Haunted Lighthouse 4 Sale – 1 Dollar Takes It
Welcome back!
The U.S. Feds are seeking a buyer for the Penfield Lighthouse near Fairfield Connecticut and willing to let it go for a steal — a mere US dollar will seal the deal. But the deal-breaker is that the buyer must be willing to cope with an unwanted guest — the kind that doesn’t know when to leave.
Photo Susan2
We’re not talking about Uncle Bob here either. The lighthouse is said to be haunted by the drowned spirit of lighthouse keeper Frederick Jordan in 1916.
Legend has it that Jordan drowned in December 1916 when his boat capsized near the lighthouse. He later appeared as a ghost two weeks later to his assistant, Rudolph Iten, reports Boston news.
Iten took over for Jordan after his death. In his log, Iten wrote that Jordan’s apparition glided down the tower’s stairs and disappeared into darkness. Iten then found the keeper’s log opened to the page that documented Jordan’s death.
Iten also reported that the lighthouse’s light began ‘behaving strangely’ when Jordan’s apparition 
appeared.
In another sighting, two boys who were rescued after their boat capsized near the lighthouse in 1942 identified Jordan as their rescuer after seeing his photograph.
Jeremy D’Entremont, who wrote ‘The Lighthouses in Connecticut,’ said many lighthouses have ghost stories, but the Penfield Lighthouse’s tales are more believable because they are based on a well-documented death.
D’Entremont said other lighthouse keepers reported seeing Jordan’s ghost over the years, and Iten had them sign affidavits for what they had witnessed.
If you feel you can sport life with the spook for a buck, you’ll be required to submit an application identifying your proposed use for the lighthouse, the navigational beacon, and how you’ll be paying for its use and maintenance.
The lighthouse will sell in ‘as is’ condition to local, state or federal government agencies or nonprofit organizations, and appears to be in a serious state of disrepair. If the ghost of Frederick Jordan isn’t enough to put you off, costs for repairs may be. Photos top KDC43, center Unwiredadventures, bottom Mikejonesphoto
The 51 foot tall lighthouse rests upon a concrete foundation surrounded by rocks with an attached two-story keeper’s residence made with granite and timber frames.
The town of Fairfield’s 2004 report states the foundation, structure and roofs were in good condition, but the wood framing that supports a balcony around the light tower needs major repairs.
There are asbestos tiled floors, lead paint on the walls, mold on all levels and decaying brick and mortar in the basement, the report said. The Coast Guard said the last repairs were done in 2003.
Fairfield First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said the town is very interested in acquiring the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Obviously, the first choice would have been for the federal government to continue to take care of the lighthouse.” he said. “But since they want to dispose of it, the town feels obligated that we want to save it.”
The town is investigating costs to fix and maintain the property, and how it could pay for it. They’re attempting to negotiate with the Fairfield Historical Society and Fairfield Beach Residents Association for assistance with maintenance.
D’Entremont said it may be difficult for the new owners to raise money for repairs and maintenance because the lighthouse is offshore.
“You have to be creative. You kind of have to bring the lighthouse to the community.” D’Entremont said. “I really wish the (federal) government could set up a fund that would help with the maintenance of these lighthouses.”
Tags:bizarre Frederick Jordan ghost ghosts haunted haunting hauntings lighthouse odd offbeat sale spooks unusual weird
A very nice and quiet abode, well…apart from things that go bump in the night lol. Sounds like a real steal at a dollar.
It’s a pity that the federal government can’t stump up the cash and preserve it, after all it would only be loose change to them.
Smeaton’s tower in Plymouth, UK was completed in October 1759. Local granite was used for the foundations and facing but in the 1870′s cracks appeared in the rock upon which Smeaton’s lighthouse had stood for 120 years, so the top half of the tower was dismantled and re-erected on Plymouth Hoe as a monument to the builder and is maintained by the local authorities. The remaining stump still stands on the Eddystone Rock.
I don’t think that this one has any ghosts or ghoulies though!
