May 1899

Colchester Reef L.H.

Monday May 1 1899                            9 P.M

This break of day or two in the record is in consequence of my being about . I had my work all surrounded and cleaned up at 5 P.M. Saturday, and sat down to read. About an hour later Cap. and Mrs. B, Lottie, Bertha, Francis, Genie rowed in and that gave me leave of absence until this morning.

On Saturday I had a general cleaning up spell from tower to cellar.

I got home at 7. Found Cass out fishing and Chet fixing his boat.

On Sunday Cass took scow and went after Perch + Chet + I went to Joe’s Pt. with poles after what we might get. He caught 4 perch, but I got left entirely. However when we got home we went out in the boat and I got 29 perch to his 26. He had his two lines and I had only one.

I went out again after dinner and got 28 more, and Chet worked on his boat; He is doing quite a good job on her. I made him one of my old fashioned Johnny-cakes for his dinner. Cass didn’t get around until after all the chores were all done.

Joe Durant came to see his calf. Was well pleased wants to see Porter about pasturing it. Durant had carriage to go to city, got back here just before a hard shower.

Burt Hines was here at same time, expecting to see girls. I guess, not knowing they were away.

Mr. Duncan and Ruth Smalley were here to have Cass go up + see about working there a while.

I was afraid I might have a hard wind to pull over in this morning, but fortunately it was only very light, when I was almost here a heavy fog settled very suddenly and some of the times I could not see the L.H. It has been foggy + hazy all day and this P.M. we had thunder showers after 4 P.M. At that hour (4) the Montgomery, (two mast square rig) went S. loaded with stone.

Lighted up an hour early by mistake it was so dark, but found out my mistake in about 10 minutes. Saw & loons all in one flock off Law’s Island this P.M. I painted on outside of tower like flies drove me off. Have nothing for a brush but an old swab and a mighty poor one at that. Mixed floor paint, and did up dishes after the family, and at my supper. I am tired as a dog and am going to bed now. Three chickadees came and perched for a full minute within three feet of me while I was painting outside the tower. They seemed very tired. One of them sat where I could have reached it, but I was unwilling to scare it, so didn’t try.

 Thursday May 2

Drew sash of six windows, painted the casing of one and the base-boards in the spare room.

Wednesday  May 3, 1899  Light House

This has been a fine day with a good fresh breeze From the N. all day. Could not see the sun rise, but it set clean and without a cloud in the sky. Painting to-day. Nothing but a sash brush to work with, but painted risers, molding to 3 flights of stairs, in fact all but the treads, and I shall go for them early in the mng as they will be dry before night, and one on two floors beside. Have been thinking all P.M. that this was Thursday but come to look at my records I find I am mistaken, and a little disappointed also.

The wind seems to be going down and I think it will be pleasant to-morrow. A barge or some kind of a sailer went S. this P.M. with a big load of brick. Haven’t seen much outside, as I have been quite busy all day even though I haven’t accomplished a great-deal.

Thursday May 4 

Light N + NW. wind all day. Pleasant + clear.

Painted floor of tower and watch room, upper Hall and oil room, and tread of all stairs, also sash + casing + door + glass box of oil room and only one little sash tool to do it with. Two dandy ducks this P.M. Fine shot but no one here to help me handle boat, so I didn’t shoot at them.

Chet came just before dark. Was more than glad to see him, and tried to have him stay until mng, but he could not.      He has to go to school and to Milton to-morrow night after Myrtle who is home sick, and got back early 8 at A.M. I am homesick myself and wish the devil had the lighthouse. Cass is working for Smalley and Cap for Harry Thayer and of course Chet has no things to do more than chores and go to school, so I guess there isn’t much being done over here. Not too bad, anyway.

I am homesick myself and after seeing Chet come and go away again, I don’t want any supper at-all.

Friday, May 5              

8.P.M. A very fine day. A very light N. wind some of the time, but at others the lake has been like a pan of milk. I finished outside of tower except the dome and also finished the first half of the fence around it. Expected folks over to stay and let me go home till Monday, but they are not here and I guess I shall be here in the morning as usual.  A pair of dandy ducks were close by at 4.30 this mng. And I wanted to shoot one but concluded to want until saw one is here to help me with the boat. I lost my glasses yesterday, and I can’t find them any where, and if I hadn’t happened to have a pair of eyeglasses, I could not see to write or read a word. 

I suppose Chet is on his way to Milton and I hope he will get around all right without fail to-morrow. Have a headache to-night for a change.

