Anthony J. Marolda

Writings

Next

Previous

The Annisquam lighthouse on Wigwam Point (upper left corner of the map), off of the Norwood pasture near Squam Rock, is one of the most iconic on the East Coast. It has become a symbol of the area, seen in many advertisements and even used for scenes in a few movies (e.g. "The Women", 2008 version. They filmed the final scene at the lighthouse and then had a cast party. I happened to be on a dog walk along the beach when the party was underway.

The name Wigwam Point stems from the long use of the point as a summer gathering place for local Indians. In 1800, the Federal Government appropriated $2,000 for a lighthouse on Wigwam Point. Gustavus Griffin of Gloucester sold six and a half acres of land for the station to the government for $140. The first lighthouse was a 32-foot wooden tower, showing a fixed white light 40 feet above the water. A two-room, wood-frame keeper’s house was built near the tower. James Day, a Gloucester native, was named the first keeper.

The people of Annisquam decorate many of the Village structures for Christmas. For example, the Village Church, Village Hall and the bridge that crosses over from Washington street have wreaths and lights in place. Some years, even the lighthouse is decorated with a wreath. The painting to the right commemorates those years. It shows the lighthouse at twilight, after a snow storm, with its wreath lit for the night. And a special visitor on his way to make a call on the keeper.