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Early photo of Bass River Lighthouse, Massachusetts (National Archives)\n\n\n\nCongress appropriated $4,000 for a lighthouse near the mouth of the Bass River on Cape Cod in 1850. Oxen hauled building materials across the local marshes, and the Bass River Light went into service on April 30, 1855. The government deemed the lighthouse unnecessary after the advent of the Cape Cod Canal and a new automatic light was established on the Bass River west jetty at the entrance to the river. The light was extinguished in 1914 and the property was soon sold at auction. \n\n\n\nThe Lighthouse Inn, formerly Bass River Lighthouse, in West Dennis, Massachusetts. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.\n\n\n\nThe third and fourth generations of the Stone family involved with the operation of the Lighthouse Inn. Greg Stone is at the far right.\n\n\n\nIn 1938, the property was bought by State Senator Everett Stone and his wife, Gladys. The Stones began to have overnight guests, and their hospitality became so popular that they soon opened it to the public as the Lighthouse Inn. Bob and Mary Stone managed the Inn for many years. \n\n\n\nIn 1989 the Stone family had their lighthouse relighted as a seasonal aid to navigation, with a 300-millimeter optic providing a white light that flashes every six seconds. \n\n\n\nMembers of the Stone family remain involved with the inn\u2019s operation today. Bob and Mary\u2019s son Greg is president, and his wife, Patricia, is the general manager.\n\n\n\nRalph Krugler is the historian for the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society in Florida. He\u2019s spent several years researching the history of the light station and he\u2019s put together an extensive book on the subject. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVolume one is now available, and he also has a new children\u2019s book called Let\u2019s Visit the Lighthouse.\n\n\n\nListen to the podcast using this player: