were good the way my mother cooked them. only two weeks old with her father, First B. and had a son named Lloyd. ’have some more, have some more’ when so fragile, I had to swing it under the Not all coots but I remember them say- of a Lighthouse Assistant keeper Simeon Orne and her Alice remembered many stories we lived on Cuttyhunk Island the Coast vaporizer. It had to get really hot then ing shelldrake s and they’d soak them mother Gezella. Alice’s mother boarded about her time there. She related that Guard guys would patrol the island and I would take the hood off and then it in soda and water overnight. My father Keeper’s with a Mrs. Annie Dobson on South there was no electricity and had to prime they always stopped in and my mother would glow inside the lens. The largest would clean them and then she’d make a Street while awaiting Alice’s birth. the pump in each kitchen for water would give them a nice piece of home- lens was on Thacher, because I remem- stew with gravy and dumplings. It tasted Daughter. Dobson always opened her home to the which was stored in cisterns in each made pie. She used to cut the pie in four ber you walk right into that one. The good.” keepers and their children in emergen- cellar. There were no toilets inside and pieces-that was a piece of pie-a quarter others were just small about half the size In recalling her sister Ellie she noted cies or when they could not get back to they used an outhouse in the backyard. of a pie. She did a lot of cooking, my of a door.”(These were third and fourth that she was married to a career Coast the island during stormy weather. She told of the time Cecil Kelley, who poor mother.” order lenses at the other stations). Guardsman, Manny Santos, and they Alice remained on Thacher until she described as a prankster, would tie a As Alice showed me many of her old She recalled a shipwreck on Cut- were stationed on Thacher in 1947 and 1933 when her father was transferred to goat to the door of the outhouse at night photos she recalled “Oh, I can remember tyhunk and remarking “the islanders got lived in the same house that they lived Sandy Neck Light in Barnstable Massa- in order to scare the children when they as kids we used to make a bonfire and these big bolts of cloth and all kinds of in 1927. chusetts on Cape Cod. went out to use the facilities at night. we’d get these periwinkles and fill an old things, all from the wreck. You know, This past June I spent some time Although she was too young for tin can with salt water and cook those that was one of our pastimes because Alice had many more recollections with Alice Orne Bickerton to learn more school she recalled her father rowing up. We used to get a safety pin and eat lots of liners and stuff, you could see which we have taped and will have of her life on the island. her siblings across Loblolly Cove so those things. I tried it again when I was them during the war and see convoys available in the museum as an oral his- Alice, the youngest of five children; they could walk to school down South older, when I was pregnant with my first going all day and all night long. We used tory collection we are in the process of her brother Curtis born in 1917, her sis- Street to the wooden school house (now child, oh I got deathly sick. They didn’t to have a telescope and I can remember creating. ters Florence born 1918, Jeska born 1921 the Boy Scout Hall).Most winters the taste as great.” lying down on my belly and looking at Her final comment to me was “It and Eleanor (Ellie) born in 1923. Her children stayed at Mrs. Dobson’s home She particularly remembered work- them going by.” was a good life though, a good life. I’d family moved from Ilsesford , Maine. for long stretches of time. The govern- ing with her father on Cuttyhunk when When ask what she did on the island love to go back there and live, I really Her Dad was originally with the U.S. ment paid her one a dollar a week for she was about 8 or 9 years old. Cutty- she said “I’ll tell you what used to be would. But you know you have to be Life Saving Service. He transferred to each child. hunk is the outermost of the Elizabeth one of our pastimes. We’d go out and a certain type of person, to enjoy your the Lighthouse Service and was assigned Alice had many good times on the Islands in Buzzards Bay. She and her we’d scavenge the beach and you’d be own company, and be able to read and to Thacher in 1919. Simeon Orne served island. She remembered the small coal family had lived on 4 lighthouse sta- surprised, we’d get great big lounging stuff. I love looking back as you get Alice Orne Bickerton, with Principal keeper Cecil Kelly, a cart railway stating “kids would love to tions, Thacher, Sandy Neck, Dumpling chairs that would come off the decks of older.” age 83 in her home in Rockport. bachelor, George Seavey , second as- be riding on those little cars. My brother Rock and Cuttyhunk. Her Dad served these liners. And then we would refinish Alice has not been back to the island sistant, Austin Beal, third assistant and would push the car up the hill to the for 18 years in the Lighthouse Service them.” for 60 years. The Association plans to Hubert Needham, fourth assistant. whistle house and then we would ride and died at the early age of 54. Her father taught her to hunt. She take her back out to visit Thacher this Alice lived in the brick assistant it all the way down to the boat house ”He taught me how to light the light. recalled having cows and sheep on all summer. She said “she can hardly wait.” keeper house adjacent to the principal by gravity. I broke my arm when I was I had to pump the pressure for the vapor- the stations. She stated, ”On Cuttyhunk keeper house. Their family was one of about three.” izer. As a kid I had to stand up on the we used to go duck hunting and eat a lot five families. The Seavey’s had four chil-

