Refer to page 17 of Lighthouses Short and Tall: Duxbury
Wives and children generally assisted their keeper husbands or fathers in tending the light, and were free labor for the
lighthouse service in the 19th century. Can you think of other occupations where this was also true? When an assistant keeper
was authorized at a light station, wives or daughters were often appointed because they already knew all the tasks involved
in keeping the light.
A publication called Notice to Mariners was issued every month and made available to shipowners and other interested
individuals. It contained information on every type of aid to navigation.
The Notice to Mariners said that Duxbury Light illuminated an arc of 315E. How many
degrees are there in a full circle? Why do you think Duxbury Light illuminated less than a full circle? As a harbor light,
Duxbury Light has a town behind it. How would residents feel about having the light shining into their bedrooms all night
long?
