3 vintage photos capture Portland Head Light in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s
Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth is Maine’s oldest lighthouse and a historic and popular tourist attraction with a gorgeous cliff walk and sweeping ocean views.
Construction of Portland Head Light began in 1787. In the aftermath of a shipwreck, local residents petitioned the legislature of what was then Massachusetts to build it. The lighthouse was completed in 1791.
Here are three photos that show visitors enjoying the lighthouse and surrounding area in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
In this Portland Press Herald photo on Aug. 18, 1958, Joan Barker visits Portland Head Light with John Colizzi. It was the first visit to Maine for both of them. (Charles H. Merrill/Staff Photographer, courtesy Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)
In this photo in the Evening Express on Aug. 20, 1961, Mrs. Lester F. Brown from Intervale, New Hampshire stands in front of Portland Head Light with her children Carl and Wendy. (Photo courtesy Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)
In this Portland Press Herald photo on Oct. 21, 1972, out-of-state visitors observe the surf off Portland Head Light. (Charles H. Merrill/Staff Photographer, courtesy Portland Public Library Special Collections and Archives)
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Tagged: Throwback photo
Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town. More by Aimsel Ponti
