Rollins Interview – “Why we come” – Fox Island Lighthouse Association

Bruce & Kathy recently completed their sixth trip to the light station, completing over 5 months of service. We asked them why they volunteered. Here’s what Kathy shared with us:

“Bruce had aspired to serve as a lighthouse keeper when he was young. Having been born in 1953 and growing up living and sailing on the Great Lakes, it was fairly reasonable until it wasn’t. When, in late 2014, he ran across Phil’s ad about serving as a lighthouse keeper, we knew we had to pursue it. I came along because Phil insisted there had to be two on the island. I wanted it for him.”

“I became fascinated with the buildings. I’ve worked on several 1910-20 vintage houses. I LOVE to address problems and make it better. It’s a delight to help memorialize hard working men and families.”

“The first year (2015) we shoveled broken plaster, dead birds, and mouse droppings. By the second year, we brought a collection of “off-grid” tools. Phil helped us figure out how to patch some of the mouse access points. The repaired windows had started to appear, so tours were more fun. The situation seemed less hopeless. The Makis’ showed up as we were leaving that year and contributed enthusiasm and experience.”

“We’ve continued to be excited about the building restorations. Bruce especially enjoys meeting visitors and helping them understand the light station.”