Keepers were not put on the Civil Service list until 1896. Before that time political
connections were often helpful in getting a keeper’s appointment. The first keepers at Point Fermin were sisters, Mary
and Ella Smith, although only Mary is listed as official keeper. She had been keeper at Ediz Hook in Washington Territory
1870-1874, replacing her father George Smith when he resigned. It is possible that Mary’s brother Victor Smith, having
secured a political appointment in 1860 as a Special Treasury Agent, arranged his father’s and his sisters’ appointments.
Before 1896 what might have happened to light keepers who were political appointees
when an election changed the government in Washington from one party to the other?
click on notice to view larger image
Here is another Notice to Mariners issued whenever a new light was established or a change made in
a light or fog signals’ characteristics. Who do you suppose received these notices?
Lighthouse Maps
Twelfth Lighthouse District
Can you locate Point Fermin Lighthouse on this map? According to the map, what kind of characteristic did the light
have?
Click on map to view larger image
Source: 1881 Annual Report of the U.S. Light-House Board
This Reader's Guide is intended to be used with Lighthouses Short and Tall, a book for readers 11 and up written by Mary Louise and Candace Clifford. It is available from the publisher,
Cypress Communications, by using their book order form.
