Papa Was a Lighthouse Keeper

When they pulled up to the dock at Chambers Island, the girls jumped out of the boat and went to the lighthouse with their things, while the men secured the boat.  The boat was the lifeline to the mainland and needed to be properly moored.  The area was known to have storms appear suddenly with breaking waves and strong winds.

The lighthouse had comfortable living quarters.  The lower level is where Captain Jens lived, and had a bedroom, sitting room and kitchen.  The circular stairway to the actual lighthouse had a landing for the second story where there were two bedrooms.  Doris and Sadie had the front bedroom and Papa had the other one.  The circular stairway continued up another story to the kerosene lamp of the lighthouse. They all shared the kitchen where they prepared and ate their meals together. In the back of the house was the summer kitchen where meals could be prepared when the weather was warm.

Once inside the lighthouse, Doris and Sadie dashed up the circular stairs to their bedroom.  There was a double bed, freshly made up with a feather bed and bright blue quilt. There was a dresser with four drawers, two for each girl.  Next to the dresser was the washstand with its large white basin and pitcher for water.  The windows had white frilly curtains on them, and over looked the path leading to the water. 

The girls put their things away, and got settled. They hung their clothing on hooks, as there were no closets.  They put their socks and undergarments into the dresser drawers.  After everything was in it’s place, it was time to explore.