Avery Rock Light

Year Built

1875

Cost

$15,000

Type

Square tower

Height

34 feet

Location

Machias (Machias Bay)

Automated Year

1926

First Lit

1875

Lens Type

Fifth order

Fog Signal

Bell every 10 seconds

Year Deactivated

1947 (Destroyed)

Color

White

Last Keeper - Date

Edwin A. Pettegrow (1926 – 1933)

Description

The old light was a square tower built in 1875 with a gallery and lantern centered on the keeper's house, Constructed with brick and wood.

Brief History

•  1874 – Appropriated by act of Congress for a lt-ho. & fog-signal at Avery’s Rock Me., June 23, 1874, $15,000.
•  1876 – The buildings at this station were completed and the light first exhibited October 15, 1875.
•  1900 – A dangerous rock was removed at the approach to the boat slip. A new striking machine was provided for the fog bell. Various repairs were made.
•  1903 – A brick oil-house was built; a third rail was added to the boat slip; the fog-bell machinery was overhauled and repaired, and a boat-winch and car were provided.
•  1920 – Repairing dwellings, tower, boat slip, and constructing timber bulkhead to protect station against sea. $2,001.26
•  1924 – Keeper Elson L. Small awarded efficiency flag for 1924.
•  1934 – Avery Rock Lighthouse was automated.
•  1947 – Avery Rock Lighthouse was razed, and a light atop a skeletal tower was erected.