Monday May 8, 1899                8 P.M.    Colchester Reef Light house

Another break course, going ashore. On Saturday P.M. Chet came over with all hands, including Myrtle who got home a little before noon. All were well.  I was all ready to start back + Chet + I went from here to Porter Hotel where Cap was harrowing.  I went from there home on foot with Porter. Chet came home with team later + Cap went back to Station with boat. On our way home Porter + I came up with his children who were at play in the sand drift, we afterwards met Mr. Barrows with his three girls. We also saw a very large turtle which someone had shot and thrown away. His shell must have been at least 20 in” long I should think. I got home and did chores + dug a whole lot of worms. Cass came along just as we had finished of course. Talked some about going spearing, but only talked; that is about all we ever do.

Mr. Barstow called a few minutes. Thora came home to-day. Mrs. Hardy + the boy came over after a quart of milk. Dog scared the boy half to death. 

Sunday morning Chet + I got up early. I did chores + he worked on boat. I helped him later. Towards noon Cass drew up Hines + Molly and came back with Chester Brownell, and we three went out + fished till 3 P.M. Got about 12 doz. Brownell took snap shot at Cass + the fish, and later of me, on the sly, + they went off again. Cass returned about 9, as Chet and I were gone to bed. Cass dressed what fish Chet + I hadn’t eaten for supper, + I don’t know when he did come to bed. 

Chet did a good job on his boat considering the fact that he had neither lumber nor tools fit to work with. I asked him over to stay with me some night this week. Chet and I drove to W. Point this mng. Got there just as Cap came with boat. Major, the dog was with us and when we got out 10 rods from shore he dove in and came after us. We had to go back + take him ashore. He was pretty well chilled and tired + could hardly go when he landed.   He had enough of it, however, and didn’t attempt to follow us again.

We found breakfast ready for us on arriving here, and after it was eaten all hands loaded themselves into the boat and left me alone again. Somehow I haven’t felt like doing much today, even to wash the dishes or straighten things out, but tomorrow if I am well + able I guess walk around here and try at least to do something. Finished reading “A Dead Man’s Step” by Lawrence L. Lynch. One of the most interesting books I ever read. Every page claimed my whole attention.

9.20, P.M.   A Tug and 8 or 10 tows just went S. on E. side.  The day has been a very pleasant one with but very little light N. wind.  Have been hardly any water fowl to-day of any kind.

The apple trees which came two weeks ago last Sat. are not yet set out, and not anything done that I see on shore since I went over a week ago.  The wood-pile is growing smaller however and by another two weeks if not sooner, I guess they will begin to wish all was there to cut up another lot of wood.

I wish things were a little different.

Tuesday May 9.        7.20 P.M.

This has been a very pleasant, though uneventful day.  A fresh breeze from the N has blown all day but it died out at sundown, (7. o’clock,) and it is now like a pan of milk.  I got up this mng at 4.30 determined to do or die, and I have been at work in the sitting room all day.

I took the windows all out, washed them and fixed the runs so the windows would slide easily, put in new cords so that the windows can be taken out and cords detached without pulling out nails or any other trouble.

It was quite a job and I got no dinner until that part of the job was completed, and it was then 1. P.M.   I even took my breakfast on the fly.  This afternoon I painted the window casings and baseboards and one door, and washed up a lot of dishes, swept up, let my fire go out, and so now I can’t have any warm supper as I am too tired and my back aches too hard to bother much about it.

A tug with 9 or 10 tows is now passing to the N. about 2 miles west of here (7.35 P.M) and the brick steamer I think is coming down from the N.E. but it is so dark I am not certain.

An old tree stump has been floating all around here for several days and to-day has been located about 25 or 20 rods distant between here and W. Pr, and it has annoyed me exceedingly, for every time I happened to look out of course it has attracted my attention in spite of myself.  I think it must be a good part of a tree and probably drags on the bottom, on the wind and current would carry it away.  I wish it was June, and I think it would be dangerous some boats to run on or into it in the dark.

I shall look for Chet a little to-morrow night, but I shall not be very badly disappointed if he doesn’t come.

7.00 P.M.  Lighted lamp.  Sun set clear though somewhat smoky.

Wednesday, May 10, 1899  C.R. Lighthouse

4.35 Am.  Put out light.  Sun rose clear, with a very light wind from N. in places.

7.45  “  Breakfast eaten dishes washed, floor swept, and ready to go to work.  Sun shining, not a cloud to be seen nor a ripple on the lake, though small swells are coming from the S.

Quite smoky in every direction.  Stirred up some rye bread with yeast I made and left here the 5^th of last Jan.  Hope it will be fit to eat, but am not certain that it will be as this is only the third time I have even attempted rye bread.  The other lots were a success, however.

9.30  “  The Tug H.G. Tisdale, of Whitehall just went S. with 9 tows.  2..2..3..2.  It seems to be washing day on the boats, for several of them have quite a lot of clothes hanging out to dry.  Sun shining clear.  Cool light So. Wind.

