California Lighthouse Trivia
Has been selected as a finalist for
"Regional Non-Fiction Book of the Year"
By both
"Next Generation Independent Publishing Awards"
and
"Forward Magazine"
Point Cabrillo Light Station is celebrating its Centennial celebration throughout 2009
This magnificent light station has been undergoing a major restoration that began in 1995.
The work done so far has garnered Point Cabrillo
"Winner 2007 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation and 2007 Outstanding Historic Preservation Project from the California Preservation Foundation"
The first light-keeper of the Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove, California was Charles Layton. He was killed in 1856, by the notorious outlaw, Anastacio Garcia, while serving as a member of the sheriff's posse. His widow, Charlotte, became head light-keeper and remained in the position until 1860, when she married her assistant light-keeper, George Harris, who then rose to the position of Head Light-keeper.
Norman Leon Francis was born in Los Angeles on December 11, 1922, and along with his mother, sister and father, who lived at four California Light Stations. His Father, Norman Leo Francis, began working for the Lighthouse Service in 1924, as a keeper at Point Reyes Light Station.
In 1927, the family transferred to Los Angeles, where Norman Sr. worked at the Angel's Gate Lighthouse. In 1929, a new position awaited him at the Point Arguello Light Station, where he stayed until 1931, when he returned to the Angel's Gate Lighthouse.
In 1934, when Norman was 11, the family moved to Piedras Blancas Light Station, near San Simeon and Hearst Castle. When the family arrived, Norman's first impression of the lighthouse was of having to cross a wooden trestle at night that seemed to disappear into a blanket of fog. It was here at Piedras Blancas Light Station, that Norman's father was promoted to Head Light-keeper, where he served until 1948.
By Kent Weymouth