A Look into Adoption in the 1890s

By Susan G Mathis

The Gilded Age 1890s marked a significant period in history, witnessing the emergence of societal changes, technological advancements, and a growing awareness of humanitarian values. In this era, the concept of adoption began to evolve, reflecting the shifting perspectives on family, child welfare, and societal responsibilities.

During the 1890s, traditional notions of family structure were undergoing transformation. The Victorian era emphasized moral values and family stability, but societal shifts, including urbanization and industrialization, were challenging these established norms. As families faced new economic challenges and societal expectations, the idea of adoption became a solution for both childless couples and orphaned children.

Adoption, however, was not yet a formalized legal process during this period. Instead, informal arrangements and personal agreements often characterized the placement of children into new families. Legal adoptions were rare, and there was minimal regulation governing the process. As a result, the well-being of adopted children depended largely on the intentions and capabilities of the adoptive parents.

The 1890s witnessed a gradual shift in the perception of parenting. While biological ties were still highly valued, there was a growing acknowledgment that love, care, and proper upbringing were crucial factors in ensuring a child's well-being. This changing perspective laid the groundwork for a more inclusive understanding of family, paving the way for the formalization of adoption processes in the decades to come.

Despite the positive intentions behind adoption efforts in the 1890s, challenges and controversies persisted. The lack of legal regulations meant that some children faced uncertain futures, and unscrupulous individuals took advantage of the informal nature of adoption arrangements. Additionally, societal stigma surrounding non-biological parenthood contributed to the challenges faced by adoptive families.

In my latest novel, Libby’s Lighthouse, Libby is adopted and grows up at Tibbetts Lighthouse, but she faces rumors, innuendos, and prejudices connected to adoption during this time. The challenges faced during this period also underscored the importance of establishing proper legal safeguards to ensure the well-being of adopted children and the integrity of the adoption process.


Do you know someone who was adopted? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on October 19th for my next post.

ABOUT LIBBY’S LIGHTHOUSE:

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her dying mother reveals a long-buried secret. Now Libby questions if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing wounded sailor appears knowing nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. Owen has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. As his relationship with Libby turns serious, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen discovers the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

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 eleven 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.

Amnesia in 1890

By Susan G Mathis

In the late 19th century, the concept of amnesia captivated the minds of medical professionals and the general public alike. This mysterious condition seemed to erase memories, so amnesia became a subject of intense fascination and scrutiny during the 1890s. It marked the beginning of systematic investigations into the complexities of memory loss as scientists and physicians sought to understand the enigma surrounding amnesia.

In the 1890s, medical knowledge was still in its formative stages, and the understanding of the human brain was limited. Neurology was emerging as a distinct field of study, and amnesia posed a perplexing challenge to physicians, and the term "amnesia" itself was relatively new.

As the field of psychology evolved, pioneers like William James and Sigmund Freud began contributing their insights into the understanding of amnesia. Freud, in particular, explored the role of psychological trauma and repressed memories in the manifestation of amnesia. His theories on the unconscious mind and the impact of early life experiences added a new layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding memory loss. The prevalence of amnesia in popular literature and theater during the 1890s reflected society's fascination with the condition. Novels, plays, and short stories often featured protagonists grappling with memory loss, adding a dramatic and mysterious element to the narratives. These fictional portrayals contributed to the public's perception of amnesia as a captivating and somewhat romanticized phenomenon.

In my latest novel, Libby’s Lighthouse, a dashing sailor, Owen, suffers from amnesia and sojourns at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse. But with limited medical and psychological knowledge, treatment options for amnesia in the 1890s were mostly experimental. Some physicians prescribed rest and relaxation, believing that reducing mental strain could aid in memory recovery. Others explored the use of hypnotism and suggestion as potential therapeutic tools. But these treatments remained uncertain, and amnesia continued to baffle the medical community. The study of amnesia in 1890 was characterized by a blend of medical, psychological, and cultural perspectives. 

Have you met someone with amnesia? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on September 19th for my next post.

ABOUT LIBBY’S LIGHTHOUSE:

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her dying mother reveals a long-buried secret. Now Libby questions if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing wounded sailor appears knowing nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. Owen has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. As his relationship with Libby turns serious, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen discovers the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

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 eleven 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.

