The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 9

Presenting Maine’s ONLY Inland Lighthouse
— The Ladies Delight Light —
The Ladies Delight Light, a small lighthouse set on Lake Cobbosseecontee near
Manchester, is Maine’s only active inland waters lighthouse. It sits on a small island
located in the bay near the north end of the lake; its light flashes 365 nights a year.
Built in 1908, the lighthouse was designed by Frank Morse, a Boston marine architect,
and erected by the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club. Originally, its light was provided by
kerosene lanterns; a volunteer keeper went out each evening to trim the wicks, clean
the globes and light the beacon. A reflector in the light was rotated by a system of
weights from a longcase clock.
Located in the lake’s North Bay, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1984. In 2001 it had a severe list corrected, and in 2005 a new
top constructed of marine-grade aluminum was installed. On August 9, 2008, a 100th
anniversary celebration was held at the lighthouse. In 2011 an exterior restoration
secured the Ladies Delight Light’s position as the crown jewel of Lake Cobbossee.
The lighthouse can be seen at a distance from various points along the shoreline but is
best viewed by boat. Various lodging establishments on the lake — like the Lakeside Motel
and Cabins and Yukon Cottages in East Winthrop — occassionally offer boat rental or
cruises allowing for the unique opportunity to view the lighthouse from the water.
Delightful Tidbits
– Located on Ladies Delight Island,
the tower is 25 feet tall and is
equipped with a 100-watt light.
– It has been powered by kerosene,
wind and presently electricity.
– It was built with the aid of two oxen
transported to the island one
at a time on a barge.
– There were once two other
lighthouses on the lake: the
Belle Island Lighthouse and the
Crow Island Lighthouse.
– The Cobbosseecontee Yatch Club
continues to maintain the light.
Learn more at KennebecValley.org
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