See the Light, Save the Light

Located just shy of a mile from shore, Rockland’s lighthouse stands like an exclamation point at the end of the harbor’s long and popular granite breakwater. For well over a century, it’s been a valued aid to navigation, an iconic site on the horizon, a year-round destination for any and all who care to hike out to it, and a mark of pride for the Rockland Community.

Erected in 1902, the light and adjacent boathouse were deeded to Rockland in 1998. Since then, the city has been responsible for their upkeep. Municipal budgets being what they are, resources have at times been slim, and maintenance has been undertaken primarily by volunteers who, with varying degrees of success, have tried to stay even in the battle with winter storms and the harsh marine environment of the Maine coast.

According to Molly Eddy, the Rockland Harbormaster, the buildings were already in need of attention—especially a new roof—when a pair of powerful winter southeasterly storms conspired with astronomically high tides to pummel just about anything standing on the coast from Kittery to Eastport.

The seaward side of the light took the brunt of the blows, with railings mangled, roof tiles missing, siding torn off, and possible structural damage. Though the breakwater remains open to strollers, the light is no longer fit to be open to visitors a few days a month. In fact, Eddy encourages anyone walking that far on the breakwater to steer clear of the building, or at least use common sense when around it.

In the wake of the carnage, Eddy and a committee of volunteers launched a very much grassroots effort to raise funds and build enthusiasm once again to shore up and then restore the lighthouse. A big step in the right direction came thanks to the state’s Congressional delegation, which secured $125,000 in federal funds that will be matched by the city to begin repairs. Eddy is also in discussions with state preservation officials to secure permission to use sturdier and more long-lasting materials for what needs to be replaced. In all, she figures it will cost about $500,000 to get things shipshape.

That means more big checks will be needed. But in the meantime, what Eddy’s keen on is small-donor fundraising, so that as many in the community as possible buy into the light’s future, so to speak.

One of the more recent volunteers to come forward to help is former city councilor Sarah Austin, who said the light was the first thing she saw when she sailed into the harbor several years ago as crew aboard a tall ship. Now, when visitors who may not be comfortable on boats come for a stay, she recommends a walk to the end of the jetty to get a feel for what it’s like to be offshore. It’s a unique experience, she added.

This summer Austin designed bumper stickers, on sale at Eddy’s office and at participating downtown shops, that proclaim, “I Hiked to the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse / Almost a Mile Out to Sea Since 1902.” One can be had for a donation of $15 (available online at https://bit.ly/3WEbTPK). The stickers would look swell on any car, laptop, or traveling case, IMHO.

And Eddy, in her spare time, has been cranking out small wooden ornaments with a painting of the lighthouse. They’re for sale too, along with hats and T-shirts, which are soon to come. Once they’re available, pick some up. Or, if you can do it, write a big check. It all adds up. And the lighthouse needs the help.

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