Fascinating story……I remember going on a tour through King Henry VIII’s Castle in England …. one of the rooms felt dreadfully cold…..afterwards the tour guide told us that the room was haunted…..
I have successfully dugg this article Deborah :]
Colin, you’re just a wealth of information!
The Penfield lighthouse needs some serious maintenance, particularly the asbestos tiles and lead paint. It will be very costly, especially considering it isn’t on the mainland. The average organization would have difficulties funding this without any assistance. It’s surprising the local gov’t isn’t stepping up to the plate for a local monument.
Kim, your spidey senses must have beem working overtime! I’d love to see the castle! Dugg? You sleigh me! I just had a boo, haha! I’ll send you an e
We’d buy it in a HEARTBEAT!
Investigations 24×7!
wow.. thats really tempting
fascinating story indeed! but I agree with colin.. its chump change for the feds.. stumbling it Deb.. thanks for that link on themes… and it was good to see you at my place…do stop by again when you get a chance.. will email ya…
[...] Your page is on StumbleUpon [...]
Well .. what can I say ? If fed govt`s will is to sell ut, ok, I (won`t) buy it. I think 100 cents is expensive. I want to negociate. I`ll pay the price only if they`ll remove the ghost first. Why ? I want to bring there my own ghosts, female ghosts, but they will refuse to share the space with a male ghost, scared by possible rape attempts.
However, I give away for free to govt a solution to make that “island”
profitable.
There is a ghost, ok ?
Put on the island several hunderths Bambi puppets.
Is well known that the mixture between a bambi doll and a ghost is .. BamBoo.
Sell the bamboo sticks and so the place will be profitable.
My 2 cents.
Pearl, good to see you here. I’ll try to find that other link for WP themes for you, it had a ton of them. Looking forward to hearing from you
And thanks for the Stumble!
‘BamBoo’ … hahaha, very clever Valentin! Good one! Hey, ya never know, you could be on to something for sales for them to help provide income for maintenance
I’m not so sure about having a wealth of information….got a head full of bits and pieces, but guess they must be the wrong sort hahaha.
BTW, have just finished my delightful 10 Q Interview that you so generously passed on to me lol.
Hehe, well the bits and pieces seem to be in order somehow
Cool, I’ll come have a boo at your post. I’ve got another one to do if you feel like playing
[...] Haunted Lighthouse 4 Sale – 1 Dollar Takes It – Life in the Fast Lane [...]
I’d love to buy that thing. Haunted or not, that would make a cool place to live!
Haunted, be prepared for either a lot of elbow grease to fix it up, or a very large reno bill
oh i loved this story,ive been looking to go in to business in hotels “haunted” ones.if this lighthouse was in england i would have deffinatley went to have a look around,im off on a ghosthunt in 3 weeks in york uk great place,but i think the lighthouse would have beat it,if it was closer found this article by chance glad i did its great,
Ruth, it’s odd, because England would be more of a typical area I’d expect to hear of a lighthouse haunting from
Your trip sounds like a blast. Have fun, and glad you found your way here
Hey Hey I would love to buy this thing ive always had a fasination with lighthouses read a lot of books can someone get more info for me ex.time limitations on fixing it cach 22s etc.etc thanx im about to go to collage i hope some one doesnt beat me to the punch
Randal, the only thing I found without doing some real extensive research was to contact the U.S. General Services Administration, but I didn’t see any contact info for them.
That would be your starting point if you’re truly serious. I didn’t see any info in regards to time limitations either, but we’re 1 month after the fact that this was publicized right now.
Jim, I’m not sure what happened to your comment here today, but in answer to your questions, I would try contacting the county of Fairfield or their Chamber of Commerce if they have one there. They should be able to point you in the right direction for info and photos, providing the lighthouse hasn’t already been taken.
Hope that helps.
who do I contact to buy it?
My sister ran screaming
[...] its keepers house… lighthouse-news.com/2008/06/03/two-lighthouses-for… • Haunted Lighthouse 4 Sale – 1 Dollar Takes It Jul 21, 2007 … The 51 foot tall lighthouse rests upon a concrete foundation surrounded by rocks [...]