11.00  “                    “                 “  Lake still again.

7.01 P.M.  Put up light.

Sun set clear but very red it is so smoky.  My watch on time with whistle at noon.

8.45 P.M.  This has been the stillest day on the lake, that I ever saw.  There hasn’t been a ripple in sight any where since noon, and the H. H. Adams of Isle La Motte has been becalmed within speaking distance of here for several hours.

This A.M. I painted as good as six doors in the sitting room and one closet.

This P.M. I painted the dome and finished the fence around the tower.

I noticed 3 or 4 loons and a very few gulls.

It was quite sunny and I could see very well over to Grand Isle where the new railroad is being built.  I could see the steam shovel work, as well as hear it, and also the pile driver.

This evening fires are burning across the lake alongside of the railroad.  They look quite cheerful and seem almost like company.  And that makes me think I was almost looking for Chetsie but he didn’t come, so I will look for him to-morrow night anyway.

I have the windows all open and it is very comfortable and if only some one was here for company, I should feel quite contented.

My bread raised finely, and I baked it this evening.  It is a sure success if it is baked enough.  I can tell better in the morning when it gets cold.

I have some beans baking, so I guess I shall have enough to eat the rest of the week, at any rate.

I see by the almanac that we had a new moon last night but I haven’t seen it yet, it is so smoky.  I think I will keep my eye out for it to-morrow evening.  It sets at 9.20 and I must see if I can.

Last night commenced reading “The Second Wife” by, E. Marlitt.

Well it is 9.13 and I am sleepy.

7:01 P.M  Put up lamp.  Sun set clear but very smoky.  Very light dry N wind in A.M.  None in P.M.  Not even a ripple.

Thursday May 11, 1899 C.R. lighthouse

4.34 AM Put out light

8.20 PM Last night at 11 o'clock a light breeze sprung up from the S which gradually increased to a gale which seemed to reach its height about noon or a little later.  Since that time it has been diminishing in force and now there is only a very light breeze again.

More or less rain since 1 PM

Sun shone out for a moment about 10 minutes before it set.  The wind has been cold + the day outside has been rather an unpleasant one.

This AM a very nice tug went down S apparently from Grand Isle towing a big square flat boat with an engine of some kind I think on board; 8 men on the two boats.   This evening before dusk they came back, the flat boat having the engine still on board and a lot of some kind of lumber besides.  As I was quite busy getting supper I did not notice where they went after seeing them pass just this side of Law's Island.

It has been a great change from yesterday.  Painted woodwork white in spare room and it's closet, also two closets in sitting room and their floors.

Somehow it seems as if I hadn't done much but I can't help it.  Saw the new moon this eve.

7.02 PM  Lighted Lamp.  Sun shone a moment 10m before.  Sun set in cloud.  Wind S gale middle of day.  wind dropped at night.  Rain in PM

Friday May 12, 1899

4.33 AM Put out light

No wind.  Lake smooth.

9 AM Warm, sunny and pleasant.  Air clear + fresh.  Very light breeze from S

Flock of 7 loons just this side of Hogback bound for Mallett bay.  The largest flock I ever saw together at one time.

Sawing wood down cellar.

9.30 AM  Can clearly see steam shovel work and cars dumping rocks that are loaded by shovel.  Can also see the beg red flat boat that went up yesterday PM loaded with lumber.  The engine is still on board.

10.30 AM wind light NE or E.  sunny and warm.

8.40 PM This has been another very still day almost as still as Wednesday.

I painted the walk around the tower and got an awful old headache out of it.

Chet came over about 6.45 or a little later in fact just as I went up to light the lamp.  He ate a few beans, took some oil and told me to be ready tomorrow night to set sail for the shore for a week.  They had been expecting Ratte since Tuesday to set out apple trees but he didn't come and they are not set out and have been "heeled in" three weeks.  I picked up my papers that I had scattered over my stairs + floors to save the new paint and swept up everything above the cellar and it looks as need and trim as one could ask to have it.

Nothing worthy of especial mention has occurred to break the usual monotony of life here.

Saturday May 13, 1899

4.32 AM took down light

Sun rose clear. Light breeze from So

9.  Brick Steamer went N to M. Bay.

9.15 The Adirondac, a two master went N.  Wind now blowing quite a stiff breeze and both vessels making great headway.

Noon.  Wind rising to a gale: think I shall not go ashore before tomorrow.

5 pm Lighter in west but wind blowing harder than ever.  Rain several times this PM

9.15 Finished sawing wood and splitting all the wood we have down cellar and it makes quite a respectable pile.

Somehow I haven't felt very ambitious and so haven't done much else but the wood.  Finished reading "The Second Wife" a good one, the wife and the story also.  Untangled on old but good and strong fish-line (after eating supper and washing dishes) 22 feet long.  I found it laying around loose over the Island one day + a good sinker with it.  Was hoping I might get a chance to use it tomorrow but the wind howls and ladders creak and the waves rattle the ripraps like shot in a tin cup all of which leads me to think it wont be much of a day to fish (for me) tomorrow for if it keeps on this way I shall be here just the same.

