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Boston
Lighthouse - Boston Harbor
Boston
Harbor Lighthouses
We are continually acquiring wonderful and rare
original
antiques and implements Below are photos and information. Inquiries welcomed.
See
also our Recent Items Page
2877.
(mounted photo) Boston Light Station c.1896. Large
7 ½” x 9 ½” on 10” x 12” mount provides unusually close, clear view of
the light station on Boston’s Little Brewster Island. View is dated 1896 and
was taken by W. S. Eliott. View includes the tall light tower, attached
keeper’s house, second keeper’s house and steam fog signal building, taken
from the rocky shoreline. Superb view, clear and clean, one damage area on
keeper’s house measuring about 1” square where mount was struck, tearing
image surface, but this is not terribly distracting. Still would look wonderful
framed. (G+). $144.
 
11506. [chart]. Eldridge, George
W. ELDRIDGE’S NEW CHART OF BOSTON HARBOR Compiled From the Latest Surveys.
Boston 1867. Published by S. Thaxter & Son. 125 State Street,
Boston. Engraved by G.W. Boynton. Scale about 1 1/8” = 1 mile. Original
printed chart measures 16” x 23 ½”, on paper. Includes all of Boston
Harbor from Lynn Harbor and Nahant, south to Nantasket beach, Cohasset and
Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse. Includes the numerous Boston Harbor islands, Broad
Sound, out to The Graves, Thieves Ledga and Harding’s Ledge. Lighthouses are
indicated in red and include Egg Rock, Long Island Head, Narrows “Bug”
Lighthouse, Boston Lighthouse, Minot’s Ledge Lighthouse, etc. Also includes
Life Boat Stations and Huts of Refuge of the Massachusetts Humane Society, and
more. Also includes many roads, all shoals and bars, buoys, soundings in
fathoms, and much more. Eldridge and his son are probably best known as
the compilers of Eldridge’s Tide and Pilot Book, still in use today. His
charts were compiled from their own surveys. Chart has some soiling and
wear – margins are soiled with some foxing, there are two tears, one entering
about 3”, two cup stains, expected wear. Still, the view remains striking and
will be wonderful for display with a bit of cleaning up and some restoration.
This chart has become quite difficult to find in any condition. These very early
coastal maps are most desirable for display and bring a premium. With
restoration would frame nicely. (G+). $388.
6232.
Carmen, Ruth. STORM CHILD. Bridgeport, CT.
1937. 1st. 321pp. DJ. Inscribed by the author “Seasons Greetings Sincerely
Ruth Carmen Dec. 1938”. Illustrated with photographs. Wonderful fictional
account of a child growing up at Boston Light Station. Based on the real life of
Georgia Norwood. Born in 1932, Georgia was one of nine children of Keeper
Norwood of Boston Light Station, and the first child to be born at the Light
Station. This novel is based on her adventures and her life growing up at the
oldest lighthouse in the United States and was the subject of a later movie. An
extremely interesting tale of the life of a keeper’s family, this is a classic
on the subject. Clean, tight, a nice copy in a bright jacket. (VG). $68.
691e. Smith, Fitz-Henry Jr., STORMS
AND SHIPWRECKS IN BOSTON BAY AND THE RECORD OF THE LIFE SAVERS OF HULL.
The Bostonian Society Publications, Boston. 1918. 60pp. A very detailed history
of the Hull Life Savers and the storms and shipwrecks with which they dealt.
Illustrated with photos. Includes a listing of principal storms, wrecks, as well
as a great deal about Joshua James and his crews. One of the most detailed
accounts of the Hull Life-Savers available. Original paper wraps worn and
chipped around edges and on spine. Overall clean, tight, important early work.
(VG). $54.
96791. na. Spit
Light, Boston Harbor. Ballou’s Dollar Monthly Magazine. June 1861.
Superb early engraved illustration of Boston Harbor and Boston Narrow’s (Spit)
Lighthouse. Built in 1856, Bug Light stood until 1929 to warn mariners of the
dreaded Harding’s Ledge, four miles to the southeast. The lantern was about
thirty-five feet above sea level, and when a sea captain brought Bug Light
in range with Long Island Head Light, he knew that he was clear of Harding’s
Ledge and could safely enter the harbor. Includes short article describes the
scene and this area of the harbor. Full issue, includes numerous interesting
articles of the day. Some wear, contents generally clean. (VG-). $22.
