Cabot Head Lightkeeping
By Sandra Howe for
Nov/12 MOSAIC
Since childhood, I have been fascinated by lighthouses and
by the Bruce Peninsula. I devoured
stories of pioneers, explorers, mariners, and shipwrecks along our rugged
coastlines. Two branches of my family
tree arrived in Culross Township with the first wave of settlers. When the Queen’s Bush was opened, my
ancestors arrived to create productive farms in this wilderness. They cleared timber, fished, hunted,
travelled the bush trails and waterways.
I imagine their lives as difficult, but satisfying. I am always curious to know more about
them. As an “Assistant Lightkeeper” at
Cabot Head Lightstation, I had many insightful glimpses into our regional
human, and natural history. It was a
great joy to me, and I look forward to another adventure there.
For a wonderful week in September this year, I had the
pleasure of staying in the Historic Cabot Head Lightstation. It was built in 1896 as a navigational aid
for the bustling trade by ship on the Great Lakes. The treacherous shores of Georgian Bay had already seen many
shipwrecks, and this beacon was critical in safeguarding the waterways. Today the light is solar-powered, standing
atop a steel tower. The original
lightstation looks much as it did in 1896, and functions as a museum and
observation tower. I spent many happy
hours there watching sunrises, sunsets, storms, stars, and sailboats; the views
are magnificent.
“Friends of Cabot Head” is a not-for-profit organization
founded by concerned area citizens to restore, maintain, and manage this
valuable heritage. With the full
automation of the light, and the dismissal of the final lightkeeper in 1987,
the lightstation buildings were considered surplus. From 1994 to 1996, the “Friends” undertook major restoration and
renovation work using limited grant money, and volunteer labour and
expertise. It was truly a labour of
love!
The present facility includes the lightstation,
lightkeepers’ cottage, gift shop, art gallery, walking trails, historic plaques,
and picnic area. The lightstation and
cottage got fresh coats of paint this year-the traditional white with red trim-
and are looking truly “ship-shape”. All
funds for maintenance and operations are generated through the “Assistant
Lightkeeper Program”, gift shop and gallery sales, and visitor donations. The local community has been incredibly
supportive, donating time, money, stories, and artifacts to maintain and share
this historic treasure. I was so
pleased to stay in the lightstation, and play a small part in keeping it open
and accessible for all to enjoy.
The duties of a lightkeeper have changed dramatically over
the years. From 1896 until electricity
arrived at Cabot Head in 1964, the light required steady and labourious
tending. “The Rules and Instructions
for Lighthouse-Keepers”, published in 1905, stated that they were “required to
be sober, industrious, and orderly in their families,”. Kerosene lamps were lit and kept at full
brilliancy between sunset and sunrise, and in foggy or dark weather. The light was visible for 14 miles on a
clear night. Lamps, wicks, reflectors,
tower windows, clockwork mechanism, and foghorn plant all required daily
maintenance. Many sailors lives
depended on the efficient operation of the light.
Georgian Bay is full of moods, and has witnessed the demise
of many vessels and people. Shipwrecks
are strewn along the cliffs and boulders that surround Cabot Head. Many boats, past and present, have sought
safe harbour in Wingfield Basin, but several lie there still. It is a place full of stories with both
tragic and happy endings.
My story endings from Cabot Head are all happy. As “Assistant Lightkeeper”, my duties were
light, and fun: sweep, dust, tidy to keep the museum and grounds orderly; greet
visitors from around the world; help tend the gift shop and gallery. I walked the trails, read the histories,
imagined and wrote of the lives lived at Cabot Head through the years. I enjoyed reclining under the old apple tree
with books, and journals. It was like a
quiet cottage week with a heritage flavour.
For a restful retreat into the colourful history of our
region, I would highly recommend a lightkeeper stay.
The facilities are rustic but comfortable.
The scenery is spectacular.
The visitors are excited and engaging.
I love the way the threads of time connect
us all to our past, and weave our present.
For more information about “Friends of Cabot Head”, and how you can get
involved see
www.cabothead.ca
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| Cabot Head Lightstation restored to near original look |
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| Original lens on display in Museum |
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| Table set for Lightkeeper's supper |
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| View up the Tower |
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| Winch rails carried boats in and out of Wingfield Basin |
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| Kitchen Tools in Museum |
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