Beyond the South End

By TED SYLVESTER

Matinicus Navagation Light: A Blessing

 Excerpts: A Matinicus Flashback and an Inmate Project at the Knox County Jail begins. This column was dated December 24, 1971.

“It’s a Godsend to people coming into Matinicus Harbor,” and “It’s a hell of a good light” were two descriptions of a new marine navigational light that has been installed on the breakwater at the entrance of Matinicus Harbor.

Mostly through the efforts of islander Albert Bunker, operator of the Matinicus pilot boat, the light was put up about a month ago. The flashing light is Coast Guard approved and has been seen from as far as eight miles away.

Rockland Coast Guard Station Commander Kenneth Black said that some time ago officials of the island came to him seeking to have the light installed by the Coast Guard. However with governmental red tape necessary, it was figured that it would be at least a year before approval of funds would sift down through channels. Not accustomed to standing idly by when something needs to be done, Bunker sought and received permission to install a private light on the Matinicus breakwater.

The Coast Guard assisted with technical advice and supplied some surplus materials to Bunker. The islander told us this week that he has about $115 invested but that it was worth every penny.

Technically the light stands 30 feet above the water line, has 300 candlepower. It flashes once every four seconds with the duration of the flashes four tenths of a second.

Black commented that what makes the light so effective is the complete absence of any background lights which is a hindrance in some areas. Also noted by Black was that “there are some horrible ledges out there.” He said with the navigational aid seafarers will be able to chart their way into Matinicus Harbor much more safely.

Year around fishermen on the island 20 miles at sea from here number about 35. Bunker added that during the summer months there are a good many purse seiners operating out of the harbor. Also the island is a popular haven for the yachts in the summertime. It is not unusual to see eight or 10 yachts at a time tied up in the snug harbor.

Speaking of Matinicus Harbor, we noticed an unusual sign affixed high atop a mast on the end of a dock. Hand written on a piece of cardboard it stated “That’s one.” Above the sign was some line, a pot buoy and toggle. Inquiries brought the information that a lobsterman had found that one of his lobster traps had been cut loose and he wanted to make sure that everyone knew about it.

While on the subject of signs and names we will try again to relay the name spotted painted on a punt at Owls Head last week--through a typographical error only the last six letters were printed here. Actually the name of the tiny punt is “Gluckseliegistgansebraten.” Wonder what it means?

Inmate Project

A woodworking project at the Knox County Jail has greatly improved the morale of those participating, Sheriff Carlton Thurston maintained this week.

Some of the jail trusties are making half ship’s models and mounting them on plaques. The response to the efforts of the inmates has been very favorable, Thurston said, with many made on order for Christmas gifts.

The money received for the articles will be waiting for the men who made them when they are released.