The Story Behind the Oregon LightSome of my best Oregon Coast memories are at Heceta Head Lighthouse, near Florence.
Its white tower keeps watch over the Pacific Ocean. I have often wondered how many sailors have looked toward that rocky shore and felt a little braver at the sight of its light.
But whenever I think of lighthouses, I think of my mother, too.
Mom wanted us to learn Morse code together so we could talk to one another over ham radio. Just imagine. Two people, miles apart, sending little messages back and forth with nothing but dots and dashes.
She talked about it for years. We never did learn Morse code, but somehow that little dream of hers has stayed with me all these years.
Every ten seconds Heceta HeadLighthouse sends a single white flash across the water. No words. No dots or dashes. Just one faithful light, appearing again and again.
Isn’t it interesting how something as small as a flash of light can carry so much meaning?
And how a little wish of my mother’s, never quite fulfilled, can still find its way into something I want to share with you?
Perhaps, as you send your own little messages of light, you’ll discover a story waiting to be told. One that might otherwise have been forgotten.
A familiar light can carry a story. Discover how lighthouse signals work, try them together, and create a family tradition of your own.
Discover five patterns of light
A flashlight for the challenge
One signal your family remembers
The Lighthouse Code Challenge
Every lighthouse has its own special pattern of light. Sailors learn to recognize these patterns so they know which lighthouse they’re seeing, even in the dark!
Grab a flashlight and try these five lighthouse signals.
Heceta Head, Oregon: Flash once every 10 seconds.
Portland Head, Maine: Flash once every 4 seconds.
Yaquina Head, Oregon: Shine for 2 seconds, off for 2, shine for 2, then off for 14. Repeat.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine: Flash four times quickly, then pause. Repeat.
Ocracoke, North Carolina: Keep your light shining steadily. No flashes at all!
Your challenge: Choose a lighthouse and flash its signal. Can Grandma guess which one it is?
Invent a signal of your own and see if your grandparent can repeat it!
And while you’re sharing little messages of light, ask each other:
“What is something you’ve always wanted to learn or do with someone you love?”
You may discover a story worth keeping.
A Light of Your Own
You don’t need any special equipment–a flashlight you already own is just fine. But, if you want to add a physical gift, we suggest the Rothco Mini Army-Style Flashlight. It has a signaling button for practicing short and long flashes, plus colored filters for experimenting with light.
It’s also handy for camping, nighttime walks, and outdoor adventures.
Explore the flashlight on Amazon
Try practicing your signals across a darkened room, taking turns as the lighthouse keeper and the sailor watching for the light.
Our Family Light Signature
Every lighthouse has its own pattern of light. Now, wouldn’t it be fun to have one of your own?
Grab your flashlight and make up a family signal. Maybe three quick flashes and one long one. Try it a few times, then see if you can recognize it when your grandchild flashes it back.
You know, my mother always wanted us to learn Morse code together. We never got around to it, but I’ve never forgotten how much she wanted to try.
It makes me wonder what little dreams we might discover about each other if we only asked.
“What’s something you’ve always wanted us to learn or do together?”
Share your answers, then write them on separate cards with your names and the date. Exchange them and tuck them into The Gathering Box.
Who knows? Perhaps one day you’ll do those very things together. And even if you don’t, you’ll have a little piece of each other’s story to keep.