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East Brother Light Station was built in 1873 as an aid to mariners in the San Pablo/San Francisco Bays. After many years as an automated station, and under threat of destruction and replacement with a light on a pole in the middle of the island, the facility was taken over by a non-profit 501 c3 California Corporation under license from the US Coast Guard.
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This book was commissioned by the Board of Directors of East Brother Light Station, Inc., as a tribute to all who worked to make the project possible. But particularly, I would like to recognize the contributions of a few very special people: Lucretia Edwards and the women of the Contra Costa Shoreline Parks Committee who initially saved East Brother from destruction by successfully nominating it to the National Register of Historic Places; Commander Joseph Blackett and Wayne Wheeler of the Coast Guard who encouraged us and trusted us with government property; The Monday Morning Gang who continue to maintain and improve the island's facilities; and finally to Walter Fanning, engineer, carpenter, innkeeper, machinist, and skipper, who can do almost anything better than anyone I have ever known. His talents and dedication continue to be an inspiration to us all. |
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Dina & Peter Berkhout
Peter and Dina just completed a cruise on the HMS Bounty as crew, first mate and chef, on the HMS Bounty, one of the most famous ships in the world. Known for the storied mutiny that took place in Tahiti in 1789 on board the British transport vessel, the current Bounty, a replica, has survived to tell the tale.
Peter has roots in the Bay Area, having graduated from Dominican University of CA, obtaining a teaching credential and teaching math and science at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley for five years until 2009. Prior to that, he was1st mate and engineer for the S/V Hawaiian Chieftain, a 103′ ketch-rig sailboat. Peter also was the captain of the Tiburon-Angel Island ferry.
Dina has a BFA from Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design and has worked in a number of food service positions in addition to the HMS Bounty, including Roots Restaurant & Cellar in Milwaukee, WI, and chef on the West Island College/Class Afloat (S/V Concordia). She has traveled extensively, including a transatlantic sailing voyage from Nova Scotia to West Africa, cooking for 65. She is excited to share her passion for world cuisine and artfully works it into classical dishes. Please join us in welcoming them both.
East Brother Light Station was built in 1873 as an aid to mariners in the San Pablo / San Francisco Bays. After many years as an automated station, and under threat of destruction and replacement with a light on a pole in the middle of the island, the facility was taken over by a non-profit 501 c3 California Corporation under license from the US Coast Guard.
There’s a reason why governments were typically the ones who erected and maintained them, they’re the only ones who could afford the upkeep! Not having any governmental resources, in order to raise money for preservation and maintenance, we operate a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Inn on the island in the old lighthouse building four nights a week.
The keepers of old were nicknamed “Wickies” because of all of the time they spent trimming the wicks of the oil lamp so to keep the light burning strong and bright. While the old oil lamps are now history, the work of the lighthouse remains constant. Unfortunately, the proceeds from the operation of the Inn are not enough to do the whole job of preservation and restoration. As much of the maintenance of the facilities as possible is done by the volunteer group, the Wickies. There is need for all sorts of volunteers amongst the East Brother Light Station “Wickies” of today.
We have needs in every area, and donations of nearly all kinds can be useful. We especially need skilled people in diesel mechanics, construction, electricians, plumbers and donations of parts and equipment. Tasks include painting, gardening, carpentry, inventorying; whatever your skills or energy level, there’s a place for you.
To become an EBLS Wickie, begin by registering on the web site so you’ll receive the monthly invite to the work party.
Workdays are usually the second Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Each month, an “e-Vite” is sent out to all of the registered Wickies via e-mail. We have a limited number of available spaces on the workdays, so if you are able to join us, respond to the eVite as quickly as you can. When you respond, you’ll be able to see whether or not you’re on the confirmed list or on a waiting status. (If you’re on the confirmed list, and discover later that you can’t make it, please go back to the eVite to change your status so that someone else can take that place.
Workdays begin at 0900 with the short boat ride to the Island. We come back ashore by 4:00 PM the same afternoon.
For more information, please contact Angelina Schwark by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
The Wooden Window in Oakland, CA
http://www.woodenwindow.com
Kelly Moore Paints, Albany, CA
http://www.kellymoore.com/stores/caalbany
We need volunteers!
Make friends, gain experience,
help a historical landmark
“The first best thing to do is stand up on the widow’s walk outside the light and just gaze.”
- Jon Carroll, San Francisco Chronicle
