One hundred and twenty years on a jagged point of the North Atlantic. Nineteen keepers. Four hurricanes. Still lit.
Hollis McKay kept this light from 1958 to 1975. Wife Eileen kept it with him. Two children raised on the rock. No running water until '63. No mainland phone until '68. A supply boat every three weeks, weather permitting. Hollis logged every sunrise.
The log books fill fourteen leather volumes. They're archived now, but we've scanned every page — if you ever want to read what March 11, 1964 looked like from 87 feet above sea level, it's there.
First-order Fresnel, 1902, made in Paris by Barbier, Benard et Turenne. Shipped in 48 crates by rail to Boston, by schooner to the point, hand-carried up the tower one prism at a time. It has flashed once every ten seconds for 120 years. It has never been replaced.
The mechanism turns on a mercury float. The bulb is modern. Everything else is 1902.
"Handed over the keys today.
The light is in good order.
May it still burn for the next fellow, and the one after him."
Tours run Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting. The climb is 142 stairs. The view is worth it.
Tour tickets benefit the Tilghman Point Preservation Trust.