THANK YOU, Northeast Harbor Fleet volunteers!
When Baker Island is enveloped in fog, its residents are cloaked in solitude. Alone in the beauty, we can also feel alone in the responsibility of caring for this place.
One aspect of Baker’s maintenance is the Sisyphean task of removing the debris incessantly washing up on its shores. Two traps hiked from the south shore to the landing requires one (strong) person two hours, not to mention the enormous volume of buoys, lines, plastic jugs, and occasionally curious flotsam. Transporting anything on and off the island even in ideal weather involves wet feet, skiffs, and moorings. And plenty of good old-fashioned toil.
On a recent socked-in July morning several boats emerged out of the fog, carrying 16 enthusiastic volunteers. For six hours, they cheerfully scoured the northeastern and southern shores, scrambling over slippery rocks, wrestling with tangled fishing gear, and hauling enormous sacks of trash to the landing. They cut through metal traps to remove bricks and sorted through gear to separate serviceable equipment. With the support of residents and KOBI volunteers John Cesari and David Sloatman, many skiffloads of detritus were ferried to the landing by foot and by tractor. Several workers were also planning a return trip to retrieve staged piles of excess cargo.
As dusk fell around mosquito-o-clock, we were once again shrouded in seclusion. Our tired bodies were soaked to the skin—as, surely, were those of the 16 tenacious NEHF workers (who also had the two-hour task of unloading up the ramp at Northeast Harbor). We were left with a cleaner island and a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable efforts expended by all. Motivation is contagious and the following day, all island residents continued the work with renewed energy.
The relationship between Baker Island and the Northeast Harbor Fleet spans its full century; in fact, visits to the island predate the Fleet’s founding. Dance Floor picnics, offshore regattas and excursions have long offered adventure and respite from the whirl of MDI social life. While Baker residents and light keepers extended hospitality in the form of refreshment and stories, visitors brought variety and welcome company.
It is heartening to see the continuation of this relationship as Northeast Harbor Fleet members share in the stewardship of this special island. We look forward to enduring and growing collaboration with community beyond our shores!
One aspect of Baker’s maintenance is the Sisyphean task of removing the debris incessantly washing up on its shores. Two traps hiked from the south shore to the landing requires one (strong) person two hours, not to mention the enormous volume of buoys, lines, plastic jugs, and occasionally curious flotsam. Transporting anything on and off the island even in ideal weather involves wet feet, skiffs, and moorings. And plenty of good old-fashioned toil.
On a recent socked-in July morning several boats emerged out of the fog, carrying 16 enthusiastic volunteers. For six hours, they cheerfully scoured the northeastern and southern shores, scrambling over slippery rocks, wrestling with tangled fishing gear, and hauling enormous sacks of trash to the landing. They cut through metal traps to remove bricks and sorted through gear to separate serviceable equipment. With the support of residents and KOBI volunteers John Cesari and David Sloatman, many skiffloads of detritus were ferried to the landing by foot and by tractor. Several workers were also planning a return trip to retrieve staged piles of excess cargo.
As dusk fell around mosquito-o-clock, we were once again shrouded in seclusion. Our tired bodies were soaked to the skin—as, surely, were those of the 16 tenacious NEHF workers (who also had the two-hour task of unloading up the ramp at Northeast Harbor). We were left with a cleaner island and a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable efforts expended by all. Motivation is contagious and the following day, all island residents continued the work with renewed energy.
The relationship between Baker Island and the Northeast Harbor Fleet spans its full century; in fact, visits to the island predate the Fleet’s founding. Dance Floor picnics, offshore regattas and excursions have long offered adventure and respite from the whirl of MDI social life. While Baker residents and light keepers extended hospitality in the form of refreshment and stories, visitors brought variety and welcome company.
It is heartening to see the continuation of this relationship as Northeast Harbor Fleet members share in the stewardship of this special island. We look forward to enduring and growing collaboration with community beyond our shores!