The keeper crew in front of the boat Keeper children who lived on the island. L. to house 1928. L. to R. Cecil Kelly R. Gladwyn Seavey, Alice, Jeska, Ellie, Florence, principal keeper, Austin (Birdie) Alice in the center with her sisters Melinda Seavey and Curtis, Alice’s brother. Beal, Simeon Orne, George Seavey, Alice at two years old in 1929 Jeska on the left and Eleanor (Ellie) and Hubert Needham. on the right. Simeon Orne stands near a ship Simeon Orne standing in front of the wreck on south end of island. North Tower on the railway track with his children in 1929. L. to R. their dog visit our visitor center & museum Tobey, Alice, Florence, Jeska and Ellie. Born on January 30, 1927, Alice Orne dren, Melinda, Cara, Idella and Glad- Recalling her mother Alice said, “my thing. It was a vapor light thing and had of ducks and rabbits. They tasted pretty Memories went to live on Thacher when she was wyn. Austin Beal was married to Annie mother was known for feeding people. what they called a mantle. They were good the way my mother cooked them. only two weeks old with her father, First B. and had a son named Lloyd. ’have some more, have some more’ when so fragile, I had to swing it under the Not all coots but I remember them say- of a Lighthouse Assistant keeper Simeon Orne and her Alice remembered many stories we lived on Cuttyhunk Island the Coast vaporizer. It had to get really hot then ing shelldrake s and they’d soak them mother Gezella. Alice’s mother boarded about her time there. She related that Guard guys would patrol the island and I would take the hood off and then it in soda and water overnight. My father Keeper’s with a Mrs. Annie Dobson on South there was no electricity and had to prime they always stopped in and my mother would glow inside the lens. The largest would clean them and then she’d make a Street while awaiting Alice’s birth. the pump in each kitchen for water would give them a nice piece of home- lens was on Thacher, because I remem- stew with gravy and dumplings. It tasted Daughter. Dobson always opened her home to the which was stored in cisterns in each made pie. She used to cut the pie in four ber you walk right into that one. The good.” keepers and their children in emergen- cellar. There were no toilets inside and pieces-that was a piece of pie-a quarter others were just small about half the size In recalling her sister Ellie she noted cies or when they could not get back to they used an outhouse in the backyard. of a pie. She did a lot of cooking, my of a door.”(These were third and fourth that she was married to a career Coast the island during stormy weather. She told of the time Cecil Kelley, who poor mother.” order lenses at the other stations). Guardsman, Manny Santos, and they Alice remained on Thacher until she described as a prankster, would tie a As Alice showed me many of her old She recalled a shipwreck on Cut- were stationed on Thacher in 1947 and 1933 when her father was transferred to goat to the door of the outhouse at night photos she recalled “Oh, I can remember tyhunk and remarking “the islanders got lived in the same house that they lived Sandy Neck Light in Barnstable Massa- in order to scare the children when they as kids we used to make a bonfire and these big bolts of cloth and all kinds of in 1927. chusetts on Cape Cod. went out to use the facilities at night. we’d get these periwinkles and fill an old things, all from the wreck. You