In 1915, S. Gammon built a combination dwelling and lighthouse on Pointe de Maisonnette under a contract for $2,700. This rather unique structure, at least for lighthouses in New Brunswick, consisted of a square, two-storey residence, painted white, with a red, octagonal lantern centered on its hipped roof.

During World War II, Canadian military intelligence intercepted communications that exposed an elaborate German plan to liberate U-boat sailors from an Ontario prison camp. The prisoners were to tunnel their way out, cross Quebec, and rendezvous with a rescue party from U-536 at Pointe de Maisonnette. Only one escapee made it beyond the outskirts of the prison, and he managed to reach the pick-up point only to be arrested and taken to Maisonnette Lighthouse. Despite the presence of several Canadian warships, U-536 made it safely out of Chaleur Bay.

Maisonnette Lighthouse was struck by lightning on August 9, 1946 and burned to the ground. A replacement light was soon established, and a square, skeletal tower marks the spot today.

Keepers: Philias Gauvin (1916 – 1919), G. Gauvin (1919 – 1922), L. Boudreau (1922 – 1929), A. Blanchard (1929 – at least 1930), Jean Godin (1940s).

References

1. Annual Report of the Department of Marine and Fisheries, various years.
2. “Rendezvous at the Maisonnette Point Lighthouse,” Rodney J. Martin, Lighthouse Digest, April 2004.

A modern light marks Maisonnette Point today.

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