The Legacy of Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

by Susan G Mathis

Nestled where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse stands as a guardian overlooking the waterways near Cape Vincent, New York. Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding mariners through the treacherous waters of the Thousand Island region for nearly 200 years.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse was first lit in 1827, making it one of the oldest in the Thousand Islands region. It's strategic location at the tip of the Cape Vincent peninsula marked crucial point for ships navigating the turbulent waters where lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River.

The original lighthouse, a 35-foot wooden tower, served as a beacon of safety for sailors navigating the intricate channels and the rocky shoals of the area. Over the years, the structure underwent several transformations, evolving into the impressive brick tower that stands today.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is the panoramic view of Lake Ontario in the St. Lawrence river. Across the main shipping channel is Wolf Island, Canada, and the river beyond. The observation deck provides a breathtaking vantage point for anyone who wants to soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Today, the lighthouse property also houses a museum showcasing Maritime artifacts, historical documents, and an exhibit that show the fascinating history of the region. Visitors can learn about the development of navigation, the lives of its light keepers, and the importance of the lighthouse on the surrounding communities.

Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is a beacon of history, resilience, and maritime heritage. As its light still continues to shine across the waters and protect its sailors, the lighthouse remains a cherished symbol of connection between land and sea. 

Whether you are history, buff, a nature lover, or someone on vacation, the lighthouse welcome all who want to visit. My latest novel, Libby's lighthouse, tells its story.

Have you visited a lighthouse? Leave your answers or comments on the post below and on August 19 for my next post.

ABOUT LIBBY'S LIGHTHOUSE, 

book one of the Love in a Lighthouse three-book series:

It's 1894, and Elizabeth Montana, daughter of Tibbetts Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she'd love the lighthouse life forever. But her dying mother's long buried secret turns her world upside down, making her question if she'll ever truly belong and be loved. When a dashing young sailor appears wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although he knows nothing about his past or his identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. 

Owen has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lightkeeper and his daughter. As his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

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 twelve 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 Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

The Castle on the Straits: Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse & a Giveaway!

My love for the lighthouse at Old Mackinac Point came long before I needed to research it for my novella, The Last Memory, in The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection. Around 1996 we started visiting the area each summer and renting a cottage almost 20 miles west of Mackinaw City. Around that time, efforts started being made to raise the more than two million dollars needed to restore this beacon on the Lake Huron side of Straits of Mackinac. One of the people who spearheaded this effort was actually the great-grandson of the man who built the lighthouse, John P. Schmitt.

In 2004, the beautiful buff-colored brick building reopened as a work-in-progress. First came the exhibits and eventually several rooms on the first floor of the lightkeeper's quarters were restored to the 1910 period. The kitchen was fitted with a cast iron stove, and an oak table and chairs in the cozy corner. The sitting room contains period furniture and a Victrola. And the dining room looks ready for guests. The exhibits include Fresnel lenses, former uniforms, and many facts about the area. Now docents dressed in costumes of the represented era give tours and answer questions. The men look official in their Lighthouse Service uniforms and the women are elegant in their long skirts and shirtwaists.

Beginning in the late 17th century, the French had built a mission and fort in St. Ignace. They later abandoned it for the south side of the straits at Old Mackinac Point where they built Fort Michilimackinac. It was an outpost of fur trade and defense, visited by voyageurs and military alike. In 1761 the British took over after the French and Indian War. Concerned about vulnerability, the old fort was abandoned, burned, and rebuilt on Mackinac Island, considered a stronger vantage point.

Though the fort was buried in the sands, a town eventually arose in the area. As it was planned, in the mid-1800s, land was allotted for “Old Fort Park,” and some was preserved for the site of a future lighthouse. By then, lights had been established on Lake Michigan on the west side of the straits at Waugoshance Point and at Bois Blanc Island on Lake Huron on the west. The Straits of Mackinac could be treacherous with its shoals, reefs, and abundance of small islands, not to mention ice. It was a critical point for the passage of many ships heading west through the Great Lakes to the burgeoning ports of Milwaukee and Chicago. And Mackinac Island was becoming a tourist destination. The straits were a busy place of passage. In 1869, McGulpin Point Lighthouse was established west of Old Mackinac Point and several others were built in the years ahead. 

