2025-145

WHEREAS, A person whose name is quite familiar to many Newport residents, Ida Lewis was born in the City of Newport on February 25, 1842; and

WHEREAS, In 1853, her father, Captain Hosea Lewis, was appointed to guard The Lime Rock Light Station in Newport. Ida assisted in such, and by age 15, she had become known as the best swimmer in the city. Captain Lewis suffered a debilitating stroke in 1857, and his wife, Zoradia, became the lighthouse keeper. However, since Zoradia also had to care for her ailing husband and younger children, the Ida helped her mother with lighthouse duties; and

WHEREAS, In 1879, The United States Lighthouse Service officially appointed Ida as keeper of Lime Rock. This was based on the fact that Ms. Lewis had voluntarily and unofficially been performing the duties of such for over a decade. She gained nationwide renown for her lifesaving heroics, culminating with the saving of two Army soldiers whose boat had capsized as they sailed back to Fort Adams across Newport Harbor. President Ulysses S. Grant subsequently visited Newport and Lime Rock to meet and thank Ms. Lewis for her bravery and actions; and

WHEREAS, The National Lighthouse Museum was established to promote and support historical, educational, cultural, recreational, and other activities relating to the key role lighthouses have and continue to hold in the security of our coastline; and

WHEREAS, This year at the 15th annual Lightkeeper's Gala, held during Lighthouse Recognition Week, the National Lighthouse Museum presented the "Past Light Keeper Award" in memory of Ida Lewis, who died on duty on October 24, 1911, for her extraordinary and heroic efforts as the Light Keeper at the Limerock Light, subsequently renamed The Ida Lewis Lighthouse in 1924, by the Rhode Island General Assembly. Newport resident Jan Slee, past president of The Historic Hill Association, accepted the award at the gala on behalf of Newport's Ida Lewis Yacht Club and its members; NOW THEREFORE BE IT:

RESOLVED: That The Newport City Council joins in celebrating the National Lighthouse Museum’s recognition of the heroic efforts of Ida Lewis through the bestowing of the "Past Light Keeper Award" and offers its congratulations to The Ida Lewis Yacht Club and its members.

DAVID R. CARLIN III

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
AUGUST 13, 2025

LAURA C SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK