Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life – Dolly Parton

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After falling in the Gulf of Mexico, Cape St. George Lighthouse was restored in 2011 with the support of the local community, state and federal governments. The current lighthouse was constructed from the remains of the second lighthouse in 1852.

Nearly 1.8 million women left the workplace during the pandemic. According to Forbes the top reason women left the workforce was work-life balance.

Countless widows who served briefly as light keepers without recognition and perhaps compensation, left the workforce after the death of their spouses.

Wives of light keepers struggled with work life balance. They were expected to educate their children and assist their husbands with growing food and light keeping duties.

Once the light keepers died many refused to take on the additional pressures of being a permanent head light keeper.

Ann Taylor asked to be relieved as light keeper of Cape St. George when her  husband, William, died. Anne’s spouse, the official head light keeper, William Taylor served July 11, 1849-November 1850. 

Good thing Mrs. Taylor had her priorities straight. A year after her resignation in 1850, a powerful gale destroyed the lighthouse.

elainemarieartist.com

Published by Voicesoflighthouses

My art is shaped by childhood trips to historic Fort George Island. My passion for history and the ocean began early. While my father fished, I played on the jetties and splashed on the beach with my siblings. Although my parents were baffled by their artistic child, they never discouraged me from following my dream. They supported me at Hampton University. My mother flew to my graduation from the University of Hawaii. Whether painting lighthouses, portraits or historic buildings, I recall the fond days when my love of the ocean and history were instilled.

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