Original photo submitted by Karen Flanders Eddy
Karen writes..."According to Lighthouses of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket by Admont G. Clark, the Gay Head Light is 170 feet above the water, built 1799 and rebuilt 1856. It started with 10 Lewis lamps, then got the 1st order Fresnel in 1856, then went to aerobeacons in 1952. There have been 15 keepers from 1799 to 1956, when the light went automated. My great-great grandfather, Samuel Flanders, was two of those 15. This was back in the days of the spoils system. The keeper's position was a highly prized job and it was not only a 'who you know' position, but also a 'which political party are you affiliated with' one. Sam first became keeper in 1845 when James Polk became President. He was out in 1849, but was back in 1853 when Franklin Pierce was elected. Sam was so grateful to get his job back that he named his newborn son Franklin Pierce Flanders. This time Sam stayed until 1861, making a total of 12 years that he served as the Gay Head Lighthouse keeper. My great-grandfather, Samuel Howard Flanders, was born at that lighthouse."
Corrections & Comments to Barbara
This page was last updated on Oct. 24, 2005