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Block Island, Rhode Island

26316. (framed photograph) U. S. Life Saving Station, Block Island RI c.1890. Superb 7" x 9" sepia photograph shows the Life Saving Station keeper and crew posing at the roadway leading up to the station. Large view includes the station, additional stable and the tall signal flag pole beside the station. Clear, clean, close view is in its original period oak 12” x 15” frame and mat. The Block Island station was one of three on the island, located on the west side of the island near Dickens Point. The station was provided for by Congress in March, 1871, and built there in 1872. Originally called the "Block Island, Southwest Point" station, it was reconstructed and enlarged in 1886. The station was a Bibb style, but was unusual for its lack of the typical high Bibb style lookout tower. Beautiful for display. (VG+).   $365.

721. Longo, Mildred Santille. PICTURE POSTCARD VIEWS OF RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES AND BEACONS TOGETHER WITH A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIFESAVING STATIONS. 1990. Rhode Island. 100p. Soft wraps. 8VO. Color illustrated covers. Chock FULL of vintage photographs, engravings, postcard views, Notice to Mariners and other illustrations, this work is a delight to read and to look through. With a chapter on each Rhode Island light station and light-vessel, this interesting work provides views and tid-bits of information not found in most volumes. Also includes chapters on Point Judith Life-Saving Station and the Volunteer Lifesaving Corps. Regardless of where you are from, you are sure to find this most interesting. Out of print, only a few left. (VG). $48.

2728a. (mounted photo)  The Southeast Lighthouse, Block Island, RI. c.1900 by Swift. The Southeast Light cost about $80,000 -- $10,000 for the huge first-order Fresnel lens alone. The lighthouse was designated a primary seacoast aid to navigation, which meant it was equipped with the most powerful lighting apparatus available. The fixed white light, illuminated by lard oil, was first exhibited on February 1, 1875.The large brick keeper's house, attached to the tower, was a 2 1/2 story duplex residence with twin 1 1/2 story kitchen wings to the rear. Great early photo by Swift measures 3 ¾” x 4 ¾” on 7” x 8” mount. Clear, nice detail and composition, just a bit of light wear to edges. (VG+).  $110.

2728b. (mounted photo)  U. S. Life Saving Station, Block Island RI c.1900 by Swift. Close view includes the station, additional stable and the tall signal flag pole beside the station. The Block Island station was one of three on the island, located on the west side of the island near Dickens Point. The station was provided for by Congress in March, 1871, and built there in 1872. Originally called the " Block Island , Southwest Point" station, it was reconstructed and enlarged in 1886. The station was a Bibb style, but was unusual for its lack of the typical high Bibb style lookout tower. Great early photo by Swift measures 3 ¾” x 4 ¾” on 7” x 8” mount. Clear, nice detail and composition, just a bit of light wear and chipping to mount edges. Rare view, beautiful for display. (VG).  $185.

2183. Claflin, James W., LIGHTHOUSES AND LIFE SAVING ALONG THE CONNECTICUT AND RHODE ISLAND COAST. 228p. 200 vintage photographs. Published as part of the Images of America series by Arcadia Publishing. This is the third volume in a series of photographic histories of lighthouses and lifesaving along the coasts of the United States. Included too is a section covering the US Revenue Cutter Service and the subsequent formation of the Coast Guard, all illustrated with wonderful vintage views. Arcadia is a well known publisher of local and regional histories, including the popular Images of America series. This compact volume features over 200 early photographs dating from the 1870's through the 1940's, drawn from my and other private collections, most never before published and traces the history of these services through photos and text. (M) $19.99.

29167. (chart) FISHERS ISLAND SOUND. Rhode Island-Connecticut-New York. 12th Edition August 6, 1962. With pasted on correction to Nov. 9, 1963. U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. Scale 1/20,000. Bright, very large 33h” x 42w” original Coast Survey chart includes all of Fishers Island Sound from the Poquonock River north to Watch Hill, including all of Fishers Island. Fishers Island Sound extends between the mainland of Connecticut and Fishers Island, and forms one of the entrances into Long Island Sound that is used to some extent by light tows and other vessels up to 14-foot draft. The sound has numerous shoals and lobster trap buoys, and the entire area is exceedingly treacherous, characterized by boulder patches that rise abruptly from deep water. Included on the chart are ranges and bearings,  tides and currents for the area, and soundings, as well as all Light-Houses and buoys, as are towns and features. Chart is in good condition, overall clean with only light wear to original folds. Shipped as originally folded. (VG). $34. 

