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The Brown Family Leaves Pine Island
“After the disaster, moving from isolation to society was life-changing. Pets and books were solace. My brother adapted quite well, but I didn’t fit in with city girls. And there is insecurity in knowing that one’s surroundings can be destroyed in an…
Aerial photo of damage at Pine Island Light Station
“One night in February 1967, the ocean turned our little world upside down. This photo is a bit blurry as it was taken from a rescue helicopter.” - Marian Brown
Snow at Pine Island Light Station
Snow did not come to Pine Island every year; sometimes Christmas was subtropical. But in 1966 the station looked picture-perfect in snow.
Children enjoying treats
It was exciting to receive from the monthly tender ship a box of apples or a box of books from the travelling library.
Mom and son work together at Pine Island Light Station
Rex sawing wood with his mother Betty. Work on a lighthouse did not have conventional gender boundaries.
Fuel tank installed
A Coast Guard crew installs fuel tanks for the diesel engines that powered the station’s electrical generator.
Children work and play at Pine Island Light Station
On a lighthouse, children played by helping with construction, gardening, care of poultry, and other tasks.
Vegetable garden at Pine Island Light Station
The Browns developed large vegetable gardens for fresh food. CPR passenger steamers sailed past the lighthouse every week.
Garden at Pine Island Light Station
Betty Brown cutting grass below the light tower.