Photo Caption:
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This 1903 newspaper photo, taken next to the fog bell on the Minot’s Ledge tower deck, shows (l-r) head keeper Milton R. Reamy, 2nd assistant Roscoe G. Lopaus, 3rd assistant Charles G. Everett, and 1st assistant Joseph E. Frates. One newspaper reporter, who stayed at the light with some of the same keepers for at least a week in 1893 wrote of his visit:
“For the first few days all went well, for Capt. Joseph E. Frates, the second assistant keeper, was in charge, and with the hospitality of the Portuguese, and the bonhomie peculiar to the Latin race, had made the reporter feel that the tower and all therein belonged to him. The captain had related many a tale of dangers by flood and field, had told of adventures met with in a long life at sea, had prophesied about the weather, and more than all, had cooked some delightful dinners which the reporter devoured with a thankful heart.
“‘Joe’ is a native of the Azores, bronzed by the sun and wind, healthy as a man who knows not that he has a liver or stomach, and as cheerful as such a fortunate individual should be. Under his courteous guidance the days flew on wings of light, and what would otherwise have been a sojourn devoted to ennui and repining was rendered a joyful holiday.
“The principal keeper, Capt. Reamy, was a different sort of man. Too dignified to play practical jokes, and too wise in experience to expect a landsman to know all about boats and fish, he was at the same time jolly and a joker. The reporter was anxious to behold a storm in all its magnificent fury, and the captain was willing to aid him. So, whenever the breeze blew, the reporter was routed out of bed to see the seas run.
“One night, as he was dreaming of home and mother, he was wakened by the captain, who screamed: ‘Here’s your storm; hurry up!’ The poor deluded creature hurried up the three flights of stairs, and followed the captain out upon the upper parapet. As he stepped out the wind seized his night gear, ripped off the trimming, and scattered it among the rocks to leeward.
“‘There goes a thousand dollars’ worth of Honiton lace,’ mournfully said the investigator, and again the captain grinned. It seemed to be blowing great guns, and with a thrill of joy at the prospect of excitement, the reporter asked his companion just about how fast the wind was blowing. He received the astonishing information that it was about a five-knot breeze. Disheartened and disgusted, he crept back into the lantern, down the stairs and into his couch to sleep, perchance to dream.” (Lighthouse Digest archives)
Back to the edition of: Nov/Dec 2022
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