Hockomock Light, Swans Island Me. 54.

Hockomock Light, Swans Island Me. 54.

"Hockomock Light, Swans Island Me. 54." Hockomock Light, Lighthouse, Waterfront, Coast, Buildings, Residence [included in the "Hancock County Through Eastern's Eye" exhibit] LB2007.1.102686 Hockomock Light, Swans Island, ME. 54. Burnt Coat Light Station, also known as Hockomock Head Lighthouse, was built in 1872 under orders from President Ulysses S. Grant. The original lighthouse had twin lights. It is believed that because it was sometimes too confusing to see two lights in a storm, the lower light was discontinued in 1883. Credit: Gwen J. May, Swan's Island Historical Society Hockomock Light, Swans, Island, Me. 54." The lighthouse on Hockomock Head, on the south side of Swans Island, is Burnt Coat Harbor Light. Built in 1872 it originally had two square brick towers as range lights. Captains found the two lights were confusing, and the front light was subsequently removed. Nevertheless, ships still wrecked and cargos were lost; a coal schooner wreck provided island residents free coal one winter. Lard oil fueled the lights. During the bitter winter of 1874-75, the keeper heated the oil on his stove so it didn't congeal before he reached the tower. Kerosene replaced oil in 1877. In 1911 a bell tower, to the right, with bell and striking machinery, was erected. The light station was electrified in 1935, and a siren foghorn replaced the bell. In 1975, a skeleton tower light replaced the station but local public interest prevented the Coast Guard from tearing down the tower. In 1978, it installed an automatic light. The station became town property of in 1994. An active preservation group is now making the preservation and restoration of the light station possible.