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Digest>March 2002 |
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Photo Caption:
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Fanny Salter was the last civilian woman to keep a lighthouse in the United States. She is shown here in a publicity photo shortly before her retirement in 1947. She became keeper when her husband Harry left her a widow with three children at age 42. But becoming keeper in modern times was no easy task. When Harry Slater died in 1925, the Civil Service Commission ruled that there could be no more women appointed as lighthouse keepers. However, with the help of a United States Senator, O.E. Weller, President Calvin Coolidge appointed Fanny as keeper.
Fanny Salter was one of several women who tended Maryland’s Turkey Point Lighthouse. When Turkey Point keeper Robert Lusby died in 1844 his wife took over the position, which she held until 1862. When Keeper John Crouch died his wife Rebecca followed in his steps as keeper. However, it was Georgiana Brumfield who probably holds the distinction of living at one lighthouse the longest time of any person in U.S. history. She came to the lighthouse at age 16 as the daughter of an assistant keeper. She eventually became keeper at Turkey Point and left at age 70 having lived at the lighthouse an amazing 54 years.
Back to the edition of: March 2002
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Story:
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Women of the Lights
Back to the edition of: March 2002
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