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America's lighthouses are more than just buildings. For more than two centuries the usefulness of a lighthouse has depended on the dedication of its keeper to tend the beacon faithfully. Family members, too. shared the keeper's duties and provided companionship at lonely sites. Under the Light House Service, a keeper's family might be in residence for several decades. Even under Coast Guard supervision, with limited tours of duty, many keepers and their families still felt a special affection for "their" lights.
Sabin Point Lighthouse
Charles Whitford was the keeper of Sabin Point light for 27 years until his retirement in 1946. His daughter Myrtle Corbushley, grew up at Sabin Point and was married there. The lighthouse was destroyed in 1968 to make way for the widening of the Providence River. Today some of its granite blocks form part of the breakwater of the Rhode Island Yacht Club
"My Dad went senile before he died, he was 85. He'd think he had to go back to light up the light at night. He'd stand on the beach and look and wait, and after about an hour I'd coax him back up to the car and bring him home. He couldn't understand why he couldn't see it. He'd have to go out there and light up that light."
(left) Charles Whitford (left) with friend Adolf Aronson, keeper of Pomham Rock Lighthouse, ca. 1945
(below) Steamer Newport passing Sabin Point light
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