Lightkeeping on the St Lawrence: The End of an Era

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

The St. Lawrence gulf and river constitute one of the most dangerous
waterways on earth; until well into the 20th century, it was feared by
even the most experienced seamen. For example, during the period
1856–66, 674 vessels were “lost, wrecked, stranded and damaged” in
the area.

From 1809 to 1988, manned lighthouses marked the hazards of the St.
Lawrence from Gaspé to Quebec City. Many were on lonely points of land,
accessible only by boat. Others were on steel or concrete towers
entirely surrounded by water. A few were lightships—vessels anchored
to mark danger in areas where a permanent structure could not be built.

Archival research and interviews with 30 surviving lightkeepers
provided the information for this history. The author keeps the focus on
the personal face of lightkeeping, the daily duties of the lightkeeper,
the living conditions, and the dangers of the occupation.

Charts display technical details and the characteristics of the various
lighthouses; this approach works very well, since it provides the data
without slowing down the narrative. Maps and a generous selection of
great photos supplement the dramatic story of the hardships endured by
these civil servants. With this vivid yet factual text, Lafreniиre
wipes away any lingering ideas that “keeping the light” was a
romantic or idyllic way of life.