Village celebrates new ownership of Swallowtail Light

About 60 people gathered at Swallowtail Point on July 7 to observe a historic moment as ownership of the lighthouse was transferred from the federal government to the Village of Grand Manan. The date marked the anniversary of Swallowtail's first lighting in 1860.
Following an introduction by Wayne Clifford, Mayor Dennis Greene thanked and commended the Swallowtail Keepers' Society for their hard work and perseverance. MLA Rick Doucet remarked on Grand Manan's reputation as the "Bermuda of the Maritimes." "This is the friendliest place [with] the most volunteers per capita I've ever seen," he said, offering a round of applause for the community. Swallowtail "has been an icon for years" and it was nice to see it on the cover of this year's tourism guide. "I won't say much more because I forgot my speech in the car and it's too hot to run back up and get it," he joked.
Alexandre Banks, Zoe Ingalls and Wayne Clifford rang the bronze fog bell, which was returned to the property and rung for the first time last year. Musical groups Before the Mast and the Yarmouth Shantymen offered an encore to the previous night's fundraising concert and then led the crowd in "O Canada" as the flag was raised at the house.
On the steps of the light tower MP John Williamson handed the key to Mayor Greene. "This is really exciting," Williamson said, noting that Swallowtail is unique because it is still a working lighthouse. Others have been restored but are not in use; the Coast Guard still maintains Swallowtail's light and horn. He recalled that decommissioned lights in the 1950s and 60s were often burned down, and that Canadians' view of preserving their heritage has since changed. "These facilities are important for protecting our coastlines. It's a piece of history but also a part of tourism."
"Remember your kind words in Ottawa," Greene countered with a grin. "We'll be expecting a few grants."
The tower was opened for tours, and visitors climbed the 52 steps for a chance to walk out onto the platform. One of the first to enter was Laurel Hinsdale, who lived there 41 years ago. She remembers giving visitors tours at age 11 and "seeing if they were brave enough to step outside the lantern." She said there was a guest book whose whereabouts is still unknown, but "the basketball hoop is still there," inside where they played.
The lighthouse was built in 1859 in response to the Lord Ashburton shipwreck in 1857 in which 21 lives were lost. The lantern was brought from England, and the light went into service on July 7, 1860. The house was nearly destroyed in the 1865 Saxby Gale. A new duplex was built in 1958. It was de-staffed in 1985 and vacant for 11 years, a bed‑and‑breakfast operated from 1996‑2004, and the Swallowtail Keepers' Society began the restoration project in 2008.
No work had been done inside since about 1985. In 2004 Rotary Club volunteers painted the exterior of the lighthouse, and in 2010 a group of Rotarians from Florida painted the house.
Society chair Laurie Murison says they will need to raise $200,000 to complete the restoration. They are hoping to open the tower as a working lighthouse museum, perhaps as early as next year. She says people are excited by the prospect. Some residents remember childhood visits with the lightkeepers' children, but no one had been in since the light was automated.
Murison told a Saint John radio show that the lighthouse and point are meaningful to many islanders. It's the first thing she sees from her house each day; she adds that two weddings were held there in June. "It is an amazing symbol for Grand Manan." For first‑time visitors, Swallowtail Point is "awe‑inspiring."
Many are looking forward to the site's potential as a museum or venue for special events. Society volunteer Marie Charpentier says, "When things are used, they stay well."