Ida Lewis Ida Lewis left Newport at the age of 15, Moved onto Lime Light Rock in the 1850's Her father was a captain, now keeper of the light Soon the duties feel on Ida to keep the lamps burning bright. Her sisters & brother she'd row to school every day In a small open lifeboat across the rough bay From his wheelchair her father would watch through the storms In horror as Ida would row the children back home. Renowned for her skills no matter the weather At swimming or rowing no man was her better At the age of 16 she had saved 4 mens' lives By the time she retired she had saved 25 There are saints on the water & demons in the sea One & all they praised Ida for her great bravery On the very night this women died, who had lived on the shoals Every bell on evry boat in Newport did toll Now they've renamed that rock the Ida Lewis Rock Light And in her honor today the lights are still burning bright But sometimes at night when it's rough & it's cold Some claim to see Ida pulling boys from the foam. True story/song. See Woman Who Kept The Lights. BF BF Apr98
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!