know, This past June I spent some time Although she was too young for tin can with salt water and cook those that was one of our pastimes because Alice had many more recollections with Alice Orne Bickerton to learn more school she recalled her father rowing up. We used to get a safety pin and eat lots of liners and stuff, you could see which we have taped and will have of her life on the island. her siblings across Loblolly Cove so those things. I tried it again when I was them during the war and see convoys available in the museum as an oral his- Alice, the youngest of five children; they could walk to school down South older, when I was pregnant with my first going all day and all night long. We used tory collection we are in the process of her brother Curtis born in 1917, her sis- Street to the wooden school house (now child, oh I got deathly sick. They didn’t to have a telescope and I can remember creating. ters Florence born 1918, Jeska born 1921 the Boy Scout Hall).Most winters the taste as great.” lying down on my belly and looking at Her final comment to me was “It and Eleanor (Ellie) born in 1923. Her children stayed at Mrs. Dobson’s home She particularly remembered work- them going by.” was a good life though, a good life. I’d family moved from Ilsesford , Maine. for long stretches of time. The govern- ing with her father on Cuttyhunk when When ask what she did on the island love to go back there and live, I really Her Dad was originally with the U.S. ment paid her one a dollar a week for she was about 8 or 9 years old. Cutty- she said “I’ll tell you what used to be would. But you know you have to be Life Saving Service. He transferred to each child. hunk is the outermost of the Elizabeth one of our pastimes. We’d go out and a certain type of person, to enjoy your the Lighthouse Service and was assigned Alice had many good times on the Islands in Buzzards Bay. She and her we’d scavenge the beach and you’d be own company, and be able to read and to Thacher in 1919. Simeon Orne served island. She remembered the small coal family had lived on 4 lighthouse sta- surprised, we’d get great big lounging stuff. I love looking back as you get Alice Orne Bickerton, with Principal keeper Cecil Kelly, a cart railway stating “kids would love to tions, Thacher, Sandy Neck, Dumpling chairs that would come off the decks of older.” age 83 in her home in Rockport. bachelor, George Seavey , second as- be riding on those little cars. My brother Rock and Cuttyhunk. Her Dad served these liners. And then we would refinish Alice has not been back to the island sistant, Austin Beal, third assistant and would push the car up the hill to the for 18 years in the Lighthouse Service them.” for 60 years. The Association plans to Hubert Needham, fourth assistant. whistle house and then we would ride and died at the early age of 54. Her father taught her to hunt. She take her back out to visit Thacher this Alice lived in the brick assistant it all the way down to the boat house ”He taught me how to light the light. recalled having cows and sheep on all summer. She said “she can hardly wait.” keeper house adjacent to the principal by gravity. I broke my arm when I was I had to pump the pressure for the vapor- the stations. She stated, ”On Cuttyhunk keeper house. Their family was one of about three.” izer. As a kid I had to stand up on the we used to go duck hunting and eat a lot five families. The Seavey’s had four chil-

