Newspaper Article from the Past…
Newspaper article from: The Portsmouth Herald, Friday, June 19, 1931
A vintage postcard of Perkins Island Light on Maine’s Kennebec River.
(ALF Photo)
“Parker Head, Me., June 19 – Caught in the swift-running cross tides at Parker Head, Linwood E. Libby, 64, suddenly lost his balance while out in his boat, fell into the water and was saved from death by Eugene Osgood, keeper of the Perkins Island Light Station.
In his struggles, however, while trying to keep his head above water, Mr. Libby burst a blood vessel and he is in a critical condition at his home.
A present day view of Perkins Island Lighthouse.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The place where the accident occurred was formerly a mill pond, and after the removal of the dam there remained a passage about 25 feet wide through which the rising tide rushes at great speed, dangerous cross currents being formed.
Mr. Osgood was returning to the light from the post office in his boat when he thought he saw an object in the water where the tide is strongest. As he drew nearer, he discovered that it was a man struggling to keep himself from sinking, and at the risk of his own life, he pushed his craft into the vortex, finally reached Mr. Libby’s side and saved him.”
A bygone view of Perkins Island Light Station.
(U.S. Coast Guard Photo)
