Tomorrow (Aug 7) is National Lighthouse Day so we are resharing a post on a Cecil County lighthouse. On this date in 1789, Congress approved an act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, becaons, buoys, and public piers. According to the American Lighthouse Foundation is a day “to celebrate lighthouses and the commitment and service of those who tended America’s lights for generations.”
The Turkey Point Lighthouse in Elk Neck, Cecil County, was built in 1833. It sits on a 100 foot bluff at the tip of the Peninsula bordered by the North East and Elk rivers. C. W. “Harry” Salter was appointed the keeper of the Light in 1922.
His wife, Fannie May Salter, took over her husbands duties on February 11, 1925, upon his death. She served until August 1947, retiring at the age of 65, with 22 years of service as a lighthouse keeper and another 23 years where she assisted her husband.
Mr. Salter had served at several stations. Before moving to Turkey Point with his family, he had been assigned to Hog Island Light in Broadwater, VA.
In 1942, the lamp was fully electrified and it was fully automated in 1947. In 1972, the keepers dwelling was torn down.
Of the ten keepers at the station, four were women, three being wives who succeeded their husbands.
For additional photos visit this post on Cecil County History on FB.
For additional information see this Coast Guard Page http://www.uscg.mil/history/weblighthouses/LHMD.asp
and the Friends Group http://www.tpls.org/index.html
Source: Baltimore Sun, Oct. 12, 1946.