Margaretsville Lighthouse with keeper Photograph courtesy Nova Scotia Archives and Records

William Early supervised construction of the lighthouse and then served as its first keeper from 1859 to 1887. William lived in a residence about one kilometer distance from the tower, which was troublesome during foul weather. After William's son John took over as keeper in 1887, quarters were established on the second floor for the convenience of the keeper. John Early continued as keeper until his death in 1907, after which his wife Ruth took over responsibility of the light for another three years.

Gordon Aldred was the final keeper of the light, serving from 1956 to 1963, when electricity replaced the original oil lamp and the light was automated.

There is little fishing activity at the wharf in Margaretsville these days, but the Coast Guard still maintains the light to help the fishing vessels and large gypsum boats from Hantsport that frequent the nearby waters. The 150th anniversary of the lighthouse was celebrated on October 24th, 2009, with a harvest supper, displays of memorabilia, and an anniversary cake-cutting ceremony.

References

1. Lighthouses & Lights of Nova Scotia, E.H. Rip Irwin, 2003.
2. "Many candles for lighthouse," Gordon Delane, TheChronicleHerald.ca, September 18, 2009.