Took a good bath to-night and feel better for it.

7.04 PM Put up light.  couldn't see any sun very cloudy.  Showers at intervals in PM wind light in mng. Fresh at 9 AM and a gale at and since noon.  

at 10 PM wind dropping a little.

Sunday May 14, 1899  C. R. Lighthouse

4.31 AM Took down Light

Sun rose clear, fresh west wind.

Awoke at 3 AM and the wind was blowing a teriffic gale.  Couldn't see from which way but it made everything tremble.  I went to sleep again directly and at 4.30 it had gone down.

9.30 AM Work all done up traps packed and everything ready to start but I am not looking for any one to come after me until the wind changes or goes down.

Wind not West + blowing quite fresh.

Dreamed last night of big angle-worms, some of them 10 or 12 feet long.

9.40 AM Someone is at Barrows' old camp evidently as there is smoke coming out of the chimney.  No other signs at present.  The air is quite clear again this mng and one can see first rate with a good glass.

10.14 H. H. Adams, heavily loaded + covered with canvass just passed on E side going S Two men on board.  Exchanged salutations with them.  have been watching "hi" and Harvey or Sam out trolling for pike for the last half hour just this side of Hog-Back and of to the NW of it but I haven't seen them catch anything yet.

11.05 "Mariquita" 8 men on board E side bound N.  Exchanged greetings.

Hi + Sammie just got back to the Island.

Monday May 15  Button's Camp     

pleasant but cool

Cap, Mrs. B., Bertha, Lottie, Francis, Myrtle + Genie all came over to station towards night.  Wind blew pretty fresh from N. and it was pretty dangerous landing, but we did it safely, however.

We left Mrs. B., Lottie + Genie and the rest of us came home.

A loon flew over our boat within easy shot but of course we had no gun.

Saw a strange bird in the swamp as we came from point with team.

Chet and I drew manure A.M.. Cap plowed. Chet went to school P.M. + Cap + I went to city.  Frank Gilman had 17 pike on ice.  Jim Sumner had caught 16.

Apple blossoms + cherries are looking nice.

Saw old Mr. Douglass a few minutes.  Got old shoes repaired.  Bought me a new fishline.

Churchill, Frenn + Blake were looking for traces of John Blake who was night watchman around the new railroad at Grand Isle and who disappeared on the mng. of wed. May 3d with his raft.  A stray N. wind was blowing at the time. They found his pike pole on Law's island but nothing else.  Afterward got trace of raft at Jim Sumner's they thought.

Sunday 16th

Pleasant + cool

Cloudy in P.M.

Cut potatoes A.M.  Drew manure P.M. from Willard's.

Cap + I each had a team.  I drew two loads + he went to lighthouse to-night.

Wednesday May 17, 1899    Button's Camp

8.45 P.M.  A very pleasant day.  But cool with light N. wind. It looked last night like rain, but it didn't.

Cap came home this mng.  Plowed and harrowed for himself + Barstow until 3 P.M. + then went to the city after a load of manure for Coon.  Has just got home.

I drew one load of manure from Willard's and cut and dropped potatoes rest of the day.  I planted all of mine about  2 bushels, but whether I shall be able to dig as many next fall or not is a debatable question.

Chet harrowed + worked around here until noon, then went to school. Afterwards he covered the potatoes with a smoothing harrow and went to the L. with lot of dirty clothes, flour and milk.

I helped the girls peel a lot of potatoes for to-morrow and that finished my work for today.  Belle Goodspeed is doing considerable out door work these days, planting potatoes to.

Had a good drink of cider at Hines this A.M. as I came by.

The girls brought down Henry Thayer's violin to-night.  Not in order of course.

Thursday May 18, 1899   Button's Camp

4 P.M.  Raining and by spells since 11 AM when Chet started for school.  He + Cap plowed over on Willard's this AM Chet till 10 + Cap till 11.

Cap went over then to Porter's and set up the new sprayer and came home with a head ache.

He helped me set out 2 or 4 apple trees + went and laid down.

I laid out and staked the new orchard, quite a job for one to do alone.

Syd Tatro says John Akey found a hat on shore of Law's island yesterday but Syd could give no description of it.

Experimented a little with the air pump just before Chet went away.

Set out about a dozen trees in all I guess.

9 PM Farnum came and borrowed the carriage for to-night.  Cap + Chet went down and plowed after supper with both teams on one plow.