U. S. Light-House Service District Charts

20178. [Light-House District Maps]. U. S. Light-House Service. c. 1900-1908. A rare opportunity to obtain early, official U. S. Light-House Service District charts of all district aids to navigation as bound in their Annual Reports. Normally these charts are included within the Annual Reports and we are unable to offer them separately but we have found a lot of disbound charts in wonderful condition. These are perfect for matting and framing for your wall. Charts detail the entire Light-House District in three colors, and show all lighthouses, beacons, light vessels, fog signals, lighted buoys, Light-House Depots, and more. Charts average about 9" x 10 ½" in size with one original fold and are clean and crisp. A rare chance to obtain the chart of your Light-House District for framing. (VG).

27144b. (commemorative vase) c.1900. A pretty, bright, gilt decorated cobalt blue commemorative vase featuring a beautiful, full color image of the South Lighthouse, Block Island, RI. Unusual vase measures 5” high and is enhanced by a bright gilt edging and cobalt blue body color. Marked “Made in Germany ”. Clean, bright, a very pretty display piece for your collection and a rare Southeast Lighthouse and Block Island piece. (VG+). $224 net.

6615c. (commemorative cup) c.1900 A bright commemorative cup and saucer in bright gilt decorated crème, featuring a beautiful, detailed b/w image of “South Light and Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island, Rhode Island” on the cup. This clean cup measures 3 3/8” in diameter, enhanced by a sparkling decorative gilt trim.. Fine clear, great detail, pretty little piece for your display. Marked “Made in Germany for Surf Hotel Bazar, Block Island, RI.” Very scarce design and image, quite collectible, bright, one closed age crack visible primarily on inside. (G+). $34.

2895. (saucer) c.1900 A bright commemorative saucer in bright gilt decorated crème, featuring a beautiful, detailed b/w image of “Pebbly Beach Point” Block Island, on the saucer. This striking 6” diameter saucer is enhanced by a sparkling decorative gilt trim.. Fine clear, great detail, pretty little set for your display. Marked “Made in Germany for J. Eugene Littlefield, Block Island, RI.” Very scarce design and image, quite collectible, in bright, wonderful condition. (F-). $54.

27144. (commemorative vase) c.1900. A pretty, bright, gilt decorated commemorative vase featuring a beautiful, full color image of the “South Light, Block Island, RI.”. Unusual vase measures 3 ¼” high and is enhanced by a bright gilt edging and emerald green body color. Marked “Made in Germany ”. Clean, bright, a very pretty display piece for your collection and a rare Southeast Lighthouse and Block Island piece. (VG+).  $110 net.

27249. (commemorative trivet) Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, RI. c.1898. A large, detailed commemorative trivet or hotplate featuring a one color image of the large brick lighthouse and 3-story keeper’s dwelling on Block Island’s Mohegan Bluffs. The lighthouse, built in the a870’s,  was designated a primary seacoast aid to navigation and was equipped with the most powerful lighting apparatus available. This bright distinctive piece is square and measures 6” in diameter and is enhanced by a lightly decorated raised rim. Trivet is clean, little wear. A rare, unusual Block Island item for your display. (VG).  $74.

 6516e. (souvenir plate) From lovely Block Island, Rhode Island comes this rare English Wedgewood style souvenir plate in dark cobalt blue decoration. A superb, bright, commemorative plate features six beautiful clear, detailed image of  area attractions. Prominent in the center is the brick South Lighthouse. Surrounding it are the North Light House and Life Saving Station, South Light House and Cliff, Boat Landing East Harbor, Old Mill, and Great Fresh Pond and Oldest House on the Island.  On the back it is marked in cobalt blue: “Imported for … Rose & Co…. This pretty display piece measures 9 1/8”  in diameter and is enhanced by a decorative flowered border around the edge. Extremely light overall crazing from age on back, two closed age cracks visible on back only. Clean and bright, a fine display piece. (VG-).  $168 net.  

 21489b. (souvenir cup/saucer) c.1900. An unusual, bold, bright emerald green  commemorative cup featuring a beautiful full color image of “South Light, Block Island , RI. ”. This item is quite attractive and bears a fine, full color though a bit distant image of the tall brick lighthouse tower and attached keeper’s dwelling perched on the tall sandy bluff. Cup is quite bright and distinctive, and  measures 2 ½” high by 4” in diameter. Cup is  enhanced by a distinctive ornate handle, and by a decorative gilt trim on the handle and around the image and rim. Clean, no cracks or checks. "Made in Germany ”. A very detailed, pretty piece for your display, nice coloration and quite rare. (VG+). $168 net.