OIL HOUSE RESTORATION UPDATE
Restoration of the oil house roof and cupola has taken years due to budget, COVID restrictions, and other factors; but a new roof was completed by KOBI volunteers and the new cupola will be installed in 2023.
Above: At Acadia National Park Headquarters, restoration carpenters recreated the original cupola, building an exact replica which was completed in December 2022.
REMARKABLE HISTORICAL EVENT!
On June 21, 2021, a forgotten soul was discovered in the Baker Island cemetery!
On June 21, 2021, a forgotten soul was discovered in the Baker Island cemetery!
Account by Cornelia Cesari, June 2021:
During my research for the Baker Island book, I discovered an interview with Leona Gilley Sawyer, the last baby to be born on the island. She was the daughter of Sam B and Harriet, granddaughter of Elisha and Hannah, great granddaughter of William and Hannah.
In 1884, her parents had a baby boy, Victor, who died as an infant. In 1890, Leona was born on the island. These were Sam and Hat’s only recorded children, after the previous two generations of nearly a dozen siblings in several families.
In the interview, however, with poor audio on an old cassette tape, I thought she said that she had a twin sister who died at birth. Family members I talked with were unaware of this.
After that, though, I began paying special attention to Victor’s gravesite. With the white flowers I usually planted, I added pink ones, off to the right where I thought a baby sister might have been buried, had she existed and died on Baker.
On June 21st, I was planting a pink astilbe to the right of Victor’s stone. I wanted to go farther to the right as in my mind it is a sort of double plot. But I kept hitting stone, as one does on Baker Island. Stone, stone, stone. Suddenly I realized it was shallow, solid, and continuous. Heart in my throat, I looked for a straight edge and found one! A few inches of sod covered a small headstone. I found the edge of it and stopped digging.
I sat down in the grass, a bit overcome. Then I returned to the schoolhouse and began calling Leona’s grandchildren. When I reached her grandson and his wife, they gave their blessing (and began notifying family members).
The next morning, all five living souls on Baker Island gathered to honor a newly discovered soul in the cemetery.
I was hoping for a name, but there wasn’t one, just “INFANT DAU of Samuel B. and Hattie M. Gilley” with the same birthdate as Leona Gilley Sawyer: October 30, 1890.
Leona lived a long life marked by one tragedy after another, starting with the day of her birth. She loved growing up on Baker Island but was never able to move back.
I keep wondering what might have been different had her twin sister and her older brother survived.
Unfortunately, the headstone suffered damage during its decades of freezing and thawing under the damp sod. In its place is a temporary marker.
(Of note, the broken headstone of Charles Gilley will also be repaired shortly!)
During my research for the Baker Island book, I discovered an interview with Leona Gilley Sawyer, the last baby to be born on the island. She was the daughter of Sam B and Harriet, granddaughter of Elisha and Hannah, great granddaughter of William and Hannah.
In 1884, her parents had a baby boy, Victor, who died as an infant. In 1890, Leona was born on the island. These were Sam and Hat’s only recorded children, after the previous two generations of nearly a dozen siblings in several families.
In the interview, however, with poor audio on an old cassette tape, I thought she said that she had a twin sister who died at birth. Family members I talked with were unaware of this.
After that, though, I began paying special attention to Victor’s gravesite. With the white flowers I usually planted, I added pink ones, off to the right where I thought a baby sister might have been buried, had she existed and died on Baker.
On June 21st, I was planting a pink astilbe to the right of Victor’s stone. I wanted to go farther to the right as in my mind it is a sort of double plot. But I kept hitting stone, as one does on Baker Island. Stone, stone, stone. Suddenly I realized it was shallow, solid, and continuous. Heart in my throat, I looked for a straight edge and found one! A few inches of sod covered a small headstone. I found the edge of it and stopped digging.
I sat down in the grass, a bit overcome. Then I returned to the schoolhouse and began calling Leona’s grandchildren. When I reached her grandson and his wife, they gave their blessing (and began notifying family members).