Kent came with 5-7 more Ben Davis trees.  I have been over to Hardy's this evening to have him help me set out more trees tomorrow.  He will come if it doesn't rain.  He came from city with a load of manure while I waited.

Took my supper with them.

Cloudy this PM + looks like rain + is quite cold outside.

Bruno Cross is at Handy's  Has St. Vita's dance.

Friday May 19, 1899  Button's Camp

8.40 PM A rainy day.

Cap + Chet plowed in mng over on Willards.

Sent girls to school in express wagon.

Cap went to see a corn planter.

I built a new coop + chicken yard, and set out 7 trees, + dug a few worms to go fishing with if I have a chance ever to again to go.

Bill brought us some greens for dinner.

I carried dish back and call on Mr. Barstow folk this evening.

Found Burt and Cass here when I came home a few minute ago, but I am too tired to visit to-night, and as I come up stairs and left them to visit with Cap. (he is in bed) and Chet who sits out in the kitchen mad as the devil because they don't go.  The girls are abed too. Ha! Ha!

Saturday May 20            9 PM

A lovely day with a little rain. Cap + Chet plowed on Willard's + I worked in the orchard.  Hardy helped me an hour or two, in AM + Uncle Willard in the PM. I set out 49 trees today.  Edson came in this evening.  Cap, Bertha + Myrtle+ Chet + I are alone.  Expected company, but I guess they won't come.

Sunday May 21, 1899  C. R. Lighthouse

9.30 PM  Quite cool all day with a fresh breeze from the N but it fell away at sundown.

This mng Chet + I did our barn chores and I made popovers for breakfast with fried salt pork, potatoes + several onions. Chub Coon came in after milk and stayed while we ate and until his brother came after him.  After breakfast Chet went over to Grand Isle in his scoop + the wind blew quite hard.

Major + I went fishing at Johnson's Pt. caught 17 perch.  Left notice on door and Cass came down a little after noon.  Half an hour later we started home and sighted Chet about a mile out, but coming in fast before the wind.  

We met Farnum + Goodspeed who had read my notice and came down to tell us that a man from Milton (Blodo.) had come down to let us know that Adne Sibley, Mrs. Button's brother, was dead by a shot gun: killed sometime yesterday or last night.

We hurried and got to camp as Chet rowed in and he  + I immediately hitched up Mag + started for W. Pt. where we took a boat and rowed over here.  He + Cap and Mrs. B. went over + I staid with girls.

About 8 o'clock Cap + Chet came back with boat + took all but me and so I am here alone again until Wednesday when I expect to go ashore again if everything comes around right.  The funeral is to be on Tuesday.

Put up Light at 7.20

Monday May 22, 1899  C. R. Lighthouse

Cloudy day all through and cool

Haven't felt like doing much to-day somehow.  Hung out a tub full of clothes and read most of the smaller articles.  A small launch went N. close to W. side about noon, 2 men, 3 ladies on board, exchanged greetings.

A little later shot at 3 loons, close together and not over 6 or 7 rods away.

Chet came over about half past 7. I shaved him and got him some supper.  He + Cap went to city + Chet got new suit of clothes.  Had a headache from riding as usual.

Funeral of Adney Sibley to-morrow.  All going up, except me.  I have to stay here.

Took down light.

Put up Light 7.20

Tuesday May 23, 1899

9 PM A warm pleasant, lovely day.

No wind all day, A breath once or twice from the N was all.

The little launch with 2 men + 3 ladies that went N yesterday went S to-day.  They blew a horn at me but I was shaving and didn't see them until it was too late for me to blow.

The H. S. Tisdale went N with 8 tows, PM.  The RR launch went So last night after dark with the big tow, heavily loaded but I couldn't see with what.  This PM about 6.30 it went N with a locomotive + tender on the tow.  I could plainly read "Rutland" on the tender but the No. of the engine expressed in 3 figures I could not clearly see.  The Engine + tender stood on rails laid on ties which were laid across some heavy timbers.  This small or short railroad projected extended about 10 or 12 feet back of the stern of the tow, to facilitate loading and unloading, evidently. 

Wednesday May 24, 1899                    First Visitors

4.22  AM Took down light.  Sun Rose clear.  Wind blowing light from So.

8.30 AM  A big smoke indicating fire almost in line with Button's Camp has just begun to roll up.  I can't quite decide what it may be but am almost afraid it is the house.

9 AM Smoke dying down.  Cleaning out the old boat.

9.20 No smoke to be seen.

Two large sails coming from Burlington.

10.40-11.10 AM  C. H. Curtis, Agt. at Port Kent, N.Y.

                             J. B. L'Esperance Opr. D.H. RR Port Kent

11.15 AM The above gentlemen made a call of half an hour and it was very pleasant for me.

1PM   The light S wind continues, cool, sun shining.  No signs yet of Cap or Chet.  Am getting hungry so I guess I will get some dinner.  Can see some one trolling for pike off the S. beach.  My watch is with whistle.

