This armchair traveler is heading north today to Maine--specifically Cape Porpoise, which legend says was given its name in 1614 by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame), after he saw a school of porpoises swimming in the area. I'll be stitching Goat Island lighthouse, near the entrance to Cape Porpoise harbor, a new design requested by a blog reader in California!
There are conflicting accounts as to when the original 20-foot Goat Island lighthouse was first lit--one source says 1822, another 1833. There is agreement, however, that the present 25-foot brick tower pictured here became operational in 1859 as an aid to navigation in what once was a busy fishing center.
In 1990, Goat Island lighthouse had the distinction of being the last lighthouse in Maine and the next-to-last station in the United States to be automated. Its beacon, flashing white every six seconds, can be seen over a range of 12 nautical miles.
During the presidency of George H. W. Bush, Goat Island was selected by the Secret Service as an air-sea command center, as it provided an excellent vantage point for surveillance of the president's Walker's Point estate in nearby Kennebunkport.
As always, my posts will be written as a "virtual stitch guide," offering suggestions for threads and stitches to the person requesting the design, who has indicated she'd like to stitch along with me--what fun!
2 comments:
It's great that you provide the stitch guide as you go. I've stitched several of your canvases and I always print your posts so I can refer to it. Because your canvases are so well painted, and your guides are so clear and concise, I'm always happy with the results.
Wonderful description of the history, and a charming lighthouse. As always, I look forward to watching it evolve. I wish I had thought of stitching along with you when you did my beloved St. Marks (north Florida) lighthouse. I might have learned something.
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