Ida Lewis Rock Light facts for kids
| Location | Newport Harbor, Newport, Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°28′40″N 71°19′35″W / 41.47778°N 71.32639°W |
| Year first constructed | 1854 |
| Year first lit | 1854 |
| Automated | 1927 |
| Deactivated | 1927 (Original light) 1963 (Automated light) |
| Construction | Brick tower attached to lightkeeper's house |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Markings / pattern | White with black lantern |
| Height | 13 feet (4.0 m) |
| Focal height | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Original lens | 6th order Fresnel |
The Ida Lewis Lighthouse, once known as the Lime Rock Lighthouse, stands in Newport harbor in Rhode Island. It's named after Ida Lewis. She lived and worked at the lighthouse starting in 1857. From 1879 until her death in 1911, she was the official lighthouse keeper. Ida Lewis became famous for her many brave actions, saving lives from the water.
Building the Lighthouse
In 1853, the U.S. Congress decided to build a lighthouse on Lime Rock. This was a limestone rock about 220 yards (200 meters) from the shore in Newport harbor.
The first lighthouse was a short stone tower. It had a special lens called a 6th order Fresnel lens and an oil lamp. The light started working in 1854. At first, the lighthouse keeper had to row from the shore every day to take care of the light. If the weather was bad, the keeper could stay in a small wooden shack on the rock.
The Lewis Family Keepers
The first lighthouse keeper was James Stockbridge Lewis. He had helped build the lighthouse. After six months, his father, Hosea Lewis, took over. Hosea was a retired boat pilot.
In 1857, a two-story house was built for the lighthouse keeper. Hosea Lewis and his family moved to the small island that same year.
A few months after moving, Hosea had a stroke. His wife, Ida Zordia Lewis, and their children then took care of the light. Their oldest daughter, also named Ida Lewis, did most of the work. After her mother passed away, Ida Lewis officially became the lighthouse keeper. She held this job from 1879 until 1911. The island and the lighthouse were named after her in 1924.
Later Years and Automation
The last lighthouse keeper was Evard Jansen. He stayed until the light became automated in 1927.
The original light was replaced with an automated light that used acetylene gas. This new light was placed on a tall, open metal tower. This automated light was turned off in 1963.
Today, the original Fresnel lens from the lighthouse is on display at the Museum of Newport History. The lighthouse building is now used as the clubhouse for the Ida Lewis Yacht Club. They even have a private light that shines for part of the year.
The Ida Lewis Lighthouse is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
