Rockland Harbor Southwest Lighthouse

     Rockland Harbor Southwest Light is Maine's newest lighthouse and the only privately built lighthouse in New England to become an official aid to navigation.

     Dr. Bruce Woolett's love of lighthouses began when he was a boy. Years later, the Maine dentist had a house built in Owl's Head and during construction he stayed at his adopted grandparents' house. The flash of Rockland Breakwater Light entered his bedroom each night, inspiring Dr. Woolett to build his own lighthouse.

      The lighthouse was built between 1981 and 1987. The $14,000 structure was finished in November 1987 and equipped with an electric marine lens. With the help of Ken Black of Rockland's Shore Village Museum, the Coast Guard was convinced to recognize Rockland Harbor Southwest Light as an official aid to navigation marking dangerous Seal Ledge. It is now maintained as a private aid to navigation.

      John J. Gazzola purchased the property from Dr. Woolett in May 1998. According to Mr. Gazzola, "Much of the location has been extensively renovated including the lighthouse: new exterior wood shingle siding, combination storm sash with shutters, new doors both entrance and light level to exterior platform, also landscaping, interior first floor reading room, second floor bedroom, two watch bunks within tower to light level, new electrical wiring, insulation interior and exterior painting and other changes including a revised C.G. Light List # to 4140 from 4070."

     Directions:  Take U.S. Route 1 to Thomaston, turning south onto Me. 73.  Continue about one mile past a “Welcome to Owls Head” sing and turn left to North Shore Drive then continue east about 0.5 mile to FR C230 (a narrow dirt road marked with a small sign).  The lighthouse is at the end of the lane, but bear in mind that it is a private residence.  The above photographs were taken from a beach reached by kayak out of respect for the owner's privacy.

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