Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture Courtesy of Jim Kuntz

A ship's captain, Lemuel Moody (1767-1846) knew well the benefits of communication between ship and merchants awaiting it. He promoted his visionary idea to construct a tower to a group of prominent Portland businessmen. Moody's enthusiasm and energy attracted the investors needed to make his dream reality. The project was a success, even though in the Observatory's earliest years the Portland shipping industry had to endure the Embargo Act of 1807 (which kept European ships from U.S. ports for 14 months) and the War of 1812.

Captain Moody was a true entrepreneur. After building the Observatory he continued to develop the project by creating public entertainments at its base. He used his drawing and observation skills to make detailed charts of Portland and the harbor, which he printed and sold to subscribers.

Although Moody was a public figure, active in many marine-related and community organizations, not much is known about his personal life. His extensive notes and records suggest that he made his work at the Observatory his life. Every day Moody would climb the tower, record the weather, and scan the horizon for ships. He divised elaborate systems for maritime signaling, and updated them regularly. When Moody died, his obituary noted that he had spent the day before making his "accustomed observations" from the tower, "thus making his final survey over the ocean...before making leave forever, to enter upon a brighter and a better world to which the telescope of his heart has long been directed."

Comments (0)

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment