Thanksgiving Miracle at Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, photo courtesy US Coast Guard

Terrible Tilly was not a good place to spend a holiday.

Only one of the five lighthouse keepers assigned to Tillamook Rock Lighthouse would win the prime spot in the rotation to spend time with his family on Thanksgiving. The other four would have to endure the isolation of the barren rock and the fickle temperament of the sea, separated from their families who lived on shore because no families were allowed on the rock.

Transportation to and from the lighthouse a mile off the coast of Oregon was subject to the weather, and just getting on and off the island by way of a crane was precarious. Turbulent squalls could send waves crashing over the lighthouse, sometimes throwing rocks flying through the air, damaging the lighthouse or shattering the lantern glass.

Landing at Tillamook on a calm day, photo courtesy USCG

As a result, expected provisions brought by the lighthouse tender were often delayed by stormy seas.

Thanksgiving of 1913 was one of those times. Weather conditions had been so adverse, the tender was unable to deliver any supplies. The holiday looked bleak for the keepers who wondered what they had to be thankful for in such dismal conditions. Not only would they be without their families, they’d miss the traditional feast. No turkey would be enjoyed on Tillamook Rock.

Just when things looked their worst, two ducks crashed into the lantern and fell dead on the metal gallery. The keepers wasted no time preparing the birds for dinner, and enjoyed roasted duck for their Thanksgiving meal, truly thankful for the gift from heaven which fell at just the right time.

Have you ever received a gift from heaven at just the right time? I have, in fact I did today, and for that I am even more thankful.

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind,” Psalm 107:31

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!