Ernie DeRaps, Former lighthouse keeper, Monhegan
“The first and foremost duty of a lighthouse keeper is to maintain his navigational aid, the LIGHT. Monhegan Island Light had a magnificent, first-order lens constructed of polished glass prisms set in a brass structure. It was made in France in the early 1800s. Prior to lighting the LIGHT each night, one half hour before sunset, there was quite a bit of preparation. One of the many questions asked about the lighthouse lens has always been, “What makes the lens rotate?” Rotation was actually provided by manpower, through the use of heavy weights and clockworks similar to the workings of a cuckoo clock. When lighted and operating, the weights had to be wound up at least once every eight hours to keep the clock operating and properly rotating the lens.”
As Officer-in-charge and Keeper of family lighthouses (Monhegan Island Light; Fort Point Lighthouse in Stockton Springs; and Browns Head Lighthouse on Vinalhaven), Ernie DeRaps lived with his wife and children. He enjoyed having his family near, watching the children grow and helping to teach them. Lighthouses attract many visitors and it was always a pleasure for him and his wife Polly to greet these guests and make them feel welcome. After his retirement, he decided to paint every lighthouse on the coast of Maine.