The Book
The (Almost) Complete History of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse
Second edition · three volumes
The full story of the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, researched over many years by HLPS historian Ralph Krugler.
About the book
The first edition sold out. This second edition is an updated three-volume series with more information, more photos and improved image quality.
It covers more than just the story of the lighthouse. Families of keepers, related topics such as the Houses of Refuge, the Barefoot Mailman and the lesser-known mail route walked along Florida’s west coast, Florida pioneers connected with the founding of the lighthouse, and touches of local history are sprinkled throughout.
How it was researched
Ralph spent years digging through:
- HLPS archives
- U.S. Coast Guard archives
- U.S. Lighthouse Society archives
- The National Archives in Maryland and St. Louis
- The Broward County Library
- Historical societies in Miami, Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Jupiter
- Online historical, newspaper and genealogy sites
He also gathered stories through phone calls, emails and face-to-face interviews with families and descendants of former keepers, and with other lighthouse historians.
From the book
About the author
Ralph Krugler is the historian of the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. The book was a labor of love: he researched it over many years and funded it himself.