Massachusetts/Merchants National Bank Check for Old Colony Steamboat Company - 1880's dated Shipping Check - Americana

Early Check for the Old Colony Steamboat Company with shipping scene vignette and imprinted revenue!

The Old Colony Steamship Company, a freight and passenger line that traversed between New York and Fall River, maintained private lights on Gould Island, Gull Rocks, and Hog Island Shoals to assist their ships navigating up and down Narragansett Bay.

Gould Island Light, a lighthouse situated on Gould Island in Narragansett Bay, held significant importance. Prior to 1885, the Old Colony Steamboat Company maintained its own light on the island, but concerns about its reliability prompted the lighthouse board to request funds for its construction in 1885. A $10,000 appropriation was allocated for a tower equipped with a fog bell and a separate keeper’s house. The light was officially unveiled in 1889. Interestingly, the plans for the keeper’s house were later repurposed for the construction of the Coney Island Light, which was built the following year.

The light was constructed approximately two-thirds of the way north along the eastern coast of the narrow island. However, over the years, complaints were lodged regarding its visibility from the south due to obstructing trees. Attempts to cut down the trees failed to resolve the issue, leading to the construction of a second light in 1932. This second light was an automated light situated on a skeleton tower at the southernmost point of the island. The original light was extinguished in 1947, and a nearby skeleton tower was erected in its place. Tragically, this tower collapsed in 1988, resulting in the abandonment of the site. Despite this, the light on the southern part of the island continues to operate. The tower and keeper’s house were demolished in 1960.