the history of cuckolds light station€¦ · in addition to being an ideal location for romantic...
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Greetings:
The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse is preparing to welcome guests to this offshore island for the first
time in history.
For generations, mariners sailing near the granite islands off the coast of Maine—known as The
Cuckolds—heeded the haunting call of the fog signal and the gleam of the lighthouse beacon
there to guide them safely home.
Today, the lovingly restored, historic Cuckolds Lighthouse beckons travelers seeking adventure,
tranquility or a truly one-of-a-kind setting to celebrate life’s great moments and make new
memories.
The Inn features two brand new, elegantly appointed, modern luxury suites inspired by the
history of the lighthouse itself as well as the soft colors and textures of the Maine coast. Charming
common spaces invite guests to relax, read, play a game, enjoy cocktails, conversation and
fabulous home cooked meals. The sweeping, 360 degree ocean views and the rhythmic sounds
of crashing waves make this location an ideal retreat for artists and writers looking for inspiration;
a unique setting for a milestone anniversary or birthday celebration; or a cozy, romantic couples’
oasis.
Whether it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a new tradition in the making, a stay at the Inn at
Cuckolds Light is an unforgettable experience. We would love to help you arrange a visit so you
can experience this gem just off the Maine coast. Please call Angie Helton at 207.653.0365.
Warmly,
Founder & Vice PresidentCuckolds Rescue
The History of Cuckolds Light Station
Boothbay Harbor was a busy fishing port in the 19th and early 20th century when The Lighthouse
Board Report for 1890 noted the need for a fog signal station to protect mariners seeking shelter in
foggy or inclement weather. The report noted:
“The Cuckolds consist of two rocky islets rising about 59 feet above high water in the westerly edge of the channel at the entrance to Booth Bay. They are dangerous of approach on their southern side on account of the reefs in that direction, and the shoals also extend half a mile to the westward of the western rock, but the eastward side of the eastern rock is quite bold-to. The flood current sets right on these rocks. They are much dreaded by mariners in thick weather and are a great peril to a large number of vessels.”
In 1892, $25,000 was appropriated to build a fog signal station and keeper’s house. To protect the
buildings from the sea in heavy storms, a granite pier was constructed on the highest part of the
island to support and raise the fog signal station above the storm waves. A light tower was added to
the station in 1907, which was visible up to 13 miles.
In June 2004, under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000, the Federal
government invited interested and eligible entities to apply to acquire the Cuckolds Fog Signal and
Light Station. Deemed excess to the United States Coast Guard, and threatened with destruction,
the Cuckolds was at a critical turning point.
In May 2006, a small, committed band of local citizens, organized as the Cuckolds Fog Signal and
Light Station Council, succeeded in efforts to rescue the lighthouse and the deed to the property
was presented to the Council. Since then, volunteer-led efforts have been the driving force to restore
the historic light station that serves as the “front porch light” for the greater Boothbay region.
Now, the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse is set to open this summer. This luxurious retreat will be
available to adventurous travelers who want to experience their own private island while staying in
the lighthouse. Guests will be transported to the Cuckolds by licensed Launch Captains in a restored
Navy motor whaleboat. Resident Keepers will welcome visitors to the island, provide tours of the
fully preserved historic Light Tower, serve as concierges and hosts to overnight guests, help maintain
and protect the island and Station, and ensure visitors’ delight.
Restoring the Cuckolds Light Station
The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse would not be
possible if not for a group of visionaries and
community leaders who rallied to save the light
station from demolition once it was no longer
deemed necessary by the United States Coast Guard.
For more than a century, the Cuckolds Fog Signal and
Light Station protected mariners as they journeyed
into Boothbay Harbor; the addition of the light tower
in 1907 further aided their passage, and still does
today. In fact, many say Boothbay Harbor would
never have come to be, had the light station not
made passage into the harbor safe and practical for
commercial fishermen and others back in the
late 1800’s.
The station was manned by two pairs of light
keepers until the mid 1970s when, like many of the
lighthouses that dot the American coastline, the light
was automated and, a few years later, the keeper’s
house and boat house dismantled, leaving a lonely
light tower and fog signal to stand watch unattended.
In 2004, people on Southport Island and the
surrounding area became concerned that the light
signal was slated for demolition, to be replaced by a
fiberglass light pole, and rallied to save their beloved
historic landmark.