Is this still for sale for a $1??? I would love to buy and live in it… let me know where I can buy it.
I will buy this Lighthouse site unseen. I lived in a church that was haunted and I loved it. I feel we all have things in this life that need settled, and some that have not finished their work here on this earth which linger to accomplish that which they need to complete. Please let me know how to get the funds to you and the deal will be sealed. I relate well with those that have passed on and they are welcome to stay and finish what they have set out to do. If they personally cannot do what needs to be done, I will HELP. I need this lighthouse just as it needs me. I will obtain the needed funds to complete the necessary repairs. Just let me know who and how to pay for it.
Mystically,
“T”
Tamara Thomas
(435)764-8080
lv2dive7@yahoo.com
scubadivingmom7@yahoo.com
THANK YOU!!!!!
Tamara, I have no idea if this lighthouse is still on the block for sale, but you could try contacting the town of Fairfield.
I’d love to buy the place and live there also. Not to mention it would make a great bed and breakfast place. People would pay extra to be with a spirit, if you could summon him on command.
My husband and I would love to fix up this historical landmark.
We have a love for lighthouses, this spirit seems to have a heart
of gold. He saved two children, we could not have ask for a better new family member. This sounds like an exciting new adventure and a way to help save a chapter in our nations history.
We have always wanted to operate a bed and breakfast. We feel the care taker of the light house would add charm. Veterans would be provided discounts upon there visit.A portion of our proceeds from the property would go to benefit the Veterans Administration through contributions. Providing my children would not have a need to sale this property, the goverment would have the oppurtunity to purchase the property back.
first.
useful post and great read. thanks.
I understand this lighthouse is for sale for one dollar. This is exactly what we have been looking for. The spirits that live there are welcome as long as they can live with humans and our two cats.
We would love the opportunity to make the repairs, as we are a retired maintenance couple. We have done all kinds of renovations and would be up to the challenge.
Where do we sent the $1.00. Are there taxes that need to be paid, also? Is water run out to the island? How about power? Is it strickly generator or are lines run underwater to the Island?
We are ready to come, anytime, just let us know the particulars that concern the purchase and we will see you soon…
Thank you,
Melody Ann Smith
What a great story. I have a great love for lighthouses and this story is so interesting. I hope someone finds a way to save this lighthouse. There is so much history with them, it would be a shame to lose even one. Thanks for the information. I enjoyed reading it.
I would love to buy this lighthouse and would love to add Jordan to my family. I would love to restore this historic monument to its former glory. Have you heard about PETA tryin to get this place? They wanna make it the fish empathy museum. A lighthouse that would guide the fishermen home to feed so many would be “Screw u and your history we just wanna save the fishies so we can feel good about ourselves.”
Dear sir or Madam, My name is M R Keith Ronald Moss and my better half to be is ANGELA JO-ANN RALPH we have discused the place nd are in agreement we would love the chance or rather the opertunety to have a go i know i could fix most of the dwelling myself as i am a hard worker i am prepared to work in the town and live in the lighthouse i in the past have lived in various haunted houses and have felt them touch me in various way’s i am prepared to pay $1,000.00 US for the place but will not move in straight away as i am going to work in PAPUA NEW GUINEA next Question;would i beable to exstend the grounds and has anyone ever thought to say hellow to the bloke in short i beleave that he is a Hero in every sence of the word a Legend the place would make an ideal back packers or a school of arts I AM Very surpriced that the local comunity had’nt thought of it already anyhoo You’rs Sincerly MR Keith Ronald Moss
I’m quoted in this story, and I thought I’d post an update on what’s happened with the Penfield Reef Lighthouse. It has been owned since 2008 by Beacon Preservation, a nonprofit organization based in Connecticut. Ownership was transferred (no charge) under the provisions of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. They installed two wind turbines at the lighthouse in 2009.
See http://www.beaconpreservation.org for more info.