Dear Editor:

I was just reading about the beautiful Inn at Cuckolds Lighthouse. The lighthouse is important in my family history. My grandmother Verona Marr was born in 1899 at the keeper’s house. Her father Preston Marr was keeper from 1893 to 1920. He was assistant keeper from 1893-1907 and head keeper from 1907-1920. His wife Angelette (Angie) was a midwife. He transferred to the Portland Breakwater (Bug) Light and was head keeper there from 1921-1933 when he retired. He was the last keeper of that light. 

They had five children, all born at the lighthouse: Harold (1894), Evelyn (1896), Verona (1899), Ethel (1901) and Bernice (1904). I remember my grandmother Verona telling stories of how they had to take a row boat to school in Boothbay. Her father would get up early to tend the light and then he liked to bake. She learned to bake with him on early mornings.

The Marr family’s members were prominent light keepers for several generations. Preston’s father and brothers were also light keepers http://www.lhdigest.com/digest/storypage.cfm?StoryKey=2888

I’m so glad to see the wonderful house restoration. Someday I hope to visit.

Joy Whitney

Princeton, New Jersey