| There are many fine examples of caisson lights in the
northeast and I visited some in Maine and Connecticut. In fact, one of these
lonely sparkplugs graces my hometown harbor. In Maine, Goose Rocks Light
at the entrance to the Fox Island Thorofare was established in 1890.Although
visible from a distance in Vinalhaven, it is best viewed by boat. Lubec
Channel Light was built at the western entrance to Lubec Channel in 1889
and almost was discontinued in 1989 but local residents mounted a "save
the sparkplug" campaign and in 1992 the light was restored. In Portland
Harbor stands Spring Point Ledge Light, another cylindrical cast-iron caisson
spark plug light. Unlike many other structures of this kind, the tower is
constructed of brick rather than cast iron. This lighthouse was completed
in 1897. Since 1951, it joins the mainland via a jetty and is easily accessible.
In Connecticut, the Saybrook Breakwater Light is located at the mouth of
the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. It can be viewed from a distance
from the Saybrook public dock or by boat. An interesting architectural feature
of this otherwise plain tower is the window treatments which are styled
in cast iron. The light was established in 1886 upon completion of the breakwater.
The Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse graces one of the Connecticut State License
Plates with a percentage of the sales going back to Long Island Sound for
conservation. My hometown caisson lighthouse is that of Southwest Ledge
located in New Haven Connecticut Harbor. The 45 foot tall lighthouse, built
in 1877 with a Victorian flare, rests on a cylindrical iron concrete filled
caisson with a brick lined basement and cisterns. It has a twin lighthouse
in Delaware Bay called Ship John Shoals. Although visible at Lighthouse
Park Beach in New Haven, its full beauty cannot be appreciated unless passed
by on boat. The windows are now sealed with metal giving an eery appearance
adding to its lonely ghost like look. |
