Lighthouse Families

by Cheryl Shelton-Roberts, Bruce Roberts

What was it like to live and work at a lighthouse during the heyday of shipping and fishing? How did lighthouse keepers and their families stationed on remote islands while away the long, cold, lonely hours between trips to the mainland for food and supplies? Here you'll find a record of the charming memories and stories of America's lighthouse keepers, including descriptions of daily life at a lighthouse.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Sarah Bierle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful book sharing the stories of families who lived, worked, and played together in remote coastal locations while embracing the responsibility of tending American lighthouses. I loved the family unity that reflected through these accounts - definitely a beautiful and new look at family life during the 1920s-1940s.

[Josh Liller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of reminisces from the children of lighthouse keepers. As all of the children were still alive when interviewed for this book, all of their parents served as lighthouse keepers in the early part of the 20th century. Three of the families are from the Pacific coast, three from the Great Lakes, seven from the Atlantic coast, and none from the Gulf coast. Of the Atlantic coast families, one was from Maine and the others were all between North Carolina and Florida. Two of the families were at Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (where I work) which prompted me to pick up the book, but unfortunately the young age of the children at the time means their memories are mostly about their fathers' later head keeper stations (at St. Augustine and Ponce Inlet). One of the keepers did serve at a screwpile lighthouse in the North Carolina sounds which added for something a bit different.

Each chapter also includes a family recipe and decent quality photos are scattered throughout.

This book has the usual problems such "as told to" compilations tend to have i.e. an unevenness in both quality and quantity. The book also felt like it could have been better edited as there was too much repetition - not between the stories, but within individual stories. I was also disappointed the emphasis was on the children rather than the keepers, which is a misunderstanding on my part.

This book's weaknesses will probably be less bothersome to more casual readers and if you're curious about growing up at a lighthouse then it's worth a read.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of this book was compiled from the diaries, memories and memoirs of adults who as children grew up on remote islands and headlands where their fathers were lighthouse keepers. Without exception, each of them had fond recollections of a simple life, hard work, and close bonds with their parents & siblings as a result of their isolation. They also expounded on the glory of nature on good days and the power and majesty behind the storms on heavy weather days. I found the first two-thirds of this book interesting and informative; after that, the stories began to take on great similarity. However, it was a great example of how character is built from enduring tough situations and also life can be full and rewarding without a lot of our modern day "conveniences."

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lighthouse Families by Cheryl and Bruce Roberts
Stories and recipes from those who were light keepers over the years. Lighthouses from both coasts and around great lakes area.
Starts out talking about the Fresnel lenses and the changes over the years. Liked hearing how the kids found fun things to do to entertain themselves.
Teaching of giving treasures back for those you take from the areas. Loved hearing of the flying woolen blankets and being teetered to the clothesline and how to make dumplings.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Barb Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely summer read. If you like lighthouses you will like this book ......historical stories from old lighthouse keepersand their families. Also a history of the lighthouses .A plus are a few tried and true recipies handed down through the ages.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about lighthouse families.