West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association

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Summer 2005

The West Quoddy Head Light Keepers Association (WQHLKA opened the doors of the Visitor Center to the public on May 28, 2005. Hours are now 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week, through mid-October.

After only three weeks, by June 18th, over 1800 visitors had come to see us from forty-seven states of the United States and from Australia, Belgium, Bermuda, Czech Republic, England, Falkland Islands, Germany, Holland, Honduras, Ireland, Italy, Puerto Rico, Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden and Wales.

West Quoddy Head Light House
Tower Stairs

And, on Saturday the 18th, over 300 visitors came to celebrate our third anniversary celebration. Many positive comments were made about the new exhibits, to the volunteer staff, especially by some former light keepers who joined us for the day.

Music began the event, provided by Paula Tinker on the bagpipes, followed by musicians Duane Ingalls and Noel Veilleux, who performed alternately for the rest of the morning, entertaining people waiting in line for the tour up the tower. Over 200 people climbed the stairs to the top of the tower, under the supervision of the U.S.Coast Guard.

Good food was enjoyed by all, provided by local vendors, Bold Coast Smokehouse and Sun Porch Industries.

Guest Speakers included Gwen Wasson, granddaughter of light keeper Ephraim Johnson. Gwen related colorful details of Ephraim’s West Quoddy intendancy from 1901 to 1931. Her memories include helping as a child to maintain the lantern brass in spotless condition. Master of Ceremonies Ron Pesha then announced that his illustrated article about Ephraim Johnson appears in the current (June) issue of Lighthouse Digest magazine.

From Southwest Harbor, the Coast Guard Chief of the Aids to Navigation Team, “Chuck” Patronis, spoke about their role in assuring safety. Patronis, new in his post some ten days earlier, thoroughly enjoyed the event and his opportunity to meet a long-retired colleague, Ken Black.

Regional Manager of the Bureau of Parks and Lands, Tim Hall, recalled the time when he worked with the West Quoddy Head Light Keepers organization to develop the Visitor Center. He said that experience created the model for subsequent State and private group collaboration.

Surprise guest, Mac Rouse, the last Keeper at West Quoddy (1986-1988) before its automation, recalled his days at West Quoddy Light.

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