29142. Holmes, Richard. RHODE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSES – A Pictorial History. 2008. 212p. Soft wraps. A complete pictorial guide of the past and present Rhode Island light stations, with vintage photographs, prints and postcard views and a brief history and description of each. With hundreds of illustrations. (M). $24.95.

28308. Ellsberg, Commander Edward. On the Bottom. Flat Hammock Press. 2004. 256 pages w/ photos, with added CD, & DVD. With an introduction by Edward L. Beach, Captain, U. S. Navy (Retired). First published in 1929, this enthralling work has become one of the greatest true stories of adventure, dogged determination, courage and loyalty ever written. On the evening of September 25, 1925 the U.S. Navy Submarine S-51 was rammed by the steamship SS City of Rome in open seas off Block Island, Rhode Island, and sank in 132 feet of water, with the loss of 33 lives. This disaster evoked such a storm of popular indignation against the Navy Department that something had to be done. It was felt that at all costs a determined attempt must be made to raise the S-51, if only to restore public confidence. No vessel had ever been raised from such a depth, and to the technical mind the thing was impossible. The task of salvaging the submarine fell to Lieutenant Commander Edward Ellsberg and a group of naval divers scavenged from all over the fleet. It was done painstakingly over a nine month period and involved obstacle after obstacle, all the while battling rough seas, icy waters, and "the bends." Working in hard hats with lead boots, in minimal light, while dragging air lines behind them, each diver had about an hour of exhausting and terrifying work before a lengthy decompression process. It is no exaggeration to say that the impossible was achieved. Originally published in 1929, this magnificent account of the struggle on the ocean floor to salvage the sunken U.S. Navy submarine, S-51, has become a modern classic of the sea. What was not included in Edward Ellsberg’s gripping account are specifics of the accident, the aftermath, and the extent that the event touched the nation. This expanded edition presents this and more by including an introduction, a publisher’s preface, additional photographs, an afterword, and appendixes. Also added is a recording of the period song "Sinking of the Submarine S-51," an oral history by Commander Ellsberg, and a video disc of rare on scene newsreel footage. "A marvelous tale, filled with moments of horrified expectancy, of glad thrills, of impossible deeds and endurances, of achievements that smack of magic." (The New York Times). (M). $34.95

2699. D’Entremont, Jeremy. THE LIGHTHOUSES OF RHODE ISLAND. Beverly. 2006. Soft wraps. 240 p. With The Lighthouses of Rhode Island, author Jeremy D’Entremonthe continues his new series, "Lighthouse Treasury," which describes the fascinating history of our American lighthouses, state by state. Read about: A feud between two keepers at Whale Rock Light led to a harrowing life-and-death chase; The hurricane of 1938 devastated the state's lighthouses. The keepers at Plum Beach Light off North Kingstown miraculously escaped with their lives; others weren't so lucky; Ida Lewis lived at Newport's Lime Rock Light for more than 60 years and became one of the world's most celebrated lightkeepers; The keeper and his family at Block Island North Light aided the survivors of one of New England's worst shipwrecks, the Larchmont disaster of 1907; Pomham Rocks Light on the Providence River was home to a famous fish-catching cat; and much more. The Lighthouses of Rhode Island is meticulously researched and copiously illustrated, with photographs from the author's enormous collection. (M).  $14.95

28427a,b. (lot 2 photos) Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, Rhode Island c.1910. Lot of two early mounted photos. One view shows the elegant brick light tower with the keeper’s dwelling behind. The oil house too can be seen beside the tower. Image measures 3 ¼” square on 5” mount. Second image appears to be taken from the light station, showing the range of cliffs extending down the point. Image measures 3 ½” x 4 ¾” on 5 ½” x 6 ½” mount. Views are clear with a bit of aging, some light foxing and light wear. (VG-). $48.

29326. (cabinet photograph) U. S. Life Saving Station, Block Island RI c.1890. Superb 4" x 5" cabinet photograph shows the Life Saving Station keeper and two of the crew posing at the stairway leading into the station. Clear view includes the station and a portion of the additional stable and the tall signal flag pole beside the station. The Block Island station was one of three on the island, located on the west side of the island near Dickens Point. The station was provided for by Congress in March, 1871, and built there in 1872. Originally called the " Block Island , Southwest Point" station, it was reconstructed and enlarged in 1886. The station was a Bibb style, but was unusual for its lack of the typical high Bibb style lookout tower. Beautiful for display. (VG+). $110.

24367b na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce first report.  (VG+). $95.  

24367d na. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1906. Providence . 1906. 36 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with photos. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, light wear. Scarce first report.  (VG). $85.  

