Jean E. Pendziwol
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Lighthouse Keepers of Porphyry Island

25/4/2017

45 Comments

 
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As a child, I loved to visit Porphyry Island. I don’t recall that we were there often; my parents preferred the relatively isolated anchorages of Loon Harbour and Otter Cove along the north shore of Lake Superior, but I have fond memories of visiting Porphyry and found inspiration there as a setting for The Lightkeeper’s Daughters.
 
The Island itself sits near the entrance to Black Bay with the light station marking the shipping channel to Thunder Bay, east of Isle Royale. Its name is derived from the volcanic rock common on the island. Even now, when I visit, I comb the beaches looking for “Thunder Eggs” – igneous stones with crystalized centers. The light was the second commissioned on the Canadian shores of Lake Superior and became operational on July 1st, 1873.
One of the earliest lightkeepers was Andrew Dick who took up the position in August of 1879. Andrew Dick was born in Edinburgh Scotland in 1831 and served on the Rescue delivering mail and other items from Collingwood to Fort William (now Thunder Bay) until 1861. He then operated as a fur trader in Pays Plat where he met Charles McKay, filling in for him as lightkeeper at Battle Island in 1877 until McKay was able to get to his post. His short stint there must have been inspiring, and he settled permanently on Porphyry a couple of years later where he lived year-round with his wife and ten children. Dick kept personal journals from 1889 to 1905, providing a glimpse into his life as a keeper. (See blog post Listening to Voices from the Past 12/8/2016).
PictureCliff McKay when he worked as Assistant Keeper approximately 1937.
Charles McKay began a legacy of lightkeeping that crept into my story in wonderful ways. The son of a Hudson’s Bay Company fur trader and an Indigenous woman, and the grandson of William McKay of the NorthWest Company, Charles served at Battle Island from 1877 to 1913. When navigation closed late in December of 1880, the last ship of the season leaving Port Arthur was to pick up the lightkeepers and transport them to Sault Ste. Marie. But a violent storm prevented the boat from landing and it continued on without them. Faced with spending the winter alone on the island, Charles decided to row his small skiff nearly 300 miles along the north shore of Lake Superior, and arrived home on Christmas Eve. His son, Edward, took over the position at Battle Island when Charles retired at the age of 75. Edward went on to become lightkeeper at Porphyry from 1922-1945, with his nephew, Cliff, serving as Assistant. 

PictureCliff and Frances McKay circa 1940 standing in front of the original Point Porphyry Lighthouse and Fog Station. The Lighthouse was built in 1873 and was replaced in the 1960's.
I had the incredible good fortune to be able to connect with the next generation of McKay lightkeepers when I was researching The Lightkeeper's Daughters. Bob McKay, former Senator with the Metis Nation of Ontario and Edward's nephew, served as assistant keeper starting in 1960 under his cousin Cliff. Bob grew up on the water and islands around Porphyry where his father ran a commercial fishing business. He filled in details about early fishing, the mining and logging operations on Edward Island, how the original light and foghorn operated, and the existence of the sacred rock “Shaminitou” that fell into the grasp of the lake some time in the forties.
 
After I had completed the first draft of the manuscript, I found out quite by accident that Cliff’s wife, Frances, at 96 years of age, was living in an apartment in town and would happily review my story. Frances and Cliff served at Porphyry from 1959 to 1979 where, for a number of years, Frances filled the role of assistant.
 
I vaguely remember meeting Cliff and Frances in the 1970’s out at Porphyry. They used a tractor to haul supplies from the boat harbour up to the point, and Cliff gave my sisters and I a ride and a tour of the lighthouse. I think that was when I first fell in love with lighthouses.

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Me and Frances McKay, March 2017
Frances has read The Lightkeeper’s Daughters a couple of times. She gave me valuable information about life on the island, feedback on the story (she remembers bears being a nuisance!) and told me her favourite places to sneak away to on the island. She paid me the greatest compliment a writer could every receive and brought me to tears when she said reading my story made her feel like she was back on Porphyry again.
The light was automated in 1989 and the era of the lightkeeper came to an end. Soon, the grounds and paths and buildings on Porphyry fell into disrepair. A few years ago, Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior incorporated under the Ontario Historical Society and began fulfilling a mandate to preserve and provide public access to several lighthouses, Porphyry being one of them. It was wonderful to visit the island this past summer and see the work that’s been done to preserve the history of light keeping.