25210. (research – photographs)
Boston
Lighthouse c.1960. Package of information and research
accumulation was compiled by Robert E. Wilson in 1965 for an article
in the
Worcester
Telegram/ Evening Gazette, Parade supplement on the history and pending
designation of Boston Lighthouse as a National Historic Landmark. Four
official 8”x10”
b/w
Coast
Guard photographs include: photo of Keeper’s houses taken from the light
tower including the “Big House”, which was torn down in 1959,. 2
photos picturing entire island and structures, and a photo of Rear Admiral
James A. Alger, Jr., Commander, First Coast Guard District with Osborne
Earle Hallett, Keeper of Nobska Point Lighthouse and former Keeper of
Boston Light, and Boatswain's Mate First Class Mike Mikelonis, Officer in
Charge of
Boston
Light.
Lot
also includes some newspaper articles, letters and press releases from the
Department of the Interior on the subject of the designation of
Boston
Lighthouse as a
National
Historic
Land
mark as well as nine pages of the writer’s notes on the history of the
light station. Also included are two US Coast Guard pamphlets: COAST GUARD
HISTORY CG-213, 1958. 32p.;
US
COAST GUARD –
A Study of its Origin, Responsibilities, Relationships and Direction. 1963.
41p. An interesting, informative lot. (VG+). $58.
28153.
(souvenir dish) “Revere Beach [Boston) Light(house),
Mass.” c.1900. Special early souvenir dish features a beautiful
full color image of the “Revere Beach [Boston) Light(house), Mass.”. This
unusual item is quite attractive and bears a fine though distant, full color
image of the tall old lighthouse tower on the rocky point of Little Brewster
Island in Boston Harbor. Colorful image is enhanced by the deep cobalt blue rim
and bright gilt decoration. This piece is marked “Made in Germany.” 4 1/8”
diameter. Clean, no cracks or checks, only light wear. (VG+). $48.
27196. (commemorative vase) c.1900.
A pretty, bright, gilt decorated cobalt blue commemorative vase featuring a
beautiful, detailed full color image of the Graves
Light House, Boston Harbor, Mass. A rare graves lighthouse piece,
vase measures 3 ½” high and is enhanced by a bright gilt edging. Marked
“Made in Germany Expressly for R. W. Austin”. Clean, bright, a very pretty
display piece for your collection. (VG+). $68 net.
7309f. (souvenir toothpick)
c.1900. An unusual, petite, bright emerald green commemorative toothpick holder
featuring a beautiful full color image of the “Revere
Beach [Boston) Light(house), Mass.”. This unusual item is quite
attractive and bears a fine close, full color image of the tall old lighthouse
tower, fog signal building and nearby out buildings on the rocky point of Little
Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. Holder is quite bright and distinctive, and
measures 2” high by 3 ½” wide and is enhanced by a bit of a decorative gilt
trim around the image and rim. Labeled “Made in
Germany
”. Clean, no cracks or checks, only light wear to gilding and rim. A very
detailed, pretty piece for your display, nice coloration. (VG+). $38 net.
7309d. (souvenir vase) c.1900. An unusual, petite, bright cobalt
blue commemorative vase featuring a beautiful full color image of “
Revere
Beach
(
Boston
) Light (house), Mass.”. This unusual item is quite
attractive and bears a fine though a bit distant, full color image of the
tall old lighthouse tower and nearby walkway on the rocky island. Vase is
quite bright and distinctive, and measures 3 3/8” high by 2 ½”
wide and is enhanced by distinctive ornate handles on each side, and by a
bit of a decorative gilt trim on the handle and around the image and rim.
Labeled “Made in
Germany
”. Clean, no cracks or checks. A very detailed, pretty piece for your
display, nice coloration. (VG+). $56 net.
5231f. OUTER LIGHT-HOUSE, BOSTON HARBOR.
Gleason’s Pictorial. March 20, 1852. Fine full page article describing the
outer light (Boston Light) and its Keeper Mr. Zebedee, and the inner light (Long
Island Head Light). With superb half-page, beautifully detailed engraving
showing Boston Light on Little Brewster Island. Masthead depicting Boston Harbor
adds to this fine piece. Beautiful bright and clean, fine for display. (VG). $38
net.
US
LIGHTHOUSE ESTABLISHMENT JOURNAL
OF LIGHT STATION
for
the
Light
Station at Lovell’s Island Range Light, Boston Harbor, Massachusetts.