Bill Lee, local fisherman, island underwater researcher, marine Bill at helm of the surveyor and Thacher volunteer. Ocean Reporter.

Colorful Hats. Shows off the Th- Polar Fleece Jacket. Warm ,14.5oz Denim Keeper Shirt. This 100% “I’ve recycled and diversified myself” said along with data for boat owners as to safety the winter to check island conditions after gear acher Island Twin Lights logo. Yel- fleece, non-pill, zipper front and cotton soft denim shirt is a key Bill Lee in a recent conversation. Bill Lee is requirements and repair recommendations. big storms. For three years running he used low, Faded Blue, Khaki, Nautical pockets, elastic sleeves and waist, item to own .It proudly shows off a local fisherman who owns and operates the A few years ago he developed an inter- his boat and seamanship skills to find and Red, Charcoal, Navy. Adjustable, standup collar with embroidered the new Thacher Island twin lights Ocean Reporter out of Rockport Harbor. est in underwater photography. Purchas- repair the underwater electric cable to the 100% cotton, washable. $20.00 Thacher Island Twin Lights symbol. logo embriodered in dark blue. Bill was born and brought up in Rock- ing some old security camera equipment island. Bill is the resident expert on moor- Available in Red, Navy or Comes in S,M,L,XL,2XL $40.00 port, a graduate of Rockport High School at an auction and went on to construct a ings around the Cape Ann area repairing or Charcoal. Sizes S,M,L,XL,2XL. Now $30.00 and a former Sea Scout. He joined the Navy watertight camera case and lens system for installing over 275 mooring annually. $48.00 as a Seabee and served a year in Vietnam his work. His underwater camera gear has Bill’s office is now in the top floor of and later in Puerto Rico as a welder. He was the ability to record and film a variety of Motif#1 where he can keep an eye on all skipper of the oil rig barge Zeus in Glouces- fish studies, fishing gear, bottom ground the boats in the harbor. His office is appro- ter Harbor working on dredging operations sediment studies, and shipwrecks. One of priately decorated with his many nautical for the Gloucester sewer pipe project. He his first jobs was to test a side -scan radar artifacts, photos, and “do dads” given to him captained on an oil barge owned by Captain system in Sandy Bay for Dr. Robert Ballard by many of the local fisherman whose wives Dave at Rose’s Marine in Gloucester .Dur- and the crew that discovered the “Titanic” won’t let them hang them at home. ing his eight years there he delivered fuel in 1985. He won a gold medal second place The Association thanks Bill Lee for his to the Russian factory ships far at sea in the prize in an international Kodak video con- friendship and help on Thacher Island for North Atlantic. test. He produced a four minute underwater the past 30 years. He eventually bought his own boat and film entitled “Billy Bully the Lobster” and started fishing in 1974. Bill, who turns 62 also stars as the voice of Billy. It can be Sunburst” on Sea Foam Kayak Paddle” Red, White and Blue Flag” on White in August, recently sold his fishing license found on You Tube. Bill has also done a vid- Blue 100% cotton. on Putty 100% cotton. 100% cotton. Sizes S,M,L,XL. $20.00 after fishing for ground fish for 35 years. eo on the islands around Cape Ann includ- Sizes S,M,L,XL. $20.00 Sizes S,M,L,XL. $20.00 Like many fisherman he could no longer ing Thacher Island. He recently completed an underwater video for the coast guard in-

vestigation of the Patriot fishing boat which T IMAGES win NEW TTs , Massachuse cape ann o f A m e r i c a

hacher Island was named for Anthony Thacher who, in 1635, igh st. Only Ts of Tlost his four children and other family members in a shipwreck win Ligh tragically sank off Gloucester last year with ses have played T T during the most severe storm to ever hit the Massachusetts coa War and s and, Anthony and his wife Elizabeth survived. The lighthou of sL station hacher i an important role in several wars, including the Revolutionary T T earing a U.S. World Wars I and II, when the navy established a radio compass as used hacher ann the drowning of two fishermen. to protect the coast from enemy submarines. A ship b cape win Lights of Thacher president almost wrecked on Thacher Island, and the island w ries New book by Paul as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. T cluding

