Minding the Light

https://www.hobokengirl.com/robbins-reef-lighthouse-bayonne-new-jersey/

Originally built in 1839 of granite Robbins Reef Lighthouse is located between Staten Island's North Shore and the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.  The spark plug style lighthouse warns mariners to avoid a rocky reef.  The solar powered light, blinking every six seconds is maintained by the US Coast Guard. The Noble Maritime Collection maintains the structure.

Before the days of automated lights, lighthouse keepers and their families lived in the lighthouses and maintained the lights. The Robbins Reef lighthouse has six levels from the cellar where the cistern was kept for fresh water up to the the lantern gallery above the fifth level balcony. The kitchen was on the first level, the sitting room and office on the second floor with bedrooms on the third and fourth levels.

Katherine Walker maintained the light for 33 years following the death of her husband Captain John Walker. from pneumonia in 1890. The lightkeeper's duties included: checking the light throughout the night to be sure the lens was clean so the light could be seen - this was especially important on frosty winter nights.  A foghorn, powered by an engine in the basement, sounded every three seconds. When it failed, the lightkeeper had to hammer on a bell at the top of the tower until help came from the mainland to repair the engine. Detailed records were required as was meticulous cleaning of the lens and windows. Rescues were an important part of Kate's duties as she took her rowboat out to aid mariners in trouble. The American Seaman's Friend Society maintained a library boat that provided reading material. 

Learn more about the Noble Maritime Center, Kate Walker and the Robbins Reef Lighthouse here. 

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