I.O. and I embarked on a mini-adventure today as an initial step of his Heart Attack Lighthousing Therapy Program.
If you do not subscribe to Lighthouse Digest or read it on-line, you first need to read this article on the Lost Lights of Fair Haven, New York:
www.lhdigest.com/archives/1999/July_1999/fairhaven.html Fair Haven is located on Lake Ontario about half way between Sodus Bay and Oswego Lighthouses. We decided to go looking for the still existing keeper's house and
we found it! We took the road north from the village along the west side of Little Sodus Bay. If you stay on it to the end you come to the west pier which is where the lights were.
We looked back towards the land from the pier trying to see where the house could be. We couldn't see much because of the trees so we got back into the car and retraced our route looking for the oldest house (1873). I did notice the article stated it was on a hill so we drove up a private drive up the only hill around.
Sure enough, up behind a more modern house stood another house which had to be it. I jumped out of the car while I.O. remained inside (he's not as bold).
I rang the bell and was warmly welcomed by the owner, Elizabeth Eldredge, a spritely old woman probably in her 70's. She confirmed that the house was the former keeper's residence, her father having purchased it in 1947 (not 1965 as stated in the article).
She said the house had been vacant at the time and had no running water. The kitchen had a pump and a wood stove. She took me through to the lake facing front room which had been called the watch room. It had been partitioned off from the rest of the house and only had one window which faced northeast towards the lighthouse way down below at the end of the pier. She said the keeper had to keep watch over the light from there to be sure it didn't go out. She further stated that it had also been used for chopping wood in the wintertime. There are now three nice picture windows in the room which afford her a beautiful view of the lake. This serves as her living room. There is a sign hanging up outside the door which says "Delite" a name given to the house by Ms.Eldredge.
We spoke a little longer and then I went outside to take a few pictures which I will post eventually (1st 3 on the roll). While I was inside a man in a golf cart from the modern house drove up to speak to I.O. I.O. told him what I was up to and the man, who "watches over" both Ms. Eldredge and her home said, "Yes, that is the old keeper's house and I'm sure Elizabeth is giving her the tour".
The house and grounds were both immaculate. These folks are very proud of what they have and very concerned with maintaining their little bit of lighthouse legacy.
MOMBO[This message has been edited by mombo (edited 09-30-99).]
