LIGHTHOUSE XVI

SAYBROOK BREAKWATER LIGHT

OLD SAYBROOK, CONNECTICUT

Order No. 113

HISTORY: The shifting sand bar at the mouth of the Connecticut River made it difficult for large ships in particular to negotiate the shallow harbor. To improve navigability, the U.S. government decided that a deep channel should be dug out between two breakwaters. The first breakwater was built at the west side of the river's mouth in 1875 and the second at the east side in 1880.

In 1886, the Saybrook Breakwater Light, popularly known as the "Outer Light," became operational. This light is a veritable fortress—50 feet of cast iron. The lighthouse had a 1,000 pound fog bell, which was replaced with a 250 pound bell after local residents complained. This bell was followed by a horn, a whistle, and then back to a horn to provide the fog signal. It was fitted with a fifth-order Fresnel lens and later a new fourth-order lens was installed in 1890. The lighthouse was automated in 1959.

The lighthouse includes the tower with a lantern, watch room, 4 stories, and a basement. It rests on a caisson filled with concrete and surrounded by rip rap. It is an attractive structure that is unfortunately difficult for the general public to view from land.

The staff turnover rate at Saybrook Breakwater Light was high. Keepers stayed about 2-1/2 years on the average. Although the site seemed reasonably close to shore, it was hazardous to do the simplest things. The Connecticut River's strong currents made it difficult to row and the winds also made it difficult to get in and out of the boat. The tower itself was cold and damp. Most importantly, there was no assistant lightkeeper and, therefore, no relief from duty. An assistant lightkeeper was finally assigned to this light in 1917. It was automated in 1975.

STITCHING INFORMATION: Stitch count: 159 stitches wide by 142 high. Our model was stitched on a 15" x 16" piece of white 16-count AIDA fabric. To use a different type of fabric or different AIDA sized fabric, give the stitch count to your fabric store and they will help you select the correct amount of fabric to complete this design. Our threads were carefully chosen to depict the actual colors of the lighthouse to give it the most realistic appearance possible.