Thacher Island Twin Lights, photo courtesy Lighthousefrinds.com

In 1864, a few days before Christmas, Maria Bray, wife of head lighthouse keeper of the Thacher Island Twin Lights, Alexander Bray, was in the keeper’s house, planning for the special day. She thought about what she’d prepare for Christmas dinner while she knitted a pair of socks for her fourteen-year-old nephew Sidney who was staying with them. The boy sure needed some warm socks. She’d darned his other pair, but they were beyond darning anymore. She wished she could do more for Sidney, but times were tough, and he seemed to appreciate whatever was done for him.

He’d eagerly followed her husband around, wanting to learn how to help maintain the twin lights at the island. Even though there were three keepers, having two lighthouses to maintain on opposite ends of the island was quite a chore, especially when the weather turned against them, and the foghorn had to be sounded as well. Maria glanced out the window and frowned at the sight of the dark clouds. More snow was undoubtedly on its way. As she looked, she saw Sidney running toward the house. She quickly stashed her project in the knitting basket and stood as Sidney burst through the door.

“What is it, Sidney?”

Red-faced from the cold, he said, “Mr. Abbott is very sick, burning with a fever! Mr. Bray told me to tell you he and Mr. Carter have to leave right away to take him to a doctor on the mainland.” Sidney paused to catch his breath. “Mr. Bray said they’d be back as soon as they safely delivered Mr. Abbott.”

“All right, then. Thank you for telling me. Now get those wet clothes off and dry yourself by the fire.” She reached for his coat and hat as he shed them, then hung them by the back door.  “Come get some hot tea. We can’t have you getting sick too.”

Maria stole another look out the window and said a silent prayer for the safety of Alexander and the others during their trip to the mainland. Although the men had rowed across the bay many times before, one never knew when the waves would act up and make the journey difficult and dangerous. Even the most seaworthy had lost the battle against the treacherous sea. For now, though, she was in charge of the lighthouses until the men returned. She went about her chores, watching the time on the grandfather clock as well as the weather. As the afternoon wore on, she jumped into action.

Thacher Island, photo courtesy US Coast Guard

“Sidney, come with me. We must make sure the lights are lit.” Together they trudged across through the snow to one of the towers and climbed the 148 steps to the top, carrying the oil can. In addition to refilling the lantern’s fuel, they trimmed the wicks and cleaned the glass panes of the lantern room. As soon as they finished with one light, they went back downstairs, crossed over to the other lighthouse and repeated the process. A heavy blizzard descended upon the island with fierce winds and blinding snow, making their chore more difficult. There was no doubt the men wouldn’t return in such a storm.

Maria and Sidney rested a short time before they had to return to check on the lights. After the second trip, Sidney fell asleep on the sofa. Maria decided to let him rest as she went back once more to make sure the lights had not gone out. Hopefully, the weather would break tomorrow and the men could come home. However, the blizzard continued, preventing a return trip. For two long days and nights, Maria worked non-stop to keep the lights burning. In the wee hours of Christmas morning, she collapsed into bed, thankful the snow had quit falling.

As the storm broke, Alexander decided to row back to the island. But on the way, the storm returned, tossing the skiff in the waves like a toy. The men lost their bearings and didn’t know which direction to go. Praying for guidance, Alexander saw the faint glow of two familiar lights. The pulled the oars with all their might, finally reaching the icy ramp or the island where they pulled the boat ashore. Alexander hurried home and found Maria sound asleep.

“Merry Christmas, Maria,” he said.

At the sound of his voice, Maria opened her eyes. “Are the lights still burning?” she asked.

“If they were not, my dear, I would not be here,” he said.

Merry Christmas to all and remember to keep your light burning.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16