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You are here: Home / Archives for lighthouse

[SEPT. 9 DINNER MEETING] Guest Speaker: Brian Wallin on Ida Lewis, Legendary Lady Light Keeper of Lime Rock

September 2, 2019 By James Mitchell Varnum

Idawalley Zoradia Lewis

Ida Lewis was only 11 years old when her father Hosea was appointed keeper of Newport’s Lime Rock Lighthouse in 1853. Four years later, he suffered a debilitating stroke and his teen-aged daughter began assisting her mother in tending the light that marked the often stormy harbor. Ida devoted her life to her work, spending some six decades at the light. Following the deaths of her parents, first her father and then her mother, she was appointed keeper in 1879 at the annual salary of $750 making her the highest-paid light tender in the country. Ever modest of her achievements, she remained devoted to her duties until her death in 1911.

September speaker Varnum Trustee Brian Wallin brings an added knowledge to this story as he also narrates the Rhode Island Fast Ferry Lighthouse Cruises on Narragansett Bay. His richly illustrated lecture portrays one of the most famous women of the 19th century and highlights the role other women played in the care of lighthouses across the country.

RSVP by 6:00 pm Friday, September 6 to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Reservations for dinner are mandatory and MUST be received by the date and time listed above. NO walk-ins allowed!

MEETING DATE: Monday, September 9
TIME: 5:30 pm (social hour); 6:30 (dinner followed by presentation)
LOCATION: Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, 6 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI
DINNER MENU: Steak fry! Baked potato bar, seasonal veggies, Caesar salad, dessert & coffee
FEE: $20/person

  • Illustration of Ida Lewis rowing by Phebe Ann Hanaford
  • Ida Lewis’ grave at the Common Burying Ground
  • Lime Rock Island in 1869 (Harpers Weekly)

Filed Under: Speaking Program Tagged With: lighthouse, rhode island history, speaking program

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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