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Sister Island, New York

Harbour Lights Limited Edition #252

The meandering St. Lawrence River, with its numerous islands and graceful beauty, beckons to mariners and fisherman alike. But the treacherous outcroppings and shifting shoals have caught even the most experienced sailors unaware - creating a need for lighthouses along the river as commerce increased.

One particularly difficult channel, divided by three tiny islands, became especially hazardous to vessels traversing the Canadian side of the channel. With the increased traffic to and from Alexandria Bay, officials knew that it was only a matter of time before a tragedy would occur. In 1870, workers erected a beautiful lighthouse that would stand alone on the remote, isolated outcropping know as 'Sister' or 'Sisters' Island. 

The first lightkeeper assigned to live and work at the state was William Dodge, a retired military officer. Dodge served 23 years, keeping the light burning, recording the passage of every ship, noting expenses, and logging the weather conditions each day. Dodge's son replaced his father as lightkeeper and went on to serve 28 years at this secluded sentinel. 

An automated buoy replaced the need for the lighthouse in the 1950s. Today, the lighthouse, although not operational, is home to the Gavel-Wolos family who purchased the lighthouse in 1967 and lovingly restored it.

Susan LeFever, from Phoenix NY, won the opportunity to choose a lighthouse for Harbour Lights to sculpt in the 'Register and Win' contest in 1999. Sue selected Sister Island because of its charm, beauty, and remoteness. "I picked it because of its uniqueness and how it seems to be floating on the water," Sue said.

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Photographs by Paul L. Brady © Harbour Lights 
December 13, 2001