The winter of 1865 we spent a very pleasant winter in Northport, the
next winter in Charlevoix, where we had built us a new home on Bridge
street. We sold and returned again to the island, engaging in the
fishing business quite extensively for a few years.
In August of 1869 Mr. Peter McKinley resigned his position as
light-keeper, my husband being appointed in his place. Then began a new
life, other business was discontinued and all our time was devoted to
the care of the light. In the spring of 1870 a large force of men came
with material to build a new tower and repair the dwelling, adding a new
brick kitchen. Mr. Newton with his two sons had charge of the work. A
new fourth order lens was placed in the new tower and the color of the
light changed from white to red. These improvements were a great
addition to the station from what it had been. Our tower was built round
with a winding stairs of iron steps. My husband having now very poor
health I took charge of the care of the lamps; and the beautiful lens in
the tower was my especial care. On stormy nights I watched the light
that no accident might happen. We burned the lard oil, which needed
great care, especially in cold weather, when the oil would congeal and
fail to flow fast enough to the wicks. In long nights the lamps had to
be trimmed twice each night, and sometimes oftener. At such times the
light needed careful watching. From the first the work had a fascination
for me. I loved the water, having always been near it, and I loved to
stand in the tower and watch the great rolling waves chasing and
tumbling in upon the shore. It was hard to tell when it was loveliest.
Whether in its quiet moods or in a raging foam.