A Day in the Life of a Lightkeeper

By Susan G Mathis 

Lighthouse keepers had many duties including maintaining the lighthouse, ensuring the light was operational, and assisting with navigation. Their job was 24/7, but they also had many perks including a peaceful existence in nature’s bountiful beauty. Here’s a look at a day in the life of a lightkeeper.

Early Morning

As the sun rises over the St. Lawrence River, the first rays of light illuminate the lighthouse, signaling the keeper to snuff out the light and head to bed for a few hours of precious sleep… unless there’s a storm brewing, family needing him (or her), or another emergency.

Midday Tasks

After a few hours of sleep, the keeper’s duties might include a hearty lunch before turning to maintenance tasks. This could involve repairing the lighthouse’s exterior, tending to the garden, or clearing pathways for visitors. The keeper also needs to be vigilant about the weather, documenting changes that could affect navigation. On days with good weather, the keeper may even take the opportunity to explore the island, appreciating its natural beauty and solitude.

Later in the afternoon, the keeper might host visitors, sharing the lighthouse’s history and its significance in the region’s maritime safety. Engaging with visitors is a rewarding aspect of the job, allowing the keeper to share stories of life on the island and the challenges faced over the years.

As the sun sets, the lighthouse keeper prepares for the night shift. This includes cleaning the lens again, checking the oil, and ensuring everything is in order for the night ahead. The keeper often watches the sunset over the river, a breathtaking sight that never gets old.

As darkness falls, the keeper lights the beacon, its glow cutting through the night. This is a solitary yet fulfilling time, with the keeper listening to the sounds of the night—waves crashing, the wind rustling through the trees, and the distant calls of wildlife. The light beams across the water, providing safety to vessels navigating the river. All three of my lighthouse stories take you into this life of a lightkeeper…and his love.

Have you ever had a nightshift job? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post. 

ABOUT EMMA’S ENGAGEMENT

Book 3 of the Love in a Lighthouse series:

Emma Row yearns to build a loving family. But becoming the Rock Island Lightkeeper's wife brings treacherous waters of isolation and the bitter rejection of her new stepdaughter, Ada. Michael Diepolder, the widowed lightkeeper, had hoped marriage would simplify life but realizes that the path to happiness is far more turbulent than he ever anticipated. Emma and Michael must confront the tempestuous waves of doubt, jealousy, and isolation that threaten to extinguish the light of their love. Can they weather the storm and find the strength to keep their family together, or will the darkness consume them all?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.