The Winter Harbor Lighthouse, one of Maine's wonderful collection of picturesque light-stations, recently passed the 150 year mark. The brick structure, now in private hands, can be found on the National Register and remains in fine condition.
     Built on Mark Island to guide vessels into Winter Harbor and to warn of dangerous ledges, the lighthouse was replaced by a beacon and decommissioned in 1933. Since 1936, Mark Island seems to have had a strong attraction for writers. The island's first residents were the Richmonds. Bernice Richmond's work told of her contentment on the island and her impressions of sleep while surrounded by the sea.
     The 50s brought Rene Prud-Hommeaux, an author of children's books, to the island. And later, the light was owned by playwright Gerald Kean. In 1995 retired banker and writer, William C. Holden III, bought the property. Besides writing several novels, Holden took on the task of renovation. Assuming the duty of caretaker of this very special place, the lighthouse remains a wonderful attraction, and can be seen from Grindstone Point, or the western shores of Schoodic Peninsula. Whale watch and lighthouse tour boats, departing Bar Harbor, offer light-station close-ups.