Warwick Neck Lighthouse

May Chrietzbert was born in the Warwick Neck lighthouse in 1913, shortly after her father, Jorgen Bakken, became keeper. She and her sister, now Madeline Wright, grew up near the old lighthouse. In 1932, erosion threatened to undermine the building. It was tom down and replaced by a metal cylinder light.

It was heartbreaking to have the old lighthouse go. Its walls were 22 inches thick at the base, yet it was hardly 30 feet tall. From its commanding position overlooking the bay, it was one of the most familiar landmarks along the shore. Inside and out it was an immaculate white, having been kept that way even up to its last hours. The lens—it was beautiful, like diamonds! — was transferred to the new tower in one day. The light continued its operation that night as it had for 106 years.

Joseph Bakken and Family. ca 1915. baby May is on her mother's knee, and Madeline is standing.