24367c na. SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE UNITED STATES LIFE SAVING CORPS IN RHODE ISLAND, MADE TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AT ITS JANUARY SESSION, 1907. Providence . 1907. 60 p. Soft wraps. Illustrated with wonderful photos of stations and equipment. The U. S. Volunteer Life-Saving Corps. existed in a number of states and was an early supplement to the U. S. Life-Saving Service in some areas, manning lifeboats and providing life-saving services on the coast and on inland waters. The Service maintained branches in 15 states where there were no stations of the Government Life-Saving Service or the Humane Society. States where stations existed include New York , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , Connecticut , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , Illinois , Missouri , Wisconsin , Indiana , Delaware , Maryland , and California . Information and awards of this service are exceptionally scarce and this has become an interesting collection area. Offered is an interesting early report which includes names of organization members and their Rhode Island locations (Edgewood Yacht Club, Pawtuxet, Shawomet Beach, Phillipsdale, Esmond, Moswansicut, Woonsocket, Crescent (Amusement) Park, Olneyville, Blackamore Pond, Newport, Bristol, Rocky Point (Amusement Park), Block Island, Quonochontaug, Narragansett Pier, Warren, Mashpaug Pond, Edgewood Beach, Riverside, Lower Harbor, Greystone). Also included is the general report, first aid and drill work, efficiency, a report of an aged couple rescue of a swimmer from the sea, expenses, awards of rescue medals, inspection of apparatus, placing the apparatus and demonstrations, examination for membership, general explanation and methods recommended, resuscitation rules, and many very interesting instances of rescues performed. Scarce report on this little known organization. Clean, complete, unusually nice copy. Scarce second report.  (VG+). $95.  

21462b. Benson, Frederick. RESEARCH, REFLECTION AND RECOLLECTIONS OF BLOCK ISLAND. Westerly. 1977. 1st edition. 147p. Signed by the author. Truly captivating 147-page volume was written by local legend and life long Block Island resident Frederick Benson. Fascinating work offers an insightful look at the rich maritime history of this little island located off the coast of Rhode Island, in Long Island Sound. Detailed chapters include Block Island Harbors, Block Island Natives, Rhode Island Wrecks (Cruel Points and Reefs along Ocean Bay and Island Tales of Disasters, Origin of the Storms, Grounding of The Princess Augustus, Wreck of the Ship Ann and Hope, The Warrior, A-124, The Sprigg Carroll, The Steamer New Shoreham, The Brigatine Plover, Loss of the Schooner Percy, Wreck of the Vamoose, Wreck of the Tug Boat Leyden, Sinking of the Dubois, Wreck of the Steamer Spartan, Sinking of the Larchmont, etc.), Block Island Lighthouses (Lifesaving Stations, Block Island Wrecking Co., etc.), The Seiners, The Rise of Tourism and Hotel Life on Block Island (Prohibition and before Rum Running Days, Mail Transportation to Block Island, R.I., etc.), Block Island Climate, Size and Other Information (Hurricane at Block Island, etc.), Water Works in the Town of New Shoreham (Postmaster Nicholas W. Ball, From Cable to Telephone to Microwave, The Block Island Electric Lighting and Transportation Co., The Gristmill and Waterwheel on Block Island, The Wireless Station, etc.) and The Seaman's Belief (Nautical Terms, etc.). Clean, tight volume, as new. (F). $68.

23454. Ellsberg, Edward. ON THE BOTTOM. New York. 1929. 322. The thrilling story of the men who go down in the sea, and of the rescue attempts of the men from the submarine S-51 off Block Island, RI. (VG-). $20

6375. Henry, Joseph. A SUMMARY OF RESEARCHES IN SOUND: Conducted in the Service of THE UNITED STATES LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD, by Joseph Henry During the Years 1865 to 1877. GPO. 1879. 104pp. Comprehensive report details the extensive experiments conducted by Prof. Henry in an effort to improve the fog signaling in the United States . Includes details of full size experiments conducted at Block Island, RI., Little Gull Island in Long Island Sound and at various locations in Maine . An important, scarce early work. Well illustrated with diagrams. (Spiral bound photocopy $21.80).

23152a. Champlin, Richard L., SOME GUARDIANS OF THE EAST BAY . pp. 29 – 62. Newport History – Bulletin of the Newport Historical Society. Spring 1971. Excellent article details the history of a number of Rhode Island lighthouses including: Goat Island, Block Island, Dutch Island , Brenton Reef Lightship, Whale Rock Light, Conanicut Light, Gull Rock Light, and Plum Beach Light. Includes numerous excerpts from the keeper’s logs and difficult to find information about the lives of the keepers and the early history. (Photocopy $6.80).

Page updated June 04, 2010

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