Lighthouse Keepers

Hi all,

Lighthouse keepers have long been a favorite of mine. For one reason, I grew up on Martha's Vineyard and we enjoyed five lighthouses on the Vineyard. Another reason, is that they were the only job paid by the government that gave equal pay for women, long before women's rights became a political issue.

In Houghtalings Handbook ©1887 there are several pages of the salaries for lighthouse keepers, starting on page 188 to page 197. There were thirteen districts. I'm going to post a couple examples for you.

First District
Saint Croix River, Me. $460
Mount Desert, Me. $820, $480, $440 (Must have had more than one keeper.)

Seventh District
Alligator Reef, FL. $820, $465, $455
Cat Island, Miss. $625

Eleventh District
Grand Point, Mich. $400
Gull Rock, Mich. $640

Thirteenth District
Cape Blanco, Ore $800, $600, $550
St. Helen's Bar range Ore. $240

1872 - 1880 Wages

Every so often as an author I'm looking for the price of various items during the year I'm writing. I generally find advertisements with sale prices as a guide. This tidbit comes from Massachusetts it does give an understanding to the various wages from 1872 - 1880. Perhaps you'll find it helpful too.