The next morning, all five living souls on Baker Island gathered to honor a newly discovered soul in the cemetery.
I was hoping for a name, but there wasn’t one, just “INFANT DAU of Samuel B. and Hattie M. Gilley” with the same birthdate as Leona Gilley Sawyer: October 30, 1890.
Leona lived a long life marked by one tragedy after another, starting with the day of her birth. She loved growing up on Baker Island but was never able to move back.
I keep wondering what might have been different had her twin sister and her older brother survived.
Unfortunately, the headstone suffered damage during its decades of freezing and thawing under the damp sod. In its place is a temporary marker.
(Of note, the broken headstone of Charles Gilley will also be repaired shortly!)
Summer 2021:
WE'RE BACK!
All Ranger-led tours to Baker Island resumed on June 29th. There are three trips a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), leaving from Bar Harbor Whale Watch on West Street, aboard M/V Miss Samantha.
BUILDINGS UPDATE:
During 2020, Eben Henderson of Easter Maine Environmental carried out lead and asbestos remediation on the oil house, keeper's quarters, and the Hannah / Elisha / Sam B Gilley House.
The oil house was weatherized by KOBI in October 2020 and will have its roofing restoration completed during July / August 2021 by Murray Boatwright of Acadia National Park.
Visitors will notice recent deteriorization of the Gilley House on the southern end; this is on ANP's list for repair this season.
WE'RE BACK!
All Ranger-led tours to Baker Island resumed on June 29th. There are three trips a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), leaving from Bar Harbor Whale Watch on West Street, aboard M/V Miss Samantha.
BUILDINGS UPDATE:
During 2020, Eben Henderson of Easter Maine Environmental carried out lead and asbestos remediation on the oil house, keeper's quarters, and the Hannah / Elisha / Sam B Gilley House.
The oil house was weatherized by KOBI in October 2020 and will have its roofing restoration completed during July / August 2021 by Murray Boatwright of Acadia National Park.
Visitors will notice recent deteriorization of the Gilley House on the southern end; this is on ANP's list for repair this season.
2020 buildings update
Early in spring 2019, the oil house on Baker Island had its asbestos shingles removed by Eben Henderson of Eastern Maine Environmental. Later this summer, Acadia National Park's restoration woodworker, Murray Boatwright, will be out with his crew conducting repairs and reshingling.
Many thanks to these folks, Gail Gladstone at Acadia National Park for her coordination and advocacy-- and of course the Park itself!
Pictures below are courtesy of Eastern Maine Environmental.
Many thanks to these folks, Gail Gladstone at Acadia National Park for her coordination and advocacy-- and of course the Park itself!
Pictures below are courtesy of Eastern Maine Environmental.
The cover photograph is the earliest known image of Baker Light, c. 1869. (NARA)
Baker Island "Images of America"
Order here. (or send $21.99 to POB 26, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662)
[PayPal payments and/or donations can be made from here.]
Cornelia J. Cesari
KeepersofBaker@gmail.com
please see "events & revisions" link to the left!!
Order here. (or send $21.99 to POB 26, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662)
[PayPal payments and/or donations can be made from here.]
Cornelia J. Cesari
KeepersofBaker@gmail.com
please see "events & revisions" link to the left!!
The first book dedicated solely to Baker Island is complete.
The research process was endless and endlessly fascinating!
I met teachers, lighthouse keepers, residents and rusticators--
and/or their descendants, recording stories and scanning photographs.
I am excited to share bits of its past: funny, tragic, joyous, dramatic.
The book will be released June 18, 2018; all sales through this website will benefit stewardship of Baker Island... mowing fields, clearing spruce, cemetery maintenance, trash removal, and more.
The research process was endless and endlessly fascinating!
I met teachers, lighthouse keepers, residents and rusticators--
and/or their descendants, recording stories and scanning photographs.
I am excited to share bits of its past: funny, tragic, joyous, dramatic.