4.30 Hardly a ripple in sight.

Have been scraping the old boat inside.  Going to paint what I have scraped.

7.45 PM  Finished work painting inside of boat at 7.  From 6 until now the fish jumping by thousands have made the water sound almost like a hail storm or a light running brook.

The lake now is and has been for 2 or 3 hrs like a "pan of milk" and everything is reflected in it.  The sun set clean with only a few blue looking clouds in the west, at 7.16 and the full moon looked over the summit of Camels Hump just a minute later.

The John P. Howard was one of the large sails I sighted coming from B. this AM and among other things on board I could see was a horse and buggy.

I cant help feeling a little anxious about the folks and that fire this mng: still I don't know as I need to.

9.40  A tug, the "Tisdale" I think with 10 or 12 tows went S at 9.  

It was so still at 6 that I could hear the frogs sing over in the big swamp.

At this time there is a faint west breeze just springing up.  It is a beautiful evening, full moon, few clouds and temperature quite comfortable.  Have been sitting outside enjoying it as well as I can alone.

I heard one solitary loon call and a few gulls. They were the only sounds that broke the stillness of the evening.

Thursday May 25, 1899

7. AM  The sun rose at 4.21 behind a bank of heavy clouds and could not be seen at all for nearly an hour later, a S wind was just rippling the surface of the lake.

Am just cooking my breakfast and the has risen so that an occasional white-cap is seen.

11.10 Fresh wind and light wind all the AM mostly light.  Have been scraping the boat inside: find several rotten spots.  I guess the boats best days have gone by.  A few drops of rain struck me once + the clouds look a little showery.  The NE ladder groans with every swell.

Haven't seen a craft of any kind so far except one of the line boats out of B-.

The are is cool and agreeable and sun shines most of the time.  It is rather smoky and one cannot see clearly at a distance either with or without a glass.

The wind seems at time to be dropping. I wonder why I don't hear from shore.  If only I had only known they were to be away so long, I should have painted floors and they would have had a nice chance to dry.

But I guess I had better keep on with the boat and finish inside today if I can.

1.20 PM Wind nearly all gone and all clouded over.  Just getting dinner.

9.  Finished scraping the boat and painted her all over inside.  The Galena or Helena or some other Lena passed N at dusk.  I could not see her name nor anything on board except with the glass so I hailed them and asked her name.  She seemed to be loaded with some kind of new lumber that looked like bundles of lath or railroad ties. She was quite heavily loaded, had all sail set and was moving not very fast before quite a light breeze.  I was looking for Chet to-night sure, but he didn't come.  I wonder what's up.  Just before I put up the light at 7.17 I saw a gentleman and lady at the point both seemed to be dressed in black and the lady had on a white shawl.  And that makes me think that about 3.55PM a small white launch with brass stack from the RR apparently landed at the point and 20 minutes later I noticed her just past Law's Island on her way back.

As I sat at the kitchen window after eating my supper, looking out listening for the sound of oars and hoping to look off toward the city and I thought at the first glance I saw a big fire just starting and I jumped to reach for my glass, but before I reached it I discovered it to be the moon just peeping over the summit of old Camels Hump at just 8.20.

I sat down and laughed at myself for being sold so easily.  I finished reading "[?] Elsie" by E. Marlith.  Did not like as well as some of his other works, though it was quite interesting as a whole.

Friday, May 26. 1899

And still I am here. I wonder what has got them all.

The R.H COOK went north this morning, with 10 or 11 barges. None of them seemed to be loaded unless below hatches. One of them has a nice little cabin or something. Built on the stern part of the deck, and some one had hung a hammock about the roof and still above that that supported by posts and stays was canvas roof.  I couldn’t help wishing that I might lie in that hammock for an hour or two and go sailing up the lake a few miles.  On another a man was sawing wood and on others were several people variously employed.  It seemed the washing day among them for lines were put out and clothes were flying from them at a great rate.

The Mayita went south at 420 P.M. This was built more like an ocean steamer than anything I have seen here, and I thought when I first sighted her that it might be one of Uncle Sam’s boats with an inspector on board looking after the lighthouse.

She was painted white, stood high in the water or above it, perhaps, was propelled by a steam and went as fast a horse could trot.

She had two masts, with green looking three cornered flags at their heads.

She first had a white star in the center of a blue triangular ground, around this was a white stripe, then another blue and then a red. The red terminating in two like a fish’s tail and fluttered gaily in the wind. The second flag was a blue one triangular in shape with two points like the first, it had one large white star and three or four others.

