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Although the original Peases Island Lighthouse in Nova Scotia, Canada, also known as Pease Island Lighthouse, is long gone, thanks to David R. Hahn, a few photos and memories of life at the lighthouse still exist so that we can share them with you and save them for future generations.
The Peases Island Lighthouse was established way back in 1879 on Tusket Islands, south of Yarmouth on the west coast of Nova Scotia.
Thomas Crosby Baker, who is the person most associated with the lighthouse, was born on January 26, 1838.
As a young man, on April 28, 1870 Thomas Crosby Baker, along with William Bridgeo, George F. Boyd, W. V. Brown, and Ansel Robbins, established a woodworking factory. Although the men were well respected for their work in residential home building, they were extremely well known for their handiwork in the magnificent interior finish of the Holy Trinity Church. However, on July 25, 1878 when one of his partners retired from the firm, Thomas Crosby Baker also left the firm, and the following year he accepted the position as lighthouse keeper of the Peases Island Lighthouse.
The remoteness and hardship of lighthouse life must not have bothered Mr. Baker and his wife, Annie, because they served at the Peases Island Lighthouse for close to 38 years. Shortly after his retirement, the Dominion Government presented him with a special medal for his lengthy service.
Thomas Crosby Baker passed away on October 21, 1922. His obituary read, “As a citizen, Mr. Baker was quiet and unassuming, but deeply honored and respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.” His funeral was held at his home and was conducted by the Rev. J.W. O’Brien, pastor of the Union Tabernacle Church.
Although the names of some of the people shown in these photographs who were associated with Peases Island Lighthouse have slipped away in the memories of those who passed on, they are all worth sharing and saving for future generations. As you look at the images, let your mind drift and imagine what their life might have been like at the Peases Island Lighthouse. Would you have wanted to live there for close to 40 years?
This story appeared in the
Sep/Oct 2015 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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