Lovell’s Island Range
Lights were erected in 1902 for the accommodation o f mariners coming up
the South Channel of Broad Sound, Boston Harbor. The lights were placed
in the charge of Keeper Alfred G. Eisener. Known as a poet and a writer,
Keeper Eisner is best known for his book Dan, or the Gale of ‘73. In
1919 Eisener was succeeded by Charles H. Jennings, who later transferred
to Boston Light. The light was extinguished in 1939 and subsequently
torn down. This historic log records the careers of both keepers of
this important light station. "….June 30, 1919….This page
closes my Light-House life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning
at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass. Alfred G. Eisener
[Keeper]…." SUPERB Original intact standard issue Light-House
Journal: Hard bound folio with half-calf spine and corners. Spine is
labeled in gilt embossed letters "306 – Journal of Light Station
– Light-House Establishment – Department of Commerce and
labor". Volume measures 14" high by 8 ½" wide and
contains 202 form pages completed in the hand of Keepers Alfred G.
Eisener, and Charles Harold Jennings, covering the period from July 1,
1911 to November 30, 1919. This type of record was kept at all stations
and contained daily listings of important events, bad weather and other
special notes. Each page is signed in the hand of the Keeper. Some of
the special notes include Sept. 30, 1918 when the light was extinguished
for the duration of the Great War, November 11, 1918 Great War
practically ended today – Armistice signed, and sadly: "This page
closes my light-house life, consisting of 35 years of service, beginning
at Cape Ann, ending at Lovell’s Island, Mass." signed Alfred G.
Eisener. Also noted are the signatures of the District Inspector after
inspection of the station with dates of inspection and various notes.
Back endpapers used by keepers to record period of absences during the
years. Pages are in good condition, generally clean and tight. Binding
lightly soiled, with expected light wear. Hinges are worn, front half
intact but becoming loose, back intact but worn. and with 3/4 of
original paper label. Spine intact and legible. Spine is clearly
embossed: "306 – Journal of Light Station – Light-House
Establishment – Department of Commerce and labor" (VG).
D-03. Please inquire.
28186a,b.
(photo) Boston Light Station c.1930’s. Large
7 ½” x 10” photos provide unusually close, clear views of the light station
on Boston’s Little Brewster Island. One view includes the tall light tower and
large three-story keeper’s dwelling as one keeper walks up the hill toward the
light tower. Second view is a close image looking up at the tower and
lantern. Superb views, clear and clean, would look wonderful framed. (VG+). $22
each.
20538b. (photo) Fire
at Boston Harbor “Bug Light” June 7, 1929. Extremely rare
8” x 10” hand tinted photograph showing Boston’s Narrows or
“Bug” Lighthouse as it was being destroyed by fire. The lighthouse
constructed was a screw-pile type on iron “legs” (thus its nickname
"Bug Light"), with a hexagonal wooden dwelling with galvanized
metal roof and lantern perched on top. This lighthouse design was quite
unusual at the time and was the first such design constructed in
New England
. This light would serve as a range light for the Narrows Channel. When a
captain lined this beacon up with the lighthouse on
Long Island
, he would be clear of the ledge and could proceed into the harbor. In the
early summer of 1929, Keeper Thomas Small continued his summer project of
scraping and removing loose paint from the wooden lighthouse structure in
preparation for repainting. June 7th dawned sunny and clear, a fine day to
continue his work. A common method of removing paint at the time (and
still today in some areas) was to use a kerosene burning torch to heat the
aged paint sufficiently so that it could be scraped off. As you can
imagine, this method required extreme care and was fraught with an obvious
danger – a spark finding its way under the siding to smolder and break
out in fire at some later time. As noon approached and Keeper Small
continued his work, he was soon dismayed to see wisps of smoke begin to
push out from within the wall. Keeper Small attempted to extinguish the
growing fire with water that he kept on hand for just such an occurrence,
but the fire continued to grow within the walls, protected by its
water-resistant siding. The fire was quickly sighted by the Quarantine
Station across the bay, which notified the Boston Fire Department. Within
minutes Boston Fireboat No. 44 was dispatched and underway. Small
continued his now frantic efforts as debris fell all around him. One
report indicates that the “falling fog bell missed him by a few
inches.” Within 15 minutes the entire lighthouse was in flames. Keeper
Small finally was forced to retreat. He managed to throw a few belongings
into the station boat and narrowly escaped with his life. Despite a rapid
response by the fireboat, by the time she made the seven-mile trip to the
lighthouse, it was all but consumed. Following the fire, the crew of
the Lighthouse Tender Mayflower placed a gas-operated lighted bell buoy at
the site. How fortunate for us today that on a vessel passing at the time,
someone should have a camera to capture this dramatic scene shortly after
the fire began. This rare photo is striking, with close details and hand
coloring enhancing the image. There is some damage to edges, two corners
with large chips and emulsion sheet lifting on lower corner. A few light
spots, some soiling. Will mat and frame well. Extremely rare. (G+). $225.