The book will be released June 18, 2018; all sales through this website will benefit stewardship of Baker Island... mowing fields, clearing spruce, cemetery maintenance, trash removal, and more.
Baker Island lost one of its most devoted stewards in Kathleen Pearson when she passed away peacefully on May 28, 2018. Her 50 summers shared with family and friends in the old Stanley house on Baker was an integral part of her lifelong love of nature.
In this photo is Kay on the left, with fellow resident (Schoolhouse) Elizabeth Kolm, who passed away in 2002. The Pearson family has expressed a desire to welcome donations to KOBI in Kay's honor.
Our thoughts are with Kay's family and friends. She will be missed!
In this photo is Kay on the left, with fellow resident (Schoolhouse) Elizabeth Kolm, who passed away in 2002. The Pearson family has expressed a desire to welcome donations to KOBI in Kay's honor.
Our thoughts are with Kay's family and friends. She will be missed!
Baker Island spruce bench donated by KOBI to Friends of Acadia's benefit auction. THANK YOU to the generous high bidder for the donation to FOA, and to ANP for years of collaboration, and KOBI's open permission to use Baker Island spruce.
Baker Island Lighthouse Keeper Joseph Muise
received a grave marker honoring his service
Dedication to the Lighthouse Service as a Keeper required sacrifice. Joseph and Annie Muise's two year stint at Baker Island, from 1930-1932, resulted in more sacrifice than most; the family's short time there was marked by hardship, triumph and tragedy.
The Muises arrived on Baker with four children: Ronald (12), Bill (11), Madeline (10) and Adele (1). Annie was pregnant.
It must have been an eerie sight. After 120 years of continuous family settlement, Baker was deserted. The widow Phoebe Jane Stanley had died the previous year, and her son, Bert, had moved to "the big island." The dilapidated schoolhouse had been closed for about 15 years. Houses and barns, in varying states of disrepair, stood empty; tools, toys, and household items were scattered about.
On August 23, 1932, their oldest son died off the Bar. He was said to have drowned, but it was an accident in which he fell and struck his head before landing in the water. He was playing on a homemade raft--the same thing my kids were doing on Baker 70 years later.
The family was bereft. 18 month old Adele cried and clung to her big brother's body, laid out in the keeper's house.
Captain Muise applied for immediate transfer. Every time Annie looked out at the shore it was agonizing.
So it was that Joe and Annie began their third winter on this strange and hostile-feeling island: in shock and grief, pregnant with three surviving children.
In Nov. of 1932, Mrs. Muise went into labor. Her husband had no assistant, and the weather was stormy; he couldn't leave his post.
As a keeper, his responsibility was to keep the light burning. Imagine his anguish! He called the US Lifesaving Service, which had a station across the bar in Islesford. The "surfmen" showed up in the launch to take Mrs. Muise the seven miles across choppy waters to Southwest Harbor... but baby Prudence wouldn't wait! She was delivered into the surfmen's wool peacoats two miles from shore.
It was then that they were replaced by Frank Faulkingham and his family. The Muises were transferred to Moose Point in Jonesport, Annie's hometown; then they went to Burnt Island Light, where they spent 15 years and raised five children. Visitors to Burnt Island are greeted by actors portraying members of the Muise family today.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, a marker honoring the service of Keeper Muise was placed at his grave at Mt. Height Cemetery in Southwest Harbor, along with those of six other keepers.
It was an honor for KOBI to be involved in the ceremony. President Cornelia Cesari spoke at the dedication and visited with Captain Muise's two daughters, Adele and Ann.
See more information here: at Lighthouse Digest's Facebook page, or the Mount Desert Islander article.
The Muises arrived on Baker with four children: Ronald (12), Bill (11), Madeline (10) and Adele (1). Annie was pregnant.
It must have been an eerie sight. After 120 years of continuous family settlement, Baker was deserted. The widow Phoebe Jane Stanley had died the previous year, and her son, Bert, had moved to "the big island." The dilapidated schoolhouse had been closed for about 15 years. Houses and barns, in varying states of disrepair, stood empty; tools, toys, and household items were scattered about.