I'm sure I'll visit again soon. I'm not sure if it's the wind or the Lake or the light itself that keeps calling me, but I hear them whispering.

45 Comments
Graham Strong link
27/4/2017 10:15:22 am

Awesome story! I almost stopped reading because I didn't want any spoilers before reading your book.

I didn't even know that the lighthouse existed until recently. (I heard about the artist's retreat there -- thought that would be a great place to write for a while...!)

Are there charters to the island? Or do you take your own sailboat? Either way, seems like a cool place to visit. I love still finding hidden gems in Thunder Bay after all this time.

Looking forward to the book!

~Graham

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Jean E Pendziwol
29/4/2017 03:51:29 pm

Thanks Graham! And there are no spoilers here. You should apply for the Artist Residency - the place is inspiring. It's also possible to go there and rent the former keeper residences - which would be a great retreat for a group of writers, don't you thing? Transportation can be arranged through Archie's Charters or Whisk Air, but I think CLLS is also looking at finding new (and more economical) ways of getting there.

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saimond
10/6/2017 09:27:04 pm

nice post

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http://www.essays.best/ link
14/6/2017 02:18:09 pm

Grand relation is most important and it has great value. They loves more than our parents and here discussion about the island. When i was small my grandmother tell the story of many places.

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Nita link
12/7/2017 09:44:28 pm

I look forward to reading the book! My husband and I were lighthouse keepers on Merry Island station in the 80s. 🙂 (British Columbia)

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Jean E
7/9/2017 09:49:42 am

Hi Nita - I hope the book resonates with you and your time as light keepers. Perhaps you will have to visit Porphyry Island some day. It is being maintained by the Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior and you can stay in the keepers' residences.

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Pam
31/7/2017 08:27:23 pm

I finished reading your book this afternoon. I couldn't put it down... just wonderful! Well written and such a great story. Thank you so much!!!

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Jean E Pendziwol
7/9/2017 09:47:59 am

Thanks so much, Pam! So great to hear from people who enjoyed the book!

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Trish
9/8/2017 04:44:39 pm

I've been an avid reader all my life, but not terribly impressed by Canadian authors. You've just changed that !
I finished your book a few minutes ago & wanted to tell you that I loved it. Well done !

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Jean E
7/9/2017 09:50:18 am

Thank you, Trish! I'm honoured!

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Cindy Sweig
14/8/2017 08:15:22 am

Jean,
I finished your book last night. I found it hard to put down. I loved it. I am from Thunder Bay and have been to the area described in the book and I kept envisioning places while reading! My great Aunt Edna lived there with her husband George McKay - he was a commercial fisherman. Thank you again for the great read!

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Jean E Pendziwol
28/8/2017 03:18:18 pm

Hi Cindy,
I saw pictures of Edna and George McKay when I was researching! I heard many stories about the McKay family of light keepers from Senator Bob McKay and Francis McKay. Such a legacy.

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Marcia link
28/8/2017 08:39:03 am

Loved the book! Since I work at a Barnes & Noble, I've written a "staff pick" regarding this book. I will definitely use this as a hand sale and discuss at book group tomorrow night. This was a page turner, had to read quickly but the ending stunned me. Well done!!

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Jean E Pendziwol link
28/8/2017 03:15:10 pm

Hi Marcia, I'm so glad you liked the book and will be promoting it at your Barnes and Noble store! Thanks so much!!

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Patricia Adair Korn
5/9/2017 10:34:05 am

I am currently reading your book and I love it! Just had to "Google " Porphyry Lighthouse to locate where it is. My father in the early 1930's worked on the freighters on Lake Superior from Port Arthur to Duluth I believe delivering grain. I wished I had asked him about the lighthouses he may have known. Thank you for a wonder book.

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Jean E
7/9/2017 09:51:35 am

If your father worked on the Lake during the 30's, I'm sure he would have passed Porphyry Island light station. Do you have any pictures of him working on the freighters?

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Patricia Korn
27/9/2017 12:45:42 pm

Sorry, we have no photos of him working on the freighters. I have some photos of some of the freighters during this time while in dock. The Stadacona 2 launch day April 17 1929. The Glenbogie Barge which Dad sailed on. Sorry that is all I have.