28362. (cabinet photo)
Boston
Harbor
Narrows
["Bug"] Lighthouse and Nix's Mate, etc. c.1892-1910. Superb
original cabinet photo provided a clear, close view of
Boston
Harbor
Narrows
["Bug"] Lighthouse at low tide, taken from the Spit running from
Greater Brewster Island. Just a short way across the channel can be seen
Fort Warren. Built in 1856, Bug Light stood until 1929 to warn mariners of
the dreaded Harding’s Ledge, four miles to the southeast. The lantern
was about thirty-five feet above sea level, and when a sea captain
brought Bug Light in range with Long Island Head Light, he knew that he
was clear of Harding’s Ledge and could safely enter the harbor. View
measures 5 ¼” x 8 ½” and is quite clear and clean, just a bit of
wear to edges. (VG+). $178.
28335. [negative] Boston
Harbor “Bug” Lighthouse. c.1900. Unusual negative featuring a
close, clear view of of the fine Victorian screw-pile lighthouse located near
Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. On the walkway can be seen the a family
posing for the photographer. The negative is large 4” x 2 ½” and
would provide a large clear print. A good, clear image. (VG+). $22 net.
5507g.
(stereoview)
Boston
Harbor
Narrows
["Bug"] Lighthouse c.1880. Superb original stereoview by
G. W. Tirrell 2nd provides a clear, close view of
Boston
Harbor
Narrows
["Bug"] Lighthouse at low tide. At the railing can be seen workmen
posing for the camera. Built in 1856, Bug Light stood until 1929 to warn
mariners of the dreaded Harding’s Ledge, four miles to the southeast. The
lantern was about thirty-five feet above sea level, and when a sea captain
brought Bug Light in range with Long Island Head Light, he knew that he was
clear of Harding’s Ledge and could safely enter the harbor. View is clear and
clean, with some foxing, some chips to mount edges. (VG-). $84.
544b.
(stereoview) Boston Light Station, Little Brewster
Island, Boston Harbor. c.1880’s. Good early original stereoview,
probably by G. W. Tirrell 2nd provides a clear, close view of
Boston
Light Station including the light tower with covered walkway leading to the
keeper’s house, fog signal building, oil house and more. View is clear, with a
few spots and some foxing, some wear to mount edges. (VG-). $46.
2759. (photo) Boston
Harbor Narrows ["Bug"] Lighthouse and Nix's Mate c.1920. 3
1/4" x 5 1/2". Just slightly distant, still rare view of this early
lighthouse. (VG). $28.
274159. (photos) Boston
Harbor Narrows ["Bug"] Lighthouse and Nix's Mate, etc. c.1892-1910. Lot
of five 4" x 5" original amateur photos. First is Boston Harbor
Narrows ["Bug"] Lighthouse as a tug approaches. Nix’s Mate is
visible at the right margin. Additional views include cranes and gin poles, a
granite bridge appears under construction, possibly over the Neponset River;
magnificent photograph of the Ocean View House, location unknown; Small bay
panorama, probably also Quincy; Norfolk Downs, Quincy, Mass., the old Indian
lands in North Quincy that was so designated and laid out for house lots in
1892. Parts of the sign on the near building can be read: "-ORFOLK DOWNS
– House Lots". Nice Boston area lot. (VG). $36.
28168. (photo lot) Fort
Strong Gun Batteries, Long Island, Boston Harbor c.1912-1944 by
Alfred K. Schroeder, photographer. Lot of eight original b/w 11”x14”
photographs taken by photographer and historian Alfred K. Schroeder show great
detail of the gun batteries and crews at Boston’s Fort Strong. Alfred K.
Schroeder was a world renowned photographer, working for as photographer
for the Boston Ballet, and was a leading child photographer in the area, in
addition to being a military historian and photographer for Edward Rowe Snow.
His photographs still hang in museums at around the world. Fort Strong was
originally named Long Island Military Reservation until 1899. In World War I,
1,500 soldiers were stationed at Fort Strong but by WWII, its guns were
obsolete, and Fort Strong was abandoned. This lot includes 0eight 11 x 14 inch
vintage photos of Fort Strong from 1912-1944. All but one are dated; one is
dated 1912, four are dated 1924, one is dated 1933, and one 1944. All are on
original photo paper and all are in good condition, clear and crisp. Holes
punched on one side for album. Rare unusual lot. (VG+). $148.
 
2755. [magic lantern glass slide
set) Boston Harbor Lighthouses. c.1890-1910.
