We've lost a true guiding light. Our honorary chairperson and inspiration, Connie
Small, passed away on January 25, 2005, at the age of 103.
As most of you know, Connie's husband Elson was the last official keeper (leaving
in 1948) of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. Before that, Connie and Elson served
at Lubec Channel Light, Avery Rock Light, Seguin Island Light, and St. Croix River
Light. At the age of 85, Connie wrote a wonderful book called The Lighthouse Keeper's Wife.
I first met Connie about seven years ago. My wife and I visited her and I interviewed
her on videotape for a couple of hours. I'll never forget how friendly and generous
she was, and it seemed like she could have talked about her days at lighthouses
forever.
I'm sure everyone who knew Connie has their favorite memories. I remember in
2001, when the American Lighthouse Foundation honored her at Yoken's in Portsmouth
for her 100th birthday, we had a group of fourth graders from the Dondero School
in Portsmouth sing a song about lighthouses for her. When the children met her,
one little girl asked if she could come and live with Connie. Anyone who ever
met Connie can understand why this girl felt the way she did, but Connie had to
explain that she couldn't take the girl home. I think the girl thought Connie
still lived in a lighthouse.
I think many of us though she'd live forever because her spirit was so strong,
so it was kind of a shock to hear she died. But when I visited her the day before
Christmas, she looked much worse than she had just a few weeks earlier, so I
was somewhat prepared. Her bright spirit will live on in memories and in her
book for a long time.
She was always positive and encouraging to everyone, and she was a joy to know.
Her family requests donations be made in her memory to the American Lighthouse
Foundation, P.O. Box 889, Wells, ME, 04090.
I've attached a photo taken last month. It was taken during the visit of the
Flying Santa by helicopter to Coast Guard Station Portsmouth Harbor. Santa, played
by CWO Dave Waldrip of the Coast Guard, gave out presents to the children of Coast
Guard families. The man on the left is Bill Wincapaw III, the grandson of the
man who started the Flying Santa tradition back in 1929. Connie and Elson Small
knew the original Flying Santa well. The Friends of Flying Santa gave Connie a
package of goodies during this visit, and a great time was had by all.
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
Seacoast Scenes Sale July 7 - 11, 2008 PORTSMOUTH -- Members of the Friends of Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse (FPHL), a
chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation, are having a
benefit art show and sale featuring beautiful seacoast
photography. The event will run from July 1 to 11, 10...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