Debra Tabas
12/9/2017 02:12:46 pm

I read this book with my book club and we totally enjoyed it. I however could not help but note similarities with "The Light Between Two Oceans" by M.L.Stedman which was published in 2012 in Australia, and know that your book was published in 2016 in Canada. Also the cover art of my two paperback books is almost identical lighthouses. So I wondered if you are the author of both and took it in different directions. Both books involve a baby washed up at a lighthouse and kept by the keeper and his wife, with different outcomes. Would love to hear your comments on this. thanks.

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Jean E
12/9/2017 02:56:11 pm

(NOTE - if you haven't yet read the book there are SPOILERS in my response!) Hi Debra - thanks for getting in touch and I'm glad your book club enjoyed THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS! Yes, there are similarities between my book and "The Light Between Oceans". I had already started writing my book when I heard about Stedman's, and I wouldn't allow myself to read it until I was completely finished my editing, so any similarities are purely coincidental. While a baby washes ashore in both books setting in motion a series of events that have consequences for many people, there are differences in location and themes that are significant. And in terms of the cover, you must have the UK version? When W&N was designing it, (and I LOVE it, especially the dragonflies) they noted that cover for "The Light Between Oceans" was very different in that market. I think it's similar to the cover we are more familiar with in North America. Anyway, good questions, and thanks for getting in touch.

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Tina Brookes
26/9/2017 11:04:23 pm

Wonderful book. Evocative and atmospheric. Planning a trip to Porphyry as I type this. Thank you for a book that kept me reading all night!

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Jean E
27/9/2017 02:19:56 pm

Thanks for getting in touch. And sorry-not-sorry I kept you up all night!!!

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Tina Brookes
27/9/2017 09:31:55 pm

Please feel free to write another book to keep me up all night. Can't wait for your next offering.

Cynthia Leman
17/10/2017 05:04:02 pm

Jean,
I just finished your book and enjoyed the story. I lived on the lake north of Silver Cliff MN. I had a love affair with the Lake, especially Split Rock lighthouse. It brought back many memories of that time in my life. The only thing that disturbed me, and for me, did not add value but diminished it, is your use of the "f-bomb" by Morgan. Curious that being a former writer of children's books you felt the need? I work with teenage foster girls, and they often are able to put together sentences for long periods of time without using that word. I almost didn't finish the book because of this. It tarnished your integrity as a writer for me, and your character and story would have stood glorious without it. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend it to others.

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Jean E
18/10/2017 09:54:53 am

Hello Cynthia,
I'm so glad THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS transported you back to the shores of Lake Superior! It is a place that enchants, isn't it? And Split Rock Lighthouse is magical as well.

Your comments about Morgan's language interest me, and I anticipated that some readers may respond as you have, so I put a lot of careful thought into it. When I first wrote Morgan, I "cleaned her up" to make her more acceptable, but realized that doing so was not being authentic to her character. My beta readers, who included foster parents, teachers and teens, confirmed this. Morgan is lonely and lost, moves in rough circles, and is trying very hard to shape her identity through her clothing, her behaviour and her choice of language. It's the image she is so desperately trying to present to the world - I am tough, you can't hurt me. I did not include swearing to sensationalize the story. As a writer, I feel I would have been doing a disservice to my character, and the story, to alter Morgan in order to make her more palatable. I could no more reduce or eliminate the f-bombs than I could switch soda for the whiskey in her bottle.

We make choices, as writers, and for me, respecting my reader is right up there as a motivation for all that I do. Writing for adults and writing for children requires two entirely different mindsets, but at the same time, incorporates a richness of story, careful choice of language that is mindful of the audience, and a desire to speak to the reader's heart. Being true to my characters is part of respecting the reader.

I understand that Morgan's language has interfered with your enjoyment of the story overall and that you don't feel comfortable recommending the book to others. Which is why it's so wonderful that there are vast choices of stories and books in the world and that we can all find ones that make our heart sing.

I hope you get the chance to sit on the shore of Lake Superior again soon! Happy reading.

Jean E

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Ashley
12/12/2017 07:30:29 pm

You do relalize that is the most accurate portrayal of teenage speech pattern I have ever read? You understand that the character is a disenfranchised foster child who uses words as a weapon to fend off a world that has hurt her over and over?
If you can't handle a fbomb here and there I would hate to see how you deal with any subject that is less than you desired perfect perception of the world.
Don't know what foster kids you work with, but they likely aren't themselves with you because of your prudish attitudes.

