Rising above the skyline of St. Augustine, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has become an icon for residents and visitors alike. Constructed in 1874, the tower remains both a navigational aid and a symbol of strength and resilience. More than 200,000 people climb the tower each year, yet few understand what daily life was like for the men and women responsible for maintaining the lighthouse and its iconic Fresnel lens.
Over the past year, staff at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum have worked with an exhibit designer to bring those stories to life in a new exhibit, “Within These Walls: Duty & Daily Life.” Located in the historic Keepers’ House, the exhibit explores the people behind the light and what life was like for Lighthouse Keepers and their families.
Photo Above: the Old Spanish Lighthouse was the original lighthouse, built by converting the masonry watchtower on Anastasia Island. A Keeper’s House was added in 1821-1823 to house the Keeper and his family. This was the Light Station in its original form and where Joseph and Maria Andreu made their home. Source: Museum Collection, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum.
One important point of the exhibit is to share stories of the women who served as Lighthouse Keepers. St. Augustine had two female Keepers who assumed the position following the deaths of their husbands. Maria Andreu became Keeper in 1859 after her husband, Joseph, died in a fall from the old Spanish Lighthouse while whitewashing the tower. She served until the Civil War, when she left St. Augustine to live with family. Kate Harn later served as Keeper following the death of her husband, Major William Harn, who died of tuberculosis. At a time when a husband’s death could leave a woman destitute, local residents rallied to have both women appointed as Keepers.
Article Above: An article from the local newspaper indicates that the townspeople rallied behind the decision to make Maria Andreu the next Keeper, replacing her husband, Joseph, who had died. Joseph is buried in the Tolomato Cemetery, however, there is no headstone to mark his plot. Source: St. Augustine Examiner, Saturday, December 10, 1859, accessed through Digital Newspaper Collection, University of Florida Digital Collections.
Keepers maintained the light around the clock, rotating shifts between the Head Keeper, First Assistant and Second Assistant Keepers. The higher a Keeper’s rank, the less likely he was to be standing watch at three o’clock on a cold winter morning. Keepers and their families lived in the Keepers’ House, built in 1876 shortly after the completion of the current tower. Their stories and photographs helped shape the exhibit, which is organized around themes of the Life of a Keeper, Family Life at the Light Station, and the changes within the United States Lighthouse Service.
Artifacts in the exhibit demonstrate how Keepers maintained the light station from lanterns to hand tools. Keepers also served as tour guides, taking visitors to the top of the tower and explaining the operation of its mechanisms. The exhibit examines changes in Keeper uniforms, the recognition, both positive and negative, they received. Their responsibilities often extended to their families. During shipwreck rescues, Keepers’ wives might be called upon to assist victims, while children helped with chores such as cleaning the tower stairs and landings or tending the garden.
Article Above: Mrs. Peter Rasmusson was known as Lula to her friends. She and Keeper Rasmusson entertained quite a bit in St. Augustine during his time in the city. Lula was a member of the Ladies’ Aid Society of Grace United Methodist Church and hosted several events at the Keepers’ House on Anastasia Island. Peter was also active in the community serving in the Elks Club and even elected as Exalted Ruler of the local club. Source: St. Augustine Record, Saturday, April 29, 1916, accessed through newspapers.com.
Life at the Light Station required everyone to pitch in, but there was also time for recreation. When off duty, Keepers hunted, fished and explored the relatively undeveloped Anastasia Island. Children accompanied their parents to the beach or into town to gather necessities. Keepers were also active members of the community, participating in churches and service organizations. Head Keeper Peter Rasmusson was known for his clam chowder, a favorite at local events and festivals, and served as leader of the local Elks Lodge. His wife, Lula, was active at Grace United Methodist Church and in other service organizations.
Technology was always changing. The fuel used in the Lighthouse changed from pig lard to kerosene and eventually electricity. Changes also took place within the United States Lighthouse Service. Established in 1789 through the first act passed by Congress under the new Constitution, the Lighthouse Service provided oversight and funding for the nation’s light stations. Annual inspections by district superintendents could make or break a Keeper’s career. Inspectors examined every aspect of a light station, and the Keepers and their families made sure the light station looked its best.
Through photographs, artifacts and personal stories, the exhibit gives visitors a greater understanding of the dedication and responsibility that came with life at the Light Station. By keeping the light shining, these men and women served not only their community but their country, helping mariners navigate safely along the coast and return home.
“Within These Walls: Duty & Daily Life” is located in the historic Keepers’ House and is included with paid general admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. The Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. For more information about the Museum, exhibits and visiting, please visit www.staugustinelighthouse.org.
Written by Jay Smith, Development & Grants Manager