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In 1971 the last keeper family left Marshall Point, and the house was converted to house electronics for a Loran A navigation transmitter. Other buildings on the site were removed, and no station personnel lived on the site. In 1980 the Loran Station became obsolete. The fog hors (that replaced the bell) and the tower light were automated, and the keepers house was abandoned.
Restoration of the keepers house was completed in 1990, and the first floor has now become a museum, which is open daily from June until September. from 1pm to 5 pm, and 10am to 5 pm on Saturdays. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated!
Updated Nov 16, 2003
Address: Marshall Point Road, PO Box 247, Port Clyde, ME
Phone: 207-372-6450
Favorite thing: The wording an a board beneath the bell reads:
"The 1,018-pound, 36-inch diameter bell was was hung on the ocean face of a four sided obelisk shaped tower. The tower was very tall to contain the heavy weight necessary to power the massive clock mechanism that operated a hammer to strike the vell rim every twenty seconds. A hand crank lifted the witht and required rewinding every 4 and a half hours. The keeper must have dreaded a fog lasting a week or more. a hand line was also available to ring the bell in answer to the salute of any passing government ship.
The tower was dismantled in 1971 but a similar structure can be seen at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.
It took some time for the Marshall Point neighbors to accept the foghorn that replaced the old familiar bell."
Anyone with good eyesight will have notice the deliberate error in the above text. I've written it as it is written, LOL!!
Updated Nov 27, 2006
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Favorite thing: There are breathtaking views all along this coast, and this is just one of them. A bright, warm sunny day. But I'd not wish to be here in the winter months, when it's cold and foggy.
Having detoured from our intended journey from Spruce Head to Bar Harbour, it's about time we got back on track. Next stop FRIENDSHIP!
Written Nov 12, 2003
Favorite thing: Charles Clement Skinner, a veteran of the Civil War, served as keeper here from 1874 to 1919. He and his wife raised their six children there. Two of his daughters, both born at Marshall Point, attended the opening of the restored keeper's house in 1990.
Written Nov 12, 2003
Favorite thing: In 1890, lightning struck, destroying the original stone house attached to the tower. An attractive Colonial Revival was built in its place, standing today, housing the museum in addition to a private apartment on the second floor.
Written Nov 12, 2003
Favorite thing: The reason for Marshall Point Light being here is due to the fishing boats, like this one in the picture. In 1831 Samuel Marshall sold the parcel of land to the United States for only $120. The original tower was built in 1832 from rubble stone for about $4,000. In 1857, another $5,000 was spent building the present brick and granite tower.
Written Nov 12, 2003
Marshall Point Lighthouse, Port Clyde, Maine
The light at Marshall Point , Port Clyde, Maine has been a constant source of navigational guidance since it was first established in 1832. The picturesque harbour setting, the footbridge out to the...
Build your own Port Clyde page
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