Lighthouses of Washington County
I’m Sarah Craighead Dedmon. Welcome to Way Downeast, where I’ll share small-town stories and big conversations -- about the people, communities, struggles and successes of Washington County, Maine.
Photo courtesy of American Lighthouse Foundation, Lee Leighton.
On this episode of Way Downeast, we’re talking about Washington County lighthouses. We’ll hear from Bob Trapani, Jr. executive director of the American Lighthouse Foundation, and Cutler storyteller Delia Farris, granddaughter of Little River Lighthouse Keeper Willie Corbett and friend of U.S. lighthouse expert, author, and publisher, the late Tim Harrison of Cutler. This episode also introduces a new feature, the Washington County Writer’s Corner. Stay tuned to hear a reading from Machias author Loretta Boyer McLellan.
Welcome to Way Downeast.
When Sarah first interviewed American Lighthouse Foundation Executive Director Bob Trapani Jr., she mentioned her beloved cousin Sallie Leighton, who volunteered at the Owls Head Light in Rockland for many years. Surprisingly, Bob knew Sallie well and was able to share many photographs of her working with the lighthouse's beautiful fresnel lens. Sallie died in 2020.
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Velma Johnson
Having lived at the the Little River Light in Cutler when her father, Roscoe Johnson, was the light keeper and again when her husband, Willie Corbett, was the light keeper, Velma is the person having lived for the longest time at Little River Light.
Photo courtesy Delia Farris.
Willie W. Corbett (September 3, 1882 – February 11, 1974).
The head lighthouse keeper of Little River Light from 1921 to 1945. He had previously been a lighthouse keeper at Saddleback Ledge, Monhegan Island, and Tenants Harbor Lighthouses in Maine. He is shown here in 1908 when he was a 2nd assistant keeper at Saddleback Ledge Lighthouse.
Photo courtesy of Lighthouses of Downeast Maine.
Ruth Farris, mother of Delia Farris, pictured here rowing one of her three treasured rowboats, Farris was the daughter and grand daughter of Little River lighthouse keepers.
Photo courtesy Delia Farris.
Delia Farris of Cutler holds a book of Frank Von Riper's stunning photography, featuring her mother, Ruth Farris, on the front cover. Ruth was fondly known as "Mother Nature" due to her often being found making her way through the elements in one of her rowboats. She was the daughter of lighthouse keepers Willie Corbett and Velma Johnson.
Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon
David Cale
An experienced fisherman, clamer and diver, David serves the town of Machiasport as Harbor Master.
Bob Trapani, Jr.
Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation and author of Gleams and Whispers.
Photo by Doug Van Kampen
Delia Farris
Delia, whose mother grew up at Little River Light, and grandfather and great grandfather were lighthouse keepers, shares lighthouse history and stories with young and old.