The Minot's Ledge Lighthouse in Cohasset, Massachusetts, has a very
interesting history. The construction of the first tower (1847-1850) is one
of determination, toil and failure. The tower had to be built on a rocky
outcropping no wider than 20 feet. The top of the rock was but 3-5 feet
above the water at low tide, which allowed only 3 hours to work on the
rock during each low tide. Soon after it was completed, storms took their
toll. On April 15, 1851 a hurricane-strength storm hit the area. Although
two assistant keepers were able to keep the bell ringing and the lamps
burning, the gale in all of its furry tore the tower apart piece by piece. On
the morning of April 17th, the tower had disappeared. Both assistant
keepers perished trying to reach the mainland.
While reconstruction was underway, the lightship, Minot's Ledge,
temporarily covered for the darkened tower. The 97 feet tall lighthouse
we see today was officially re-established on November 15, 1860. In
May, 1894, a new optic was installed to pay tribute to the two assistant
keepers who gave their life. With the beam flashing in a 1-4-3 group
symbolizing the numbers of letters in the words "I - Love - You". Minot's
Ledge Lighthouse has become known as the "I Love You Lighthouse".
Murphy has patented this "I love you" beacon specifically for the Minot's
Ledge Lighthouse. Many requests, however, have been made over the
years to use this same lighting in other lighthouse models. What better
way to tell a lost and dying world that they are loved!
I just thought that this small article would be of interest to you.
And remember 1-4-3
Brother John
interesting history. The construction of the first tower (1847-1850) is one
of determination, toil and failure. The tower had to be built on a rocky
outcropping no wider than 20 feet. The top of the rock was but 3-5 feet
above the water at low tide, which allowed only 3 hours to work on the
rock during each low tide. Soon after it was completed, storms took their
toll. On April 15, 1851 a hurricane-strength storm hit the area. Although
two assistant keepers were able to keep the bell ringing and the lamps
burning, the gale in all of its furry tore the tower apart piece by piece. On
the morning of April 17th, the tower had disappeared. Both assistant
keepers perished trying to reach the mainland.
While reconstruction was underway, the lightship, Minot's Ledge,
temporarily covered for the darkened tower. The 97 feet tall lighthouse
we see today was officially re-established on November 15, 1860. In
May, 1894, a new optic was installed to pay tribute to the two assistant
keepers who gave their life. With the beam flashing in a 1-4-3 group
symbolizing the numbers of letters in the words "I - Love - You". Minot's
Ledge Lighthouse has become known as the "I Love You Lighthouse".
Murphy has patented this "I love you" beacon specifically for the Minot's
Ledge Lighthouse. Many requests, however, have been made over the
years to use this same lighting in other lighthouse models. What better
way to tell a lost and dying world that they are loved!
I just thought that this small article would be of interest to you.
And remember 1-4-3
Brother John
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