Contributed by Penobscot Marine Museum
Description
The Hunnewell’s Beach life saving station was established in 1883 halfway down Riverside Beach. The station became the Popham Beach Coast Guard Station in 1935.
The lifesavers patrolled the beach almost to Morse’s River day and night, no matter what the weather. Someone was always on lookout duty in the tower. Many times the men rowed to the rescue of crew and passengers on vessels in distress. The lifeboat had no motor.
On George Popham Day each year, the station was open for public viewing at high tide. The men gave a presentation and demonstration with the lifeboats, the Lyle life gun, which threw lifelines, and the breeches buoy. A young boy was selected to ride in the breeches buoy.
Area residents were disappointed with the decision to close the Coast Guard Station in 1971. As of 2018 the station has been used as a bed and breakfast inn but remains a landmark for those at sea.
About This Item
- Title: Life saving station, Popham Beach, ca. 1910
- Creator: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Creation Date: circa 1910
- Subject Date: circa 1910
- Location: Popham Beach, Phippsburg, Sagadahoc County, ME
- Media: Glass Plate Negative
- Dimensions: 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm
- Local Code: LB2010.9.118633
- Collection: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
People
Other Keywords
- Beaches
- Coast Guard
- Community celebrations
- Life saving demonstrations
- Life saving patrols
- Life saving stations
For more information about this item, contact:
Penobscot Marine MuseumPO Box 498, 5 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974
(207) 548-2529
Website
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