Eventually, the need for a more visible lighthouse on the Straits of Mackinac was established by the United States Lighthouse Board, since the McGulpin Point location was obscured by Old Mackinac Point. A lighthouse in Mackinaw City, though at a lower elevation would actually be visible to vessels coming from either direction.
 
First, $5,500 was provided for a fog signal on the approved site and was operational by 1890. Next, $20,000 was approved for the construction of the actual lighthouse which began in 1892 with a view to decommissioning the McGulpin Lighthouse as there was no need for both, but it remained open until 1906. 

Two homes were constructed under one roof, one for the head lighthouse keeper and the other for the assistant. One side had both a parlor and a sitting room, a kitchen, and dining room. Both apartments had three bedrooms upstairs. The dwellings were joined by a lobby and a service area, from where the tower could be accessed by either the light keeper or assistant light keeper. 

The castle style building was constructed on an Indiana limestone base and walls of Cream City brick. These buff yellow-gold bricks were made from clay dug up from near the city of Milwaukee. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower and became operational on October 25, 1892. Also on the property, stood the fog signal building, a small storage barn, and an oil house.

The rotating Fresnel lens glowed red until 1913, when the signal color was changed to white. At the time of my story, in 1899, the flame glowed from kerosene. Mechanical weights which needed to be wound, powered the turning action.

George Marshall, a Civil War veteran, became head lighthouse keeper in 1892. His four brothers had also entered the Lighthouse Service. He and his wife, Margaret, didn’t have children by birth, but had two adopted sons. One of them, his nephew Chester, went on to become a keeper at the Manitowac Lighthouse for over three decades. Chester’s father had been the assistant keeper at Mackinac Point from 1900-02, until ill health overtook him. George’s older son, James, took over for George when he retired in 1919. James lived there with his wife, Frances, and their three children, George, James, and Madonna. During his tenure electricity and a radio beacon were added to the lighthouse. He was the head lighthouse keeper until he had a stroke in 1940.
 
For nearly 50 years, a Marshall had manned the lighthouse. For the next ten years, Henrik Olsen took over the head lightkeeper’s duties. The last one to have the post was John P. Campbell from 1951-57. In addition, there were several assistant light keepers and even second assistants to bear the brunt of the workload at the castle on the straits. Once the Mackinac Bridge was completed, there was no longer a need for a lighthouse on Old Mackinac Point.

The Mackinac Island State Park Commission acquired the decommissioned lighthouse in 1960. It was open to the public from 1972 until 1990 and closed due to lack of funds to properly maintain and restore the building, along with falling attendance. Still, the building stood, attesting to a bygone era and the people who worked hard to keep the Straits of Mackinac safe.

An effort to raise over two million dollars to restore the lighthouse and re-open it began in 1996. One of the people who spearheaded the effort was actually the great-grandson of the man who built the lighthouse! In 2004, the lighthouse opened again with a modest museum area and a gift shop (going by memory here). Each year we visited the Mackinaw City area, I would implore my husband to stop so we could again visit the exhibit and watch the gradual restoration to the 1910 era

To absorb the ambiance of the life of a Gilded Age lighthouse keeper to learn more about the importance of this crucial waterway on the Great Lakes, or climb the stairs to the tower for a spectacular view, visiting the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is the place to be! Here is more information for those interested in visiting this beautifully restored and maintained historical exhibit: https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/old-mackinac-point-lighthouse/

Lighthouses are full of history, romance, and mystery. What lighthouse would you like to visit?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection, with my story The Last Memory and six other great stories! One paperback will be given to a randomly chosen winner. Enter before 6 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2018

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

The Last Memory

1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her, didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.

Kathleen Rouser is the multi-published author of the 2017 Bookvana Award winner, Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, and its sequel, Secrets and Wishes. She is a longtime member in good standing of American Christian Fiction Writers. Kathleen wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She longs to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. She lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of thirty-some years, and the sassy tail-less cat who found a home in their empty nest. Connect with Kathleen on her website at kathleenrouser.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/, and on Twitter @KathleenRouser.

Find her at:

Website: kathleenrouser.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerouser

Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/

Twitter: @KathleenRouser

Pinterest: https:/ /www.pinterest.com/kerouser/