Limited Edition
West Point, Prince Edward Island Canada
First lit in 1876, the West Point Lighthouse was erected by the new Federal Department of Marine, who changed the universal shape of Canadian lighthouses from octagonal to square. West Point was the first of these sentinels. With a tower height of 67 feet and a cliff height of nearly 20 feet, West Point is the tallest sentinel still in use on Prince Edward Island.
Set on a stone foundation, the wood frame construction was a simple design, built to withstand stormy weather. In the center of each shingled façade lay windows with a spectacular view of the beach below. But one of the most charming features of the beacon is its paint scheme. Like most Canadian lighthouses, West Point began with a red and white paint scheme. But after the broad black and white stripes were applied, officials were delighted with reports of increased visibility and resistance to fading.
Only two Keepers tended West Point in its first 87 years, before the beacon’s automation in 1963. With these men serving such long tenures, it is natural to imagine that they raised their families here. In fact, Keeper MasIsaac had a family of fifteen.
Within the Keeper’s Quarters, you can imagine a labyrinth of bedrooms. Both the first and second stories had doors leading to the tower. It was a beautiful station, suited for family life. However, upon automation, the dwelling was dismantled and the tower stood empty and alone. Vandalism ensued, raising alarm for the residents who loved the sentinel.
Edition Limited to 5,000
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