Winter Island has a long military history, beginning with Fort Pickering, which was active in all major wars from the French and Indian War to World War II. Fort Pickering Lighthouse was erected in 1871 and later used by the U.S. Coast Guard, which opened an air station on the island in the 1930s.
In 1933, the Coast Guard was deeded land on Winter Island to create a new station to replace one on Ten Pound Island in Gloucester, which they had outgrown. In 1934, Winter Island's airplane hanger and water ramp were completed, a three-story barracks building followed in 1935. The new site focused on search and rescue and in it's first year alone performed 26 missions.
In 1936, Hollywood came to Salem when R.K.O sent a film crew to Winter Island to record footage for an upcoming film about the Coast Guard, called Sea Devils. While guardsman acted out a faux rescue mission for the cameras, a real cry for help was called in by a Thatcher Island light keeper, who spotted an overturned sailboat. It was later discovered that a whale had been mistaken as the vessel in distress, however the action was just what the film crew needed. That same week, Salem also entertained another group of actors and filmmakers for the movie "Maid in Salem." In an interview, the Sea Devils director told the Boston Globe: "[Salem] is an ideal spot for pictures. We can get pictures of a rock-bound coast, the sea, historic old houses, rural settings, and Salem's busy main street provides some excellent shots."
The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Salem provided vital protection to the east coast during World War II. Armed seaplanes regularly patrolled in search of German U-Boats looking to sink U.S. ships with war supplies destined for Great Britain. In 1943, two guardsman, Edward Warner and Cecil V. Bratu, were tragically lost during one of these anti-submarine missions. The air station continued to operate after the end of World War II and provided aid during both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Many guardsman previously stationed in Salem left to help the fight oversees.
Salem’s Coast Guard Air Station closed in 1970 and operations moved to a newly built station on Cape Cod. In 1972, The City of Salem acquired the land and created a seaside park and campground, which still operates today.
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Digitized Archives:
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Second Corps of Cadets Photographs
Centennial: Salem Light Infantry Booklet
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