Island, Cape Ann captures the history, adventures, and intimate sto i

veries were s

from over 300 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, in L Bill now has contracts to take sediment how the two towers were built and how scientific disco and Island Association, applied to improve the lights over the years. resident for , , St.Germain, President Paul St. Germain is the president of the Thacher from c a nonprofit volunteer organization. He has been a Rockport gether a ape 15 years and can see the island from his home. With assistance

samples for a variety of organizations. One the archives of the Sandy Bay Historical Society, he has put to a ighborhoods, revealing record and a fascinating pictorial history of this fabled island. nn of the Thacher Island The Images of America series celebrates the historyphotographs, of ne

towns, and cities across the country. Using archival P play a part in the AU each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the of his first jobs was for the Army Corp of character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to lS

T preservation of local heritage, making history available to all. G . Association, tracing the

ERMAI

Engineers to test sediment samples in all n pictorial history of the

4(% This cast iron U.S. Lighthouse Service 1830 -!$%). harbors from Canada down the east coast “Twin Lights of Thacher www.arcadiapublishing.com sign was presented to the Thacher Island $21.99 and up the Hudson River to West Point, New ISBn-13 978-0-7385-7228-4-4 ISBn-10 0-7385-7228 52199 Paul St. Germain Island, Cape Ann” with

museum by Bill Lee. 5 7 2 2 8 4 York. He does marine surveys and fisheries 9 7 8 0 7 3 8 The Ocean Reporter built by Lee in his backyard. Thacher Island...An over 200 vintage photos many Book by Eleanor Parsons. The research for Boston University, MIT and adventure with keeper never before published. $21.99 definitive book on the history make a living due to the many new restric- University of Massachusetts. He has done Bill Lee donates vintage sign. Russell Grubb. 115 pgs. Soft of Thacher Island. tive fisheries laws. sand lance (sand eels) capture and research While taking classes for a boat surveying cover, many b/w photos. $22.00

Bill said he has “zero fear of trying any- for the marine fisheries division as well course in Florida this winter, Bill Lee came POSTCARDS o f A m e r i c a thing” .Witness the fact that he has owned as the New England Aquarium. The sand across this vintage cast iron sign at a local Twin LighTS Of seven boats in his career, one of which was lances swimming in the N.E. Aquarium’s nautical antiques store in Stuart, Florida. ThACheR iSLAnD, CAPe Ann a WW II “Mike6” landing craft. He has had tanks today were supplied by Bill. Bill has Although Bill claims that he bought it, the five boats named Ocean Reporter and two of designed a number of new fishing gear nets photo he sent us looks a little suspicious. those he built himself here in Rockport. His and equipment to allow fisherman to reduce Curious as to where this sign came from current steel boat was built in his backyard the amount of by- catch fish or to avoid Bill learned that it came from an antiques 15 H i s t o r i c P o s t c a r d s in 1986.It is 43 foot steel hulled fishing boat disturbing the bottom when ground fishing. store in Key West, Florida. Investigating with a 365 HP Detroit Diesel with a three His underwater camera systems have been further we found that Key West was the bladed prop that he has customized for used to track fish migrating patterns as well headquarters of the Seventh District of the Thacher Island Vintage his wide variety of work projects. He has as how fish enter and exit fishing nets. U.S. Lighthouse Service. The headquarters Thacher Pins Left.-Logo 1” Postcards, 15 different scenes sophisticated computers, monitors, radar and Bill has been a very good friend to the was located in the second oldest brick build- Right -Towers 1 1/4 ” $4.00 per pack. $7.99. Official Mug. White ceram- other specially designed mechanical equip- Thacher Island Association. He and Bob ing in the town in Mallory Square. The sign ic ,11oz. With blue Thacher ment aboard. Smith, who he calls his “Shore Captain” may have come from that building when it logo $6.00 He recently earned his marine surveyor pull and replace the mooring buoys at was closed down and the Lighthouse Service license, inspecting boats and providing Thacher every year. He also ferries a group was incorporated into the U.S. Coast Guard All prices include postage and handling. insurance companies information on boats of Thacher volunteers to the island during in 1915. To order make checks payable and send to: Thacher Island Association Box 73, Rockport , MA 01966 All Proceeds go to our restoration efforts.