Community Chat

[Oznell]

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.  

[CelticCrafter]

@Oznell my grandfather was a lighthouse keeper.

[PickyPicky3]

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

[Kachina624]

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.

[manny2]

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

[Puppy Lips]

Coolest photo ever.  Thanks for sharing!

[Oznell]

@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.

[SoCal Bred]

@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.

[JoyFilled Warrior]

"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

[CelticCrafter]

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@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.