topic Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE in Community Chat

STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

Oznell — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:26:29 GMT

Apparently this is a famous historical photograph, and I'm the only one who hasn't seen it! It was December, 1989, off the turbulent coast of Brittany in France, and La Jument lighthouse was pommeled and flooded during a tremendous winter storm that had raged over from Ireland.

Photographer Jean Guichard (in a helicopter, no less!) caught this moment of tumult as a giant wave crashed--

The lighthouseman in the door way was awaiting rescue, as were a few other workers hidden away in the lighthouse. As the waves broke he ducked back in. All survived.

But the front door was ripped off, the interior flooded, and the furniture washed away.

Those whose work brings them to confront an angry sea, they have my utmost respect. Fishermen, and boatmen of all kinds, light house workers, divers, pilots, photographers, have a special kind of courage in such circumstances.

Here's the man who was that lighthouse keeper in the doorway, Theodore Malgorne, with his trusty dog. He had a dog at every lighthouse at which he worked during his career.

Here's La Jument when the sea around it is calm--

Isn't it pretty? Love lighthouses.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

CelticCrafter — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:32:15 GMT

@Oznell my grandfather was a lighthouse keeper.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

PickyPicky3 — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:32:47 GMT

I bought a large poster of this about 20 years ago at IKEA and loved it until it ripped.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

Kachina624 — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:38:11 GMT

I've seen photos of it. I get seasick just looking at it.

How in the world could they possibly be rescued? Even by helicopter seems impossible due to winds.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

manny2 — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:40:29 GMT

Nature unleashes its fury. I have seen this picture before, and it still leaves me aghast.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

Puppy Lips — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 23:03:55 GMT

Coolest photo ever. Thanks for sharing!

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

Oznell — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 11:24:57 GMT

@CelticCrafter , your grandfather was a lighthouse keeper? What a fascinating heritage. Hard to imagine a more interesting occupation, and the stories he must have had!

I have a feeling that most lighthouses are automated these days, but hope that some still employ humans? If anyone knows about that, would appreciate being filled in.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

SoCal Bred — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:23:19 GMT

@Oznell

My brother bought a copy of this print many years ago at a flea market, I get mesmerized just by looking at it, thanks for sharing the story behind it.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

JoyFilled Warrior — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:38:26 GMT

"Plowing at night through rough, foggy seas, a Battleship’s radar suddenly indicates an object directly in its path.

The Ship’s Captain sends a radio signal, “We are on a collision course. Advise you to change course 10 degrees north.”

A response crackles over the radio: “Negative. We advise you to change course 10 degrees south.”

The Captain can now see a blinking light from the approaching object. Perturbed, he bellows a reply: “I’m a Ship’s Captain. Change course 10 degrees north, now!”

“I’m a Seaman Second Class,” comes the reply. “Advise that you change course 10 degrees south to avoid imminent collision.”

The Captain is furious! He blurts another command: “This is a battleship! Change your course immediately!”

Back comes the calm reply: “This is a Lighthouse.”

The battleship changed course.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In these pics, Id never seen a Lighthouse that didnt seem sitting some land on/around it.

I love Lighthouses. Seems as American as Apple Pie. I hope we keep this American Heritage., esp North

I dont know Lighthouse futures tho, given changes in water, due to Global changes.

Now I feel an urge to view the movie: "Ghost & Mrs Muir" (1947) (with Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders , ), again, for the Umpty-Ninth time

Hi @Oznell & @Others

Thank you these pics & Information!

Wonderful. Nostalgic

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

CelticCrafter — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:48:21 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
@CelticCrafter , your grandfather was a lighthouse keeper? What a fascinating heritage. Hard to imagine a more interesting occupation, and the stories he must have had!

I have a feeling that most lighthouses are automated these days, but hope that some still employ humans? If anyone knows about that, would appreciate being filled in.

@Oznell The reason he retired was because the one he was stationed at was going automated. That was in the mid 60's.

When he first started the lighthouses were under the US Lighthouse Service before being taken over by the Coast Guard.

My father was a civilian employee of the USCG at the lighthouse depot that was housed in St. George, Staten Island and then at Governors Island when they moved.

@JoyFilled Warrior the one my grandfather was stationed at was built on rock. He needed to row boat back to dry land going home for leave.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

SoCal Bred — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 12:47:56 GMT

Slightly off topic, anyone see the 2019 movie, The Lighthouse with Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, just happened to watch it a few days ago on cable TV, very dark movie!

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

Boomernichols — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 13:55:55 GMT

@Oznell I too love lighthouses! No, you are not alone as I have never seen this photograph before, thanks for sharing.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

MyShadowLove — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 20:34:18 GMT

@Oznell ...Wow, thanks for sharing....such amazing pictures and I've always been in wonderment at those who also live this type of isolated lifestyle....However, what better companion to have at their side than that of a precious, loyal, loving dog.

@SoCal Bred ...Thanks for mentioning the movie. "The Lighthouse"..I just put it on my list and will watch tonight.

Re: STORM-LASHED LIGHTHOUSE

sugar plum — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 20:05:48 GMT

@Oznell

Boston Light is located in Massachusetts. This historic Lighthouse overlooks the sea from Little Brewster Island, casting a light beam 27 miles into the Atlantic. This is the oldest continually used and last staffed lighthouse in the country, which dates back to the Revolutionary War.

Boston Light did become automated on April 16, 1998, but a Coast Guard crew still performed keeper duties as the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1989 stipulated that Boston Light be operated on a permanently manned basis.