Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Cape Ann

Images of America: Massachusetts

by Paul St. Germain

Thacher Island was named for Anthony Thacher who, in 1635, lost his four children and other family members in a shipwreck during the most severe storm to ever hit the Massachusetts coast. Only Anthony and his wife Elizabeth survived. The lighthouses have played an important role in several wars, including the Revolutionary War and World Wars I and II, when the navy established a radio compass station to protect the coast from enemy submarines. A ship bearing a U.S. president almost wrecked on Thacher Island, and the island was used as a witness protection site for a Mafia criminal. Twin Lights of Thacher Island, Cape Ann captures the history, adventures, and intimate stories from over 200 years of lighthouse keepers living on the island, including how the two towers were built and how scientific discoveries were applied to improve the lights over the years.

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2010

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very interesting! Love the photographs associated with the book. The history of the name of the lighthouses and the way how light keepers and their families worked and lived was intriguing. I think that the most wholesome information I have read was Edward Rowe Snow aka the Flying Santa. He flew on an airplane to toss down gifts to lighthouse keepers and their families. That was awesome! I can’t wait to read more of these books!

[Donna Suchomelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book I reviewed for the World Lighthouse Society. Excellent addition to the pharophile's library.