The stars and stripes floated from a pikestaff or something of the kind of the stern. I counted eight gentlemen on board are of whom seemed to have on some kind of a uniform, and looked very “official.”

I waved my hand and he did the same and as I did two or three others.

She had a nice skiff a row boat hung on davits at each side. They were hung higher then the decks and out over the sides all ready to drop into the water at a moments notice and made the vessel look rather queer as it approached.

I finished painting the boat the 2nd time over inside and she looks first rate, I brought one of the blinds of the watch room windows down and cleaned off the cabinets so as to paint it tomorrow.

Baked some fine wheat grass for breakfast and had a loaf of new graham bread for supper.

I saw a boat, which I took to be Syd Tatro with him and Geo. Sumner in it fishing off hog back, but the whole outfit eventfully proved to belong to the brick schooner, which was tacking up against the wind, and the men, took that chance to fish a little.

Just before dark I noticed what I took to took to be Hira’s boat headed from Pt to Island, and soon after it reached there its two occupants appeared to be taking a bath down on the shore near the boat house out of the wind.

It is now 9.20 and I am going to read a little while I go to bed, I guess I will see some of them tomorrow unless they are sick.

Saturday Mary 27, 1899,

8.a.m  Cold cloudy and good south breeze, forgot to up on time this morning and as my lamp burned a few minutes over time.

I see the two boys over on the west point of L. Island again, fishing. I wish they would come over here, nut there isn’t one chance in a million that they will.

My back ached so all night that I didn’t sleep at all well, and I feel all broke up this morning.

It seems strange that I don’t hear from camp. I fear some of them must be sick.

But then, I am pretty well myself, have enough to eat for quite a while longer, and I guess I could stand quite a siege if it came to that, for beside having plenty of provisions I have a double barreled gun and 4 or 5 cartridges to defend myself from the enemy and a good glass to discover their approach.

I am my own boss and though there is all the time something to do, I need not fret myself to work very hard nor work long hours.  

I guess I am all right after all.

4:45PM Have finished work for today and am hungry as a wolf. Had breakfast between 8+ 9. And only took a little bite for dinner. But I have my supper warming and guess after I eat it I will feel better.

I have taken off the blinds and slipped the sash in the Capitan’s room, so they will run easily and fixed the cards and slats so the windows can easily be taken out to be cleaned and painted.

I also drew the sash outside, I was quite a job taking it all around but it had to be done and it is done now in good shape.

I meant to have painted the room today, but there was more work on the windows then I expected.

I saw Hira’s boat with sail up going over east fishing probably, but when it came back the sail was down and the boat came in with a white ash breeze.

A fine sailboat with main and fore’sl came over from the direction of Plattsburg, took a turn round L. Island went over to W. Pt + then tacked off over to Burlington.

The R.R Launch came up from Burlington and went over to Grand Isle.

6.PM   The sun haven’t looked out of the clouds all day, but I suppose it has been there just the same and so I suppose I shall hear from camp, sometime. But I can’t help feeling anxious not on my own account, but I am afraid they are having trouble. But then, if they are, I am glad I can be of service in staying here, for it is not every one that would I guess.

There is a light N. wind and it looks dark and cloudy all around and foggy in the same directions, I have given up expecting anyone tonight, spite I can’t help looking over towards the paint every minute.

7.Pm    Raining. Looks likely to be a stormy night. Have put paper in the keyhole of hall door to stop the confounded whistling.

7.45Pm Rain has stopped. Have just noticed a light in Tucker’s camp. Wind getting around more Nor Easterly, but dropping away a little I think.

9P.M   Wind still the same. The ladders creak and the water surge over the rocks. It is dark as ink outside one cannot see Juniper, and hardly the electric lights of the city.

On such nights as this, lighthouses are a great institution. I wouldn’t like anything to happen to my light. You may be sure.

I have read “Queenie’s whim” until 9am, tired and sleepy, and so I am going to bed.

Sunday May 28

8P.m     Rainy morning. Damp all day with light north wind.

A loon come up and looked at me as I eat at the kitchen window a.m. I got the gun and he sailed away. He was an ugly looking devil.

Chet came about 5 and we had some nice perch for supper, which he caught on his way here. I was never more glad to see anyone in my life I guess. He will stay with me tonight.

Lottie was sick or folks would have been ever before.

Lake is very still tonight.

Could not see sun rise this morning nor set tonight.

I have been reading a piece of poetry for Chet's benefit. He is to read it in school Wednesday.

He bought one half a dozen Gazettes which sister Mary sent me.

Must look them over a little before I go to bed.

Monday. May 29, 1899  At the lighthouse.

5.20 am  Chet took down the light at 4.17 and I got breakfast as quickly as I could for there was a fresh south breeze, and he wanted to get over to the point before it blew much harder.