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Beth-Anna
21/2/2018 01:08:06 pm

I'm the grand-daughter of Charles and Dorothy Merritt, and reading the "history" provided above just broke my heart, as so much of their lives and history, and our family's history, is tied to Porphyry and lighthousekeeping on Lake Superior. They're not even mentioned. Given that there is so much detail about the McKays, one would think there could be balanced history provided here, yet I don't even see their names. This needs to be corrected, in future, please. When we were back with my grandmother, about 15 years ago, someone had been painting everything purple. I'm truly glad that there is increased interest in preserving Porphyry, as perhaps the environment and history will be cared for and honoured. Yet I hope people will be respectful of that history. For example, my mother and uncle really did grow up on that island. Her little hand and boot print can be seen in concrete up near the house, imprinted there when she was a very little lighthouse keeper's daughter. But is it still there, with all the renovating and public art? Does anyone even know their names, never mind their stories? I would like to know. Art and fiction are wonderful. Unless or until they replace real history.

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Jean E
22/2/2018 08:01:43 am

Hello Beth-Anna,

Thank you for getting in touch and I'm sorry this post broke your heart. The legacy of your grandparents is obviously very meaningful to you and that is so beautiful. This blog post, however, is not a history of Porphyry Island lightkeeping, but a snapshot of lightkeepers who inspired my story and shared with me their experiences tending the light station. There are many, many other stories - and many, many other light keepers - I have not mentioned. The purpose of this post is to provide readers some insight into my research process for the book and the places and people who served as inspiration.

It is really wonderful to see the work Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior (CLLS) has been putting into preserving Porphyry and providing increased access to the island, the light, and the history of lightkeeping on Lake Superior. Perhaps you might want to get in touch with them and share your family's connection with the Island so that their story is preserved?

I've been to the island a few times and hope to get back again this summer. I will look for your mother's hand print in the concrete - I hope it's still there! Perhaps you'll get out to visit the Island one day soon, too.

All the best,
Jean E

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John Miller
21/5/2018 07:26:08 pm

We have been trying for more years than you can imagine trying to find the parents of Andrew Henry Dick. Can you help us? On a lot of census returns his age varies by several years making it impossible to be certain when he was born. Would you know anything about his early years in Scotland? When and where was he born exactly would be wonderful for the family. Thank you so much

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Jean E
22/5/2018 09:03:49 am

Hi John - thanks for getting in touch. I don't have any information about Andrew Dick prior to his arrival on Porphyry. I'm wondering if there may be something at the Thunder Bay Museum (https://www.thunderbaymuseum.com) since that's where the journals are housed? The other thing you could do would be to see if there are any archived documents with the Department of Marine and Fisheries who would have hired him in 1879. I would love to know what you find out. Keep in touch!!

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Ariane Falzetta
13/6/2018 11:17:28 pm

I loved your book. Living in Terrace Bay and boating from Thunder Bay to Wawa really brought your story to life for me. I recommended to my book loving friends and they were also entranced by this wonderful tale. I am looking forward to your next novel. I borrowed it from the library but am planning to purchase my own copy. Ariane

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Jean E
14/6/2018 09:57:39 am

Hello Ariane - thank you so much for reaching out to let me know how much you enjoyed reading The Lightkeeper's Daughters! Isn't it wonderful to be able to spend time on and near this fabulous Lake?

I'm glad you borrowed from the library. People may not know, but Canadian authors receive a "commission" from the Canada Council for the Arts when their book is available through the public library system. It's a wonderful way for readers to be able to access books, but also wonderful that writers receive some financial support for their work.

But sometimes, it's important to have your very own copy, especially if a book resonated with you. I'm glad LKD spoke to you so much you want your own copy. All the best!!

Jean E

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Bonnie Stock
7/8/2018 08:55:45 pm

Your book was such a good read. I visited Porphyry Island about 5 years ago before CLLS got involved and again yesterday. Met the artist in Residence. What an inspirational setting. Loved your book. Visiting Porphyry yesterday made it all come alive. Thanks for a great book.

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Michelle
4/11/2018 06:24:39 pm

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me up late when I should have turned out the light! I will pass it on and hopefully it will delight others as much as it did me.

