It is interesting that lighthouses have become such a popular collectible of late. Not only do they symbolize hope, constancy, and a friend in stormy times, they are fascinating architectural masterpieces, and they hearken back to a different era--before we all relied so much on electronic gadgets and relied more, instead, on each other. This engaging video features interviews with former lighthouse keepers who were employed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service, back in the days before civilian keepers were replaced by Coast Guard officers. Some of these civilian keepers were hand picked by U.S. presidents, and all demonstrated a "passionate commitment" to keeping up these towers of light and protecting their fellow men at sea.
The video portrays the life of the lighthouse keepers as difficult, but rewarding. In some lighthouses, the light had to be rewound every four hours, all through the night. Lighthouses were subject to impromptu visits from government inspectors, and keepers and their wives were required to keep their beacon homes impeccable at all times.
The short video concludes by detailing some recent efforts to restore and preserve New England's aging, historic lighthouses.
If you're a collector of lighthouses, if you're planning to visit New England and want to include some of these nostalgic landmarks on your trip or, if you're simply fascinated by New England's maritime history, you'll find this video to be a perfect introduction to the region's great lights.