My new gems failed to take on time but I had something else that served instead.

He got  away from here in his scoop at 5.10am thereabouts. He expects Cap over to the point if it doesn’t rain to help him take the sawdust from Pt. to island. It is a little showery however and he may have to do it alone.

The wind is now blowing almost a gale.

Hines raised the new barn Saturday. Wish I had been there.

The fire I saw over near camp last Wednesday morning was Rattes wood lot; no damage done as it was burned purposely.

Mrs. B is expecting a friend whom she has not seen in a long time to visit her next Wednesday. Decoration day on tomorrow rather I guess as Chet said if Lottie is not sick they will probably come over and let me go ashore tomorrow night.

5:40     Could not see the sun rise, but a few minuets ago it almost shone out and looked somewhat clearing, but now it has clouded over again and raining.

My commissary department is replenished with sweet and sour milk syrup to and so I am prepared to stand another weeks siege if necessary. The last one was quite lengthy for a place like this; from a week ago tonight until last night. 6 days and nights and not a soul to see except at a distance or to speak to at all but everything on all right just the same.

6.05 A.M     Chet is going over with a load of sawdust in the white boat.

12.30 P.M             A regular old gale since 9 o’clock

one of the rip-raps is loose and every big wave dashes it against the foundations and jars the whole outfit every time.

I saw Chet get safely over with the sawdust and back to the Pt. I saw him afterward starting for home in his scoop.    I hope he got there O.K.

Have painted the “Library” and Captain’s room this A.M and the closet. Quite a fair A.M’s work.  My dinner is cooking now and must be nearly done I think.  Salt pork, potato, turnip and apple sauce.

 4.P.M   Gale continues hard as ever. All along the flat’s and shallow water places the water is muddy, and has been several hours. Chet and his boat are all I have seen on the water today.    This sun is shinning now, but I guess it is not for long.     It looks awful dark and stormy in the S. &W.

8.P.M  Gale still continues; sun fell behind clouds.

 Looks dark and stormy. This P.M painted the white-work 4 doors and casings in upper hall. Have eaten my supper. Put up the light (7.21) tied up the boat Closed up all round and now that everything is secure, and going to sit down and read the papers sister Mary sent me.

Tuesday May 30, 1899 Decoration Day  At the Light House

4.17 A.M  Look down light

Sun behind clouds

Last night at midnight, it was howling and everything shook about as hard at any time when I have been here.

8.20 A.M   “Mayita” just passed to N.

I noticed she had 9 cabin windows on her side 4 close together toward bow; 3 amid ships and 2 toward stern. A nice anchor ready to drop at a moments notice and stairs alas at the side, to let down to small boats. Life preserves and everything all at hand.

Sails all neatly and close reefed; not a flag of any kind flying today. It is the finest looking craft that I have ever seen pass here.

The wind has dropped considerably and I hope it will keep on.

9.25A.M. The “Witherbee” going N. with 8 barges

Wind blowing hard as ever.

Noon Wind easier.

2 P.M. Wind going down, Going to shift.

8 P.M   Wind blowing great guns from West

8P.M         Wind light from W.

Sun set behind cloud (7.22)

Fixed window in girls room.  Washed inside + out. Drew sash inside + out.    Changed cords + fixed runs so windows raise + lower easily. Painted casings + did everything else necessary.

Painted “Library” 2^nd coat and in it is only just have painted now: but the rails have to answer. Looked a little for folks tonight but they are not here. I have everything slicked up and in apple pie order. I guess they were afraid of wind or else Lottie is not well enough to come over                            

11 P.M Wind still W. fair breeze.

Wednesday May 31, 1899

4.17 A.M Look down light      Sun rose behind cloud. Hazy. Light wind from S. again. Sun shining since 4.20 cool.

8 A.M “Vermont” crossing to B-n carries 3 flags. A big crossing from B-n with 4 barges, can’t see what it is. Also carries flags. Wind S. high. Few clouds, smoky. Sun Shines.

8. P.M  At Camp.

Chet and Mother Lottie Frances and Genie came over about 8 A.M or a little after just as I had breakfast ready, and as I came back with Chet.  Sat here a little before 11 A.M. We stopped at Porter’s and found that three of his best yearlings and  Joe Durant’s “Daisy” the one we wintered for him had died in the pasture of “lockleg.”

It has been a very hot P.M. Cap + Chet have been working the teams since supper, in the cool of the day.

I undertook to dig holes for apple trees, but had a terrible pain in chest + shoulders + arms and had to quit.    Came down to house fainted away and a devil of a time.     Tried twice later to work but had to give it up.

Went out to Coons + got the hoe after supper. Am feeling all knocked out tonight, but am hoping to be all right in morning.

Return to Previous Month               Go to Home Page               Proceed to Next Month