Rock Island Lighthouse Gallery

Postcard Images, c.1906-c.1980
A collection of images illustrating views and vantage points that photographers have used to showcase the lighthouse for nearly 100 years.

National Archives Still Pictures Collection, 1885 & 1903

Gardner Photos, btwn. 1895-1903
In the fall of 1894, workers began raising the cast iron light tower (which was then situated in the center of Rock Island) approximately five feet higher, after several ships had wrecked because the captains could not see the light over the dwelling house roof. These photos come from an album owned by Howard Gardner, whose father was a friend of the keeper at the time and took these photos. They show the completed work on the tower, as well as the privy, and an early boathouse. Howard's album is in the possession of Bob & Ginny Ihrig who donated them for use on this website, and scans of them were generously provided by their neighbor Donna Gorrell.

Charles C. Zoller Autochromes, c.1907-1932
Three photographs currently in the collection of the George Eastman House Still Photographs Archives in Rochester, New York.

U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Photographs, c.1903-1944

Les Corbin Collection Photo, bef. 1956
Local historical photographer's view of Rock Island while it was still an operating lighthouse station—notice the buoys on the wharf at left, the fresnel lens in the tower, and the fenced-in area on the hill to the right of the dwelling.

George C. MacKenzie's Photos, 1970
Ten pictures filed by the National Park Service in it's report to the General Services Administration regarding the proposed disposal of Rock Island Lighthouse Station to the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.

National Register of Historic Places, c.1978
Photos included in the nomination file, accompanied by a map showing the angles from which the photos were taken (File #78001855)

Erik von Sneidern Photos, 1985
Erik's grandparents owned nearby Cedar Island from 1957 to 1969. He has donated two photographs taken on his visit to the area in 1985: one shows the tanker Rubens passing by the tower, and the other shows a southern view of the keeper's house.

Northern Photography, 1990's
Daniel A. Boyce, creator of Northern Photography, has graciously donated his delighthful series of Rock Island Lighthouse photos for the enjoyment of our visitors. Be sure to thank Dan, and to visit his online gallery of other fine photographs from around Jefferson County and New York State. All photos in this gallery are the property of Northern Photography and are copyright protected.
Note: The Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association is not affiliated with Northern Photography and does not receive any proceeds from sales.

WPBS-TV Video Stills, c.2000
View images of Rock Island facilities—even the staircase inside the light tower!—taken with permission from the video "Lighthouses of the Seaway Trail," produced by WPBS-TV of Watertown, New York. The video profiles Rock Island plus 26 other lighthouse stations along the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. Read the segment transcript elsewhere on this website! Visit the WPBS-TV website for purchasing information.
Note: The Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association is not affiliated with WPBS-TV, and does not receive any proceeds from sales.

Virtual Tour of Rock Island State Park, 2001
Over 70 photos taken at Rock Island during a tour in October 2001. Follow Mark Wentling and his grandmother (descendants of keeper Michael Diepolder) as they explore the light station, both inside the buildings and out.

Dan & Tracy DuFlo's Rock Island Gallery, 2001-2004
Dan and Tracy, two Rock Island enthusiasts, share their remarkable photos of the island, plus pictures of their handcrafted 7'-tall replica of the lighthouse, and Tracy's award-winning painting of the lighthouse. You can write to Dan and Tracy at zzdan@frontiernet.net.

Video Clips from Rock Island State Park, 2005
Two 15-second segments showing a panoramic view from inside the lighthouse tower, and a tour boat passing the lighthouse, both taken on a September 13th visit.

Microsoft Virtual Earth Aerial View, c.2008
See Rock Island like the birds do! Includes photos of the lighthouse and island from all cardinal angles, with zoom and pan capabilities. Thanks to member Donna Gorrell for discovering this one!

Flickr.com Group Photos, c.2009
The Rock Island Lighthouse Historical & Memorial Association has a group on Flickr.com, started in February 2009, where members can share and comment on photos and videos of the lighthouse. Access is by invitation to members only.