Photo Caption:
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In August of 1934, in a small ceremony on the island attended by a few officials and family friends, the bronze plaque was dedicated at the lighthouse. Shown here at far right is lighthouse keeper Elmer Reed who served as keeper from October 6, 1919 to March 1, 1938. It is believed he is the only lighthouse keeper in United States history to serve at a lighthouse when it had its name changed. Next to Reed is Joseph Hoffman, a pianist and family friend. The next two people are unknown. Next, with the pipe and light suit is Curtis Bok, grandson of Cyrus Curtis, and Mrs. Bok’s brother-in-law. To the left of the plaque in the dark coat is Edith Evans Braun, a family friend. Next to her in the white suit, is Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the daughter of Cyrus Curtis. Her husband Edward Bok had died in 1930. The rest of the party are unknown. However, newspaper accounts of the time listed others in attendance as Percy H. Keller, town manager of Camden; Ernest S. Rice, chairman of the Board of Camden Selectmen; Cary Bok, Miss Annie Russell, Mrs. William Townsend Elliott, Mrs. Joseph Hoffman, Judge L. E. Fawcett.
The entire event was in the nature of a surprise to Mrs. Mary Louise Bok, the day being her birthday. Photograph courtesy of Mrs. Cary Bok.
The plaque reads: Curtis Island / And Curtis Island Light Station / So Named May 2, 1934 / At the Request of the People of Camden / In Memory of / Cyrus Hermann Kotzschmar Curtis / 1850-1933 / To Perpetuate The Love And Esteem / In Which He Is Held By The Citizens / Of His Native State.
Back to the edition of: August 2005
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