Our Tour of Rock Island Lighthouse
© by Mark Wentling, 6 October 2001 please read copyright notice
The Carpenter's Shop (click on any image to view a full-size version)
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When we got off the boat, the shop was the first building we came to, and was of primary interest to me, for records tell that on July 16, 1901, this is where Emma Ron found her husband, keeper Michael Diepolder, dead of a heart attack. Two days later Emma buried her husband, came back to the island, and assumed her husband's responsibilities fulfilling his term until September, thus becoming the only woman ever to serve as keeper at Rock Island in an official capacity. |
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The western wall affords a view of the boathouse. |
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The interior of the carpenter shop is used mainly for storage now. |
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These ceramic cones were our first sight as we ascended the steps of the shop to the second story. They are actually the vents that once capped the three chimneys on the dwelling house. In the 1980's the chimneys were found to be leaking, so they were removed brick-by-brick and shingled over, and the ceramic vents put here for safe keeping. |
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Spare doors, windows, and other carpenter's materials litter the upper story. As I looked around I wondered who in the station's history had turned the door knobs, and peered through the panes of glass scattered around me. |
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NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT: All photographs, text, and electronic files comprising this tour website are the exclusive property of the creator, Mark A. Wentling, and all rights to reproduction are wholly reserved. No part(s) may be reproduced in part or in whole, in any format (print, electronic, or otherwise) for any purpose without prior written consent. To inquire about permission for re-using these materials, please send an email to Mark A. Wentling at keeper@rockislandlighthouse.org |
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