On August 23, 1932, their oldest son died off the Bar. He was said to have drowned, but it was an accident in which he fell and struck his head before landing in the water. He was playing on a homemade raft--the same thing my kids were doing on Baker 70 years later.
The family was bereft. 18 month old Adele cried and clung to her big brother's body, laid out in the keeper's house.
Captain Muise applied for immediate transfer. Every time Annie looked out at the shore it was agonizing.
So it was that Joe and Annie began their third winter on this strange and hostile-feeling island: in shock and grief, pregnant with three surviving children.
In Nov. of 1932, Mrs. Muise went into labor. Her husband had no assistant, and the weather was stormy; he couldn't leave his post.
As a keeper, his responsibility was to keep the light burning. Imagine his anguish! He called the US Lifesaving Service, which had a station across the bar in Islesford. The "surfmen" showed up in the launch to take Mrs. Muise the seven miles across choppy waters to Southwest Harbor... but baby Prudence wouldn't wait! She was delivered into the surfmen's wool peacoats two miles from shore.
It was then that they were replaced by Frank Faulkingham and his family. The Muises were transferred to Moose Point in Jonesport, Annie's hometown; then they went to Burnt Island Light, where they spent 15 years and raised five children. Visitors to Burnt Island are greeted by actors portraying members of the Muise family today.
On Wednesday, July 27, 2016, a marker honoring the service of Keeper Muise was placed at his grave at Mt. Height Cemetery in Southwest Harbor, along with those of six other keepers.
It was an honor for KOBI to be involved in the ceremony. President Cornelia Cesari spoke at the dedication and visited with Captain Muise's two daughters, Adele and Ann.
See more information here: at Lighthouse Digest's Facebook page, or the Mount Desert Islander article.
KEEPER'S LOG:
Keeper Joseph H. Muise, November 8, 1932:
"Coast Guard crew took Mrs to S.W.H. A Baby girl was born."
(from National Archives, Washington, D.C., retrieved by KOBI)
Keeper Joseph H. Muise, November 8, 1932:
"Coast Guard crew took Mrs to S.W.H. A Baby girl was born."
(from National Archives, Washington, D.C., retrieved by KOBI)
KOBI president Cornelia Cesari with Captain Muise's daughters, Adele and Ann, at their parents' gravesite.
Frank Faulkingham was also a keeper on Baker Island. A second ceremony was held at Mt. Height honoring more Baker Island keepers.
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National Trails Day
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A parade of equipment was pressed into service!
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Keepers of Baker Island's mission is to preserve, protect, and promote stewardship of Baker Island's natural and cultural resources, for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of visitors, now and in the future.
and yes, we are proud to be a 501(c)3 not for profit organization
and yes, we are proud to be a 501(c)3 not for profit organization
~~ Spring 2016 ~~
how does Baker Island look?
Baker Island suffered the usual blowdowns over the winter; and as always...
the spruce keep popping up!
[all KOBI photos]
the spruce keep popping up!
[all KOBI photos]
 One of Baker Island's fastest growing invasive species: dandelions! [KOBI photos]
song sparrow on Baker Island, June 2016 [KOBI photo]
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winter storm damage
Eastern Phoebe sitting on the Elisha Gilley house bulkhead, June 2016 [KOBI photo]
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ambitious spruce seedlings with plans to obscure the light again!
Young spruce aspiring to threaten harm to an island building... (holding in moisture, impeding ventilation, and violating the safe firebreak!)
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2015
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On Christmas Day, 2014, the Fernald family discovered a dead humpback whale washed up beside the Bar on Islesford, across from Baker Island. He was identified by COA's Allied Whale as Triomphe, a 6-year-old male born off the Dominican Republic.