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George Mckay
8/2/2019 04:14:38 pm

I am the great grandson of the late Charles Mckay. My name is George Mckay and my fathers name was also George Mckay as was my grandfather George Mckay son of Charles. The story was great but it was to bad you never got a chance to talk to my father. Your facts are not all true Cliff was not the son of Ed. He was the son of Christine Mckay the sister to Ed Mckay

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Jean E
9/2/2019 04:49:33 pm

Hi George - I had conflicting info in my notes. Thanks for reaching out to confirm that Cliff was Edward's nephew. I've made the correction in my post.

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Lorne
9/2/2019 11:59:01 pm

I am the Great Great Grandson of Andrew Dick , I also sailed the Great Lakes for approx 10 years before taking a shore job. I read earlier that someone was looking for history on Andrew Dick in Scotland , my sister continues to do research in this area . I haven't read your book yet but am looking forward to reading it .

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Elaine
17/2/2020 11:03:22 am

Your book was passed on to me by a good friend. It came highly recommended and I wasn't disappointed. The history of Lake Superior was completely new to me as a Welsh person. It had me Googling Porphyry to find out more. I look forward to your next novel.

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Kit
6/7/2020 07:28:09 am

I have just finished this book Jean --- Ace read and I felt that I was actually there as an observer - living the story with the characters.
I didn't even know that Lake Superior had a lighthouse!! nor that the lake can be so dangerous at times - so an educational read too!! (pursued further on the internet! hence finding this!)
I hope it is not too long before your 2nd adult book is on the bookshelves in the UK - I shall look forward to it.

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Jean Pendziwol
6/7/2020 10:40:52 am

Hi Kit - thanks for reaching out! I'm glad THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS transported you to my little corner of the world. There are many lighthouses on Lake Superior, all of them automated now. The Lake is really an inland sea with its own weather patterns, beautiful and temperamental. Working on the next adult book now... All the best!

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Deb Gooding
13/9/2020 05:51:46 pm

Hi Jean, I just finished your book and loved it. This past August, I enjoyed a fantastic group kayaking trip from Silver Islet to Rossport. We stayed at Porphyry, lighthouse 10 and Battle. Your book made my trip all the more memorable and provided great context. The winds were howling the night we spent at lighthouse 10...so wonderfully exciting! I grew up in Port Arthur so your local references in the book were great as well.
I will definitely head to the tbay museum in search of a few journal entries, next summer when I am back. Thank you! Deb, Vancouver, BC

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Jean Pendziwol
14/9/2020 02:07:40 pm

Hi Deb - thank you so much for reaching out! I'm glad you enjoyed the story and that it brought you back to memorable times paddling Lake Superior. What an incredible trip that must have been! All the best, Jean E

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Nancy Pacitto
27/11/2021 10:36:17 am

I feel like I'm late to the party. I just read your book last night (it was on sale on Audible and I picked it on a whim). I loved it. The story is beautiful and the characters so evocative. The voices in the Audible version seem perfect. Elizabeth and Morgan came alive for me. Thank you so much for writing. It's so nice to be able to celebrate a Canadian author. I also posted on the Reese Witherspoon Book Club Facebook group that I'm a member of so maybe others like me that haven't come across it yet will find you!

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Jean Pendziwol
30/11/2021 09:50:59 am

Thank you so much, Nancy! I'm glad you enjoyed the book - and I agree that Dara Rosenberg, Dawn Harvey and Tom Parks were perfect in their roles as Elizabeth, Morgan and Arnie!

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Gina Rogers (McKay)
2/7/2022 03:22:59 pm

Hi Jean. I am looking to find a few copies of the Lighthouse Keepers of Porphyry Island. Can you let me know where I can purchase these books. I have tried a few of the book stores in town in Thunder Bay.
My uncles were lighthouse keepers. My grandson (15) is very interested in having a copy. (My brother is George McKay)

Thanks,
Gina

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Jean E
5/7/2022 12:06:28 pm

Hi Gina - thanks for contacting me. I'm not sure what book you're looking for. THE LIGHTKEEPER'S DAUGHTERS - A NOVEL is a fictional story set on Porphyry Island and you should be able to find copies anywhere you buy books. If you're in Thunder Bay, I would recommend Entershine Bookshop. I'm not aware of any books chronicling the history of Porphyry Lightkeepers, although there are several books about lighthouse keeping on the Great Lakes that might have some information. You may want to get in touch with Canadian Lighthouses of Lake Superior https://clls.ca/ as well. The McKay family has a long history of lightkeeping on Lake Superior! I'm sure your grandson will enjoy the fascinating family history.

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