The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act,
passed by Congress in 2000, gave the community
a glimmer of hope. The goal of the program was
to find local non-profits to take ownership of
lighthouses considered “excess property.” When
the Cuckolds Light Station appeared on the list in
2004, longtime Southport summer residents Janet
Reingold and Philip Yasinski submitted a letter of
intent just 48 hours before the application deadline.
Over the next two years, the couple rallied a
growing group of volunteers, including lifelong
residents and relative newcomers, to the rescue. The
group raised funds and developed detailed plans
for restoring the light tower, rebuilding the keeper’s
house and boathouse to historical specifications,
but with the benefit of modern materials and
building techniques. Local and regional businesses
have donated building materials, design expertise
and other resources to bring the project to
fruition, and Reingold and Yasinski have led the
development of a sustainability plan to ensure
Cuckolds generates its own revenue in the future.
In addition to being an ideal location for romantic
weekend getaways, small gatherings, milestone
anniversaries and other life celebrations, the
Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station Council
envisions the island and light station being a
popular destination for local community and
business groups to explore oceanography, maritime
history, marine biology and more.
Meet Our Innkeepers
Dan and Barbara Aube, a couple with long ties to Maine and a shared love of the sea, reside on Cuckolds Island during the summer to provide our guests with security and warm hospitality.
Dan, a retired Naval Officer and graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, was born and raised in Maine. Barbara, a successful businesswoman and civic leader, attended high school in Portland. Both hold Merchant Mariner Limited Masters Licenses and American Red Cross First Aid Certification.
Their love of cooking, entertaining and meeting new people make Dan and Barbara ideally suited to welcome and pamper guests during their visit to Cuckolds. They look forward to meeting you and making your stay at the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse an unforgettable experience.
Transportation
Getting away from it all on your own private island is easier than you think.
Guests are transported by Coast Guard licensed Captains aboard a restored Navy motor whaleboat to the Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is located on a private island, one half-mile offshore from Southport Island’s Newagen Seaside Inn. The Newagen Seaside Inn is a 6 hour drive from New York, 3 hours from Boston, or 90 minutes from Portland.
By Car, From Points South:Follow I-295/I-95 North to exit 31 (Old Exit 24), Topsham. Turn right and follow the signs for Route 1 North toward Bath. Cross the Bath bridge, staying on Route 1 through Wiscasset. Cross the bridge in Wiscasset and turn right onto Route 27 South toward Boothbay Harbor. Go through Boothbay Harbor, following the signs for the hospital and Southport Island. Cross the swing bridge onto Southport Island and continue on RT 27 about 4 miles and make a right at Newagen Seaside Inn’s main entrance.
By Air:The Portland International Jetport (PWM) is served by American Airlines/US Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, with nonstop and connecting service from cities across the United States and around the world. Convenient car and limousine rentals are available at the airport.
By Train:The Amtrak Downeaster offers convenient daily service from Boston’s North Station to Portland and Brunswick, Maine. Car rentals are available.
Things to Do
While we wouldn’t blame anyone for wanting to relax on their own private island for their entire stay at The Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse, the Boothbay Region offers plenty to do for people who want to get out and explore.
Boothbay is, at its heart, a maritime village and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the sea. Choose from many excellent harbor cruises for a casual tour or island lobster bake, an exciting whale watch trip or a deep sea fishing excursion. There’s nothing more romantic than a sunset sail aboard a local schooner or Friendship sloop, regaled by seasoned sea captains stories.
Of course, if you prefer a more active way to explore our beautiful coastline, the region features some of the best sea kayaking you’ll experience anywhere, as well as dozens of nature trails. You can golf and dine at the redesigned, championship Boothbay Region Country Club.
One of the jewels of the midcoast region is Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical gardens in New England, where you’ll enjoy a dazzling display of flowers and plants, trails and sculptures along nearly 250 waterfront acres.
Visit the Railway Village & Antique Auto Museum, and enjoy professional and summer stock performances at the Opera House and two playhouses.
For those who love to shop, the region boasts a treasure trove of boutiques, art galleries, and specialty stores featuring locally crafted goods, designer fashions, nautical home décor, books about the region, and gifts for everyone on your list.
A visit to the Boothbay region can be as relaxing or adventurous as you desire.
