Sailors who navigate the seas on the South Atlantic coast are
always glad when they near the harbor of Savannah, for that
means that they will pass within saluting distance of the
“little lighthouse girl.” This is the officially accepted title
of Florence Martus, who has for the last eleven years waved a
friendly signal to every craft passing between the city and the
sea. It is a hobby of this young girl to greet the ships that go
and wish them a safe return, and greet the ships that come and
congratulate them on their voyage.
The Martus dwelling is the only habitation on Elba Island. There
is no landing wharf, and visitors arrive on an average once a
year. The barks, the steamers, and the various other craft never
get near enough for an exchange of greetings other than that
most expressive form of good will, the waving of a handkerchief
by day and of a lantern by night. And as the girl sends out her
welcome, the seamen who know all about her, and who would resent
the elimination of the ceremony which she so popularized, send
back an answering salute, three “toots” of the steam-whistle.
Then Miss Martus is as happy as a belle at a debutante party.
It is her desire that no vessel shall pass the lighthouse
without receiving a salute. She never overlooks a sail in the
daytime, and her handkerchief is ever ready for its service
of cordiality. She says it is her ambition to signal every
ship that touches at Savannah. She was asked her reason for
signalling the passing sea throng, and she answered that it was
to cheer the crew.
This beautiful and unselfish ministry illustrates how a noble heart
invents ways to scatter sunshine. The world passes us like ships on the
sea. How much interest do we take in others? How far a kind word, or
smile, or handshake goes to help the friendless and hopeless. It is not
the great acts but the little deeds of kindness that make human beings
happy. (Text.)
(355)
* * * * *
“That boy,” said the foreman in the machine-shop, “will make a
good workman. He always whistles at his work.” (Text.)
(356)
=Cherubim=--See LOVE RATHER THAN KNOWLEDGE.
=Child, A, as Reconciler=--See GOOD WILL.
=Child, A Little=--See SOUL, YOUR.