Point Lookout Lighthouse

Charlie Kidd's Wolf Trap Light Pictures

Charlie Kidd was stationed at Point Lookout lighthouse from April 1958 until July of 1959. Prior to Point Lookout, Charlie was stationed at Wolf Trap Light (a caisson in Virginia).   While this lighthouse is not related to the lighthouse, the pictures offer a glimpse into life in the 1950s.   Point No Point is a caisson lighthouse that can be seen from the Point Lookout lighthouse

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Close up showing the boat davit, bell on main deck, antennas, railing, boarding ladder, etc.

Close up showing the life boat ready to lower, Seaman Jimmy Smith at the rail; notice the work staging/platform hanging down on right side of photo.

Life boat in davits ready to deploy; SN Jimmy Smith at the rail.  Jimmy Smith lived in Mathews County where the boat landing was at New Point, VA.

Life boat in davits ready to deploy; SN Jimmy Smith at the rail.  Jimmy Smith lived in Mathews County where the boat landing was at New Point, VA.  (Close up of previous pic)

Double exposure Charlie accidentally made while departing in the motor launch.   The first picture was a close up and the other was a distant shot.  The distant view shows the "tiny" light station in the center of the "shadow" close up.

View of the light in operation.

Charlie Kidd standing next to a wooden crate that was delivered by the supply boat.

View looking down from the light deck to the main deck.

View looking down through the trap door in the main deck at the boarding ladder; Notice Charlie's shoes and the end of his belt.  (Robert's note:  WHOA!)

Main Deck.  Gasoline tank on the deck and the paint locker room in center over the rail.  Years before, the paint locker was the bathroom just like an outhouse.   When a bathroom was installed inside the light station, the sewage was dumped into the bay.  (Robert's note: a common practice until pollution awareness in the 1970s).

SN Jimmy smith and Keeper Floyd Earl Crew working over the side.

Boat hoist gasoline engine, gearbox and line/blocks for raising and lowering the motor launch.

Motor launch headed to New Point, VA for supplies or personnel run.

The rough seas, as viewed from the motor launch.

A passing yacht, as seen through the rigging.   Many boats and yachts passed very close to Wolf Trap Light.

Many thanks to Charlie Kidd for sharing his Wolf Trap Pictures with us.