Beautiful clear b/w set of three (3) glass projection slide set featuring
three Boston Harbor lighthouses. Lighthouses include Boston Narrows “Bug”
Light, Boston Light and Minot’s Ledge Light. Slides measures 3 ¼” x 4”
and presents a superb, clear images. Some original tape missing from glass
edges, but still intact, no cracks, great images. (VG). $88.
5307. Boston Light.
(c. 1870) Clear, close view showing tower, dwelling and fog signal building.
Some foxing to sky . Nice view. (G). $48.
5153. [stereo view] Boston
Light [taken from Middle Brewster Island] Clear, clean though
slightly distant view by E.R. Hills. (c. 1870-80) (VG) $36.
6721. Jennings, Harold B., A LIGHTHOUSE
FAMILY.
Orleans. 1989. 1st. 118p. DJ. Signed by Author. A wonderful narration of boyhood
memories while growing up at Lovell’s Island Lighthouse in Boston Harbor. A
story of adventures, shipwrecks, storms, living without electricity and learning
how to run a lighthouse combine to provide entertainment and a learning
adventure. (F). $12.95. REDUCED to $9.71.
21104. Finnerty, Cheryl Anne. LIGHTHOUSES
OF BOSTON HARBOR – Past & Present.
Seminole. 2001. 171p. Just published by the founders of the Boston Habor
Explorers, this exciting new book features an in-depth narrative history of each
of the 19 light stations that have protected Boston Harbor. Each station is
covered in detail with a complete history, stories and legends, lists of
keepers, architectural specifications, characteristics of the light, as well as
present management and visitor information. Included too is information on
Life-Saving Services, Joshua James, and more. Stations covered include Boston
Light, baker’s Island, Thatcher’s Island, Scituate, Long Island Head, Ten
Pound Island, Eastern Point, Marblehead, Straitsmouth, Minot’s Ledge, The
Narrows [Bug] Light, Egg Rock, Derby Wharf, Fort Pickering, Hospital Point, Deer
Island, Graves Ledge, Lovell’s Island, and Spectacle Island. Well illustrated
with 131 vintage and recent photos and diagrams dating back to 1729. Wonderful
reading and reference. (M). $24.95.
22240. Sullivan, Robert F. SHIPWRECKS AND NAUTICAL
LORE OF BOSTON HARBOR – A Mariner’s Chronicle of More than 100 Shipwrecks,
Heroic Rescues and Salvage Accounts, Treasure Tales, Island Legends, and Harbor
Anecdotes. Chester. 1990. 164 p. Soft wraps. This thoroughly
researched chronicle describes in some detail over 120 shipwrecks in the
harbor’s wide expanse, stretching seaward from Deer Island off Winthrop to
Point Allerton in Hull. The author describes the harbor’s numerous hazards and
violent storms, along with the brave life savers who rescued countless victims.
Page after page brings these early seafaring years to life. Well illustrated
with numerous vintage photos and engravings. (M). $15.95.
24394. Krebs, Laurie. A DAY IN
THE LIFE OF A COLONIAL LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER. New York. 2004. 24 p. New from
PowerKids Press, this charming addition to their Day in the Life series looks at
Boston Light in Colonial times. From the harbor and lighthouse design, to the
keeper’s daily duties, changing weather, firing the fog signal cannon,
polishing the brass, rescues and more. A wonderful addition to your children’s
library. (M). $18.95.
2073. Snowman, Sally R. PH.D., and James G. Thomson.
BOSTON
LIGHT, A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE. Plymouth, Mass. 1999. 280p. Soft
wraps. Well illustrated with over 120 photographs (80 in color) and
illustrations. This is one of the few books ever book to detail the entire
history of America’s first light station and what life was like on Little
Brewster Island since 1611. Boston Light Station, established in 1716, is
America’s first lighthouse and the only station still staffed by Coast Guard
personnel. This most interesting volume presents 283 years of history and is the
result of over five years of intensive research. The authors, Sally R. Snowman,
PH.D. and James G. Thomson have painstakingly provided the reader with a wealth
of information on one of the most historic sites in America. Well supplemented
with numerous documents, photographs, floor plans, diagrams and more. Included
is a lengthy chronological listing of events relating to the station, listing of
keepers, detailed bibliographical notes, and more. Great reading and a most
useful reference. (M). Published at $36. Our Price $32.40.
Page updated February 01, 2012
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to order items:
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or UPS. Additional information on our "Ordering Page".
Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.
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mailto:jclaflin@LighthouseAntiques.net
How to reach us:
Kenrick A. Claflin & Son Nautical Antiques
1227 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602
Phone (508) 792-6627
All
text and illustrations on web site Ó
James W. Claflin . 02/01/2012
All rights
reserved. Use prohibited without written permission.
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