(from: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=1864)
Crabtree Ledge, Maine (Timeline)
1887 – Crabtree Ledge, in Frenchman's Bay, Maine.—This ledge, upon which there are from 8 to 12 feet of water at mean low tide, was surveyed, title to the site, with jurisdiction, was secured from the state of Maine, and drawings, specifications, and estimates for the lighthouse were prepared.
1888 – Crabtree Ledge, Frenchman's Bay, Maine.— On August 4,1886, Congress appropriated $25,000 for the erection of a light-house at this place. The Board designed an appropriate structure for this location and advertised for proposals for furnishing the metal-work and for its erection. The bids received showed that the amount appropriated was insufficient for the erection of the proper structure at this location, and the Board therefore obtained an appropriation of the additional $13,000 necessary for the erection of this light house. The work will now be undertaken at the earliest date practicable.
1889 – Crabtree Ledge, about 1 ½ miles south of Mount Desert Ferry, Maine.— Contracts were made for the metal work, for the cement, and for the erection of the light-house. Part of the metal work and of the cement were delivered at Mount Desert Ferry. The location of the foundation cylinder was fixed upon the ledge, and the building of a crib-pier around it was commenced.
1890 – Crabtree's Ledge, Frenchman's Bay, Maine.—A fifth-order light, January 15, 1890.
1890 – Crabtree's Ledge, between Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Ferry, Frenchman's Bay, Maine.—The light-house recently constructed consists of a cylindrical iron caisson, 25 feet in diameter and 32 feet in height, founded upon a rock 15 feet below mean sea-level. It is filled with concrete and surmounted by an iron tower, 37 feet high from base to focal plane, and was finished December 31, 1889. A fixed white light of the fifth order, varied by a white flash every two minutes, illuminates the whole horizon, and was first exhibited on January 15, 1890.
1891 – Crabtree Ledge, Frenchman Bay, Maine.—A bell struck by machinery, August 1, 1890.
1891 – Crabtree Ledge, between Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Ferry, Frenchman Bay, Maine.—A 1,200-pound bell, struck by machinery, with a bell house of sheet iron, was placed upon the pier. Various minor repairs were made.
1895 – Crabtree Ledge, Frenchman Bay, Maine.—A landing ladder was made and fitted. Various repairs were made.
1903 – Crabtree Ledge, on Crabtree Ledge, Frenchman Bay, Maine.— The color of the tower was changed from brown to white, and the revolving clock and fog-bell machinery repaired.
1913 – J. H. Peasley, keeper, rendered assistance to Arthur L. Bunker in danger of drowning.
1914 – Jerome H. Peasley, keeper, rendered assistance in getting schooner-yacht White Wings off rocks near station.
1916 – J.H. Peasley, keeper, towed disabled motor boat with 1 man on board to shore.
1916 – October 2. Assistant Keeper Chester Brinkworth, 31, and his brother Charles [Arthur Leon], 27 [20], were drowned Saturday near Crabtree Ledge Lighthouse at the entrance to Sullivan Harbor, according to information received here today at the Lighthouse Department. Capt. Sherman went with the lighthouse tender Hibiscus to search for the bodies.
Charles Brinkworth fell from a dory, and his brother sprang overboard to rescue him, both perishing. Jerome C. Peaslee, keeper of the light, was ill, and his assistant, Chester Brinkworth, had gone ashore to bring back his brother as helper. The two were lost on the return trip.
Chester Brinkworth’s body and the capsized dory were found by the Hibiscus, which is searching for the body of Chester’s brother. The latter has left his home at Hancock Point in the face of a heavy wind and high seas. Friends advised against his making the trip, but young Brinkworrh said that, with the keeper in a hospital, his brother would be lonely.
1917 – March 21. Captain Joseph Whitmore, assistant keeper of Crabtree ledge light, was drowned by the capsizing of a boat in which he was returning to his post from Ellsworth, Me.
1933 – Crabtree Ledge Lighthouse discontinued.
1934 – Sold to a group of yachtsmen for $105.
1950 – Crabtree Ledge Lighthouse collapsed during a winter storm.
Head: Amaziah R. Small (1889 – 1898), Charles F. Chester (1898 – 1911), Jerome H. Peasley (1911 – at least 1917), Clarendon G. Hurd (at least 1919 – 1920), Ora S. Jordan (1920 – at least 1921), Thomas H. Morgan (at least 1926 – 1933).
Assistant: Francis T. Hodgkins (1893), Charles F. Chester (1893 – 1898), Joseph M. Gray (1898 – 1900), Rollins E. Dobbin (1900 – 1902), Frederick W. Morong, Jr. (1902), Charles W. Thurston (1902 – 1909), Jerome H. Peasley (1909 – 1911), A. R. Leeman (1911), Frank C. Crowley (1911 – at least 1912), Maurice R. Beal (at least 1913), Chester D. Brinkworth (1914 – 1916), Joseph Whitmore ( – 1917), F.N. Foss (at least 1917), Thomas H. Morgan (at least 1919 – at least 1924), Vassar L. Quimby (1926 – 1933).
(historic photo found from above listed website - actual source unknown)
