Penfield Reef Lighthouse Has a Haunted Past and Uncertain Future

Before the lighthouse was built in 1874, Penfield Reef was notorious for shipwrecks. Hidden underwater ledges made the area a hazard for passing vessels. To improve safety, a sturdy, Second Empire-style lighthouse was constructed—a 35-foot tower with a fourth-order Fresnel lens to light the way.

Unlike later lighthouses built with cast iron, Penfield Reef Light was made of masonry, featuring an integrated wood-frame tower within the keeper’s dwelling.

Life as a Lighthouse Keeper

Life at Penfield Reef Lighthouse was isolated and demanding. Keepers and their assistants lived in the attached dwelling, which included a kitchen, sitting room, and several small bedrooms. They followed strict routines—maintaining the beacon, cleaning the lenses, recording weather conditions, and ensuring the structure remained in good repair. Supplies arrived infrequently by boat, and rough weather often left keepers stranded for weeks. Despite the hardships, some found solace in the rhythm of their duties, while others struggled with the loneliness of life at sea. The haunting beauty of the lighthouse and its dangerous surroundings served as both a sanctuary and a prison for those who tended its light.

A Christmas Tragedy and the Haunting of Penfield Reef

Penfield Reef’s most well-known tale dates back to December 22, 1916, when Keeper Frederick A. Jordan attempted to