Maine Memory Network

Contributed by an individual through Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse

Description

These binoculars and their wooden box container were awarded to Wood Island Lighthouse Keeper Eben Emerson by the British Government for his heroism in saving the crew (and several animals) from the wreck of the Brig "Edyth Ann."

The ship, from Digby, Nova Scotia, foundered and disintegrated on Washburn Ledge near Wood Island Lighthouse in a brutal storm on her journey from Puerto Rico to Portland with a cargo of molasses and sugar.

The brass plaque on the top of the box reads: "Presented by the British Government to Mr. Eben Emerson, Lighthouse Keeper, Wood Island in recognition of his humane services to the crew of the Edyth Ann of Digby, Nova Scotia on 16th March, 1865."

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About This Item

• Title: Binoculars, Wood Island Lighthouse, ca. 1865
• Creator: British Government
• Creation Date: circa 1865
• Subject Date: circa 1865
• Location: Old Orchard Beach, York County, ME
• Media: Glass, metal
• Dimensions: 8 cm x 15 cm x 14 cm
• Local Code: 17349
• Collection: Private collection of Iona Desmond, descendent of Eben Emerson
• Object Type: Physical Object

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Edyth Ann (Ship)
• Rescues--Maine
• Wood Island Light (Me.)
• Lighthouses--Maine
• Lighthouse keepers--Maine
• Shipwrecks--Maine--Old Orchard Beach
• Emerson, Eben--Associated objects
• Marine accidents--Maine
• Gifts
• Binoculars

People

• Desmond, Iona
• Emerson, Eben
• Tate, Iris

Other Keywords

• Heroics
• Keepers
• Shipwreck rescue
• Wood Island Lighthouse

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For more information about this item, contact:

Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse
PO Box 26, Biddeford Pool, ME 04006
(207) 286-3229
Website

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