A Keeper’s Christmas Thoughts Echo in Time
The following holiday sentiments expressed by Portland Head Light’s assistant keeper Robert T. Sterling appeared in the December 17, 1932 edition of the Rockland Courier-Gazette. Given the fact that the letter was published 92 years ago to the day, I thought it would be fun to share his words with you as the Christmas holiday fast approaches.
Robert T. Sterling was an amazing person. Not only was he a long-time lighthouse keeper who served at Ram Island Ledge (1913-14), Great Duck Island (1914-16), Seguin Island (1916-18), Cape Elizabeth (1918-28) and Portland Head (1928-46) lights, but Keeper Sterling was also a fine author and writer too. He penned many letters to newspapers about lighthouse life along the Maine coast, and his 1935 book, Lighthouses of the Maine Coast and the Men Who Keep Them, is a timeless treasure.
Of course, Keeper Sterling’s writings focused on what was happening at lighthouses, as well as their history, but many of his letters also alluded to the humanitarian side and everyday emotional aspects associated with keeping a good light. This excerpt from his letter provides a glimpse into the type of thoughtful person he was.
From: Portland Head Lighthouse
“Everything about us is a reminder that Dec. 25 is only a few days away and we wonder, will it be a white Christmas? As the holiday draws near we are reminded of the motto – A Smile, author unknown.
‘A Smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters goodwill in business, and is a countersign of friendship. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Given them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.’
We have so little to give and yet so much, when there are so many too tired, too downhearted to even smile, and we with our sympathy, our smiles, our God bless you, might send someone on their way rejoicing.
We of the lighthouse family – let’s do our part, every day try and help someone by our love, kind words, deeds and smiles. It isn’t great expensive gifts that make the Yuletide Merry, but the spirit in which the gift is given, even a smile. Are we on the job? – Robert T. Sterling, Assistant Keeper, Portland Head Light Station, December 1932
So good to hear this history. He lived in my grandfather’s era and also read the Rockland Courier Gazette
Keeper Sterling’s words are timeless. Reading them 92 years later…made me smile. How special is that?! ❤️