Click here to read Barbara Fernald's story in the Island Institute's "Working Waterfront"
Click here to read Barbara Fernald's story in the Island Institute's "Working Waterfront"
In June 2015, this whale carcass lay on the Islesford shore near the bar to Baker. It was reportedly a rare sei whale which had been washed up in Jonesport, but drifted back out to sea.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
News from recent KOBI collaborations:
The fence is down! June 2014: Have you touched the light tower lately?
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Acadia National Park's Fuel Reduction Program
Phases I-III of clearing: 2012-14
view from tower, c. 1897
[USLHE photo, 1897]
2012 View from tower: A very good start! [KOBI photo]
From the lighthouse tower north, June 2013 [KOBI, 2013]
The Fire Management Team at ANP, under the direction of Andy Mitchell and Fred Mason, have done it again! With a crew from Cape Cod National Seashore, joined in 2013 by Americorps volunteers, the team further decreased fire risk on the island, at the same time protecting and preserving buildings, opening up historic scenic vistas not seen for decades, and enabling mariners to use the Baker Light as an aid to navigation once again!
For more 2012 and 2013 pictures and to read excerpts of 2012 final report by Andy Mitchell (North Country Fire Management Officer), go to "Recent (Re)Clearing" link at left.
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BISCI (Shoreline Cleanup): ongoing
In 2012, KOBI processed decades of junk lobster traps, compacting them for transport. Over the past two years, ongoing efforts had amassed quite a pile of detritus by the landing, lugged across the island from the shorelines.
Thank you to the Park Service for the August 2012 trash "haul-off": it took three boats, about 11 employees and a large truck to remove 1,850 pounds of trash from the Island.
Traps on the left have been processed,
taking up
about one-sixth the volume.
[KOBI photo, 2012]
KOBI Director John Cesari worked through summer 2012 to process all the lobster traps gathered over the last three years (and counting). This involves cutting out the bricks, removing most of the plastic and knotted rope, and flattening the cages. Processed traps are more compact and ready to peddle to recycling facilities off-island. The work is hard-- not only on John, but on bolt cutters, knives, and saw-blades!
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Baker Island Cemetery Restoration & Maintenance
Baker Cemetery 2012, in mums:
yellow for the gentlemen, lavender and white for the ladies-- and rosebushes for each couple, if the deer will allow it!
Baby Victor, 2014
Examples of KOBI's Work:
Mowing the fields, pastures and path for almost a decade.
Assisting the NPS with clearing spruce trees from around historic structures.
BISCI (Baker Island Shoreline Cleanup Initiative): Coordinating the gathering of over a ton of trash from the shores.
Collaborating with the Islesford Historic Society in Baker Cemetery preservation and consulting with Gilley descendants on upkeep and beautification. [see pictures here]
Assisting the NPS with clearing spruce trees from around historic structures.
BISCI (Baker Island Shoreline Cleanup Initiative): Coordinating the gathering of over a ton of trash from the shores.
Collaborating with the Islesford Historic Society in Baker Cemetery preservation and consulting with Gilley descendants on upkeep and beautification. [see pictures here]
How YOU Can Help:
KOBI enthusiastically welcomes support in its mission.
Ways you can help as a visitor:
1. Pick up trash left behind by visitors or tides.
2. Do NOT remove anything else, including rocks, artifacts, or buoys.
3. Follow “Leave no trace” principles (on Baker and elsewhere).
4. Remember to purchase your entrance pass from the Park.
Please consider lending your (tax-deductible) financial support to the care and upkeep of Baker Island through KOBI.
More Details on our "How You Can Help" pages
Wish List
KOBI Store
Donations
Volunteer
Ways you can help as a visitor:
1. Pick up trash left behind by visitors or tides.
2. Do NOT remove anything else, including rocks, artifacts, or buoys.
3. Follow “Leave no trace” principles (on Baker and elsewhere).
4. Remember to purchase your entrance pass from the Park.
Please consider lending your (tax-deductible) financial support to the care and upkeep of Baker Island through KOBI.
More Details on our "How You Can Help" pages
Wish List
KOBI Store
Donations
Volunteer