From collection Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company Collection
LB2018.10.84
Color transparency taken c. 1960 of Bass Harbor Lighthouse in Bass Harbor (also known as McKinley) on Mount Desert Island. The photo is taken from the rocks, looking up at the keeper's house, light tower, pyramid bell tower, and small fog horn building. Located atop rugged cliffs at the southwestern tip of Mount Desert Island, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is the only lighthouse on the island. It sits on Acadia National Park land. Since 1858, when it was built, it has guided mariners into Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay. The tall pyramid bell tower was built in 1876. The fog bell and machinery replaced it in 1898. The original keeper's house, connected to the lighthouse by a covered walkway, was enlarged and modernized several times. Bass Harbor Head was a desirable post for keepers and their families, who often moved from one light station to another, some of which were very remote. The wife of one of the last keepers appreciated her telephone, easy access to town, and being able to join the local garden club. The light was electrified in 1949, and the last keeper retired in 1957. Since then Coast Guard staff have occupied the house. Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, one of the most visited in Maine, was featured on a U.S. quarter in the "America the Beautiful" series.
