In May 2011, after four years of life on McNutt's Island, we moved to Montreal. This blog remains, though, as a (sort of) daily record of our time on the island, and a winding path for anyone who would like to meander about among its magical places. For additional perspectives and insights I recommend Greg's book, Island Year: Finding Nova Scotia (2010), and my Bowl of Light (2012). I'll continue to post once in a while. If you do want to read this blog, one option would be to begin at the beginning of it (which is, as we all know, in blog-world, at the end), and read forward, concluding with the most recent entry. It's a journal, really, so it does makes more sense if you read it that way. But, you know, read it any way you like.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Report on Shelburne Light, 1816


In 1816 Anthony Lockwood made a report of the operating lighthouses in Nova Scotia. Here is his report on Shelburne Light, which was also called Cape Roseway Light:

Possesses a strong power. The lamps are better constructed, and burn a greater number of wicks, than those of Sambro [Nova Scotia's first light, in Halifax Harbour], and great attention is paid to the order and cleanliness of the lantern.

This light would have been of more general benefit in the neighbourhood of Cape Sable, yet its goodness is generally known and acknowledged. Vessels from America run confidently for it, and if caught by a gale of wind on shore. The light guides them to a harbor of perfect safety, and it requires no alteration or improvement whatever.

Today the light's goodness is not generally known and acknowledged; in fact it seems to be rather overlooked and forgotten. But it's still there, even after all this time.

You can find this document and other fascinating documents and photographs at NSARM's Virtual Exhibit on Nova Scotia Lighthouses.

Image courtesy of NSARM.
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