The Lighthouse Keeper remembered
The celebration of George Parker Matthews Aug. 1 at Ocean View Cemetery in Boothbay included the placement of photos, an American Flag and a U.S. Light House Service marker. Courtesy photo
U.S. Light House Service marker. Courtesy photo
The celebration of George Parker Matthews Aug. 1 at Ocean View Cemetery in Boothbay included the placement of photos, an American Flag and a U.S. Light House Service marker. Courtesy photo
U.S. Light House Service marker. Courtesy photoSaturday, Aug. 1, the descendants of George Parker Matthews gathered from around the country (Maine, Indiana, Connecticut, Florida, Arizona and California) to honor the first light keeper of Squirrel Island.
The celebration began with opening remarks and welcome by great-grandchild Mike Wright. Several participants took turns reading the biography of George written by Mike.
George Parker Matthews was the second of six children born to Thomas and Sarah Jane (McCobb) Matthews, in 1846, in Boothbay. Like many young men of his generation, George's life was forever shaped by the Civil War. He served with Company C of the 14th Maine Infantry Regiment.
After the war, George returned home to Boothbay, where a promise made years earlier finally came true. Growing up, he often teased young Hattie Bryer, who was 16 years his junior, by telling her, "Someday I'll come back, and we'll marry." He did exactly that, and on Jan. 14, 1879, George and Hattie began a partnership that would carry them through both joy and hardship.
In 1892 George was appointed assistant keeper at White Head Lighthouse. White Head was also one of the foggiest stations on the Maine coast. During George's very first year there, the foghorn sounded for more than 2,300 hours—blasting twice every 30 seconds, day and night.
In 1898 he was promoted to Keeper of the newly completed Squirrel Point Lighthouse, entrusting him with full responsibility for one of Maine's newest lights. George recorded the first lighting of the lantern on March 30, 1898. That same year brought another blessing, George and Hattie's son Ralph was born right there at Squirrel Point Lighthouse.
After 18 years as keeper of Squirrel Point, George submitted his resignation, effective April 1, 1916, to retire.
George Matthews, devoted husband, father, veteran, public servant, and faithful guardian of the Kennebec River, passed away in Boothbay on Oct. 5, 1920, at the age of 74.
The group sang the song “Legend of the Lighthouse” (words by Judy Kearney) to the tune of “America the Beautiful.”
The U.S. Lighthouse marker and American Flag was then placed in front of the grave.
The ceremony closed with the Lighthouse Keepers Prayer from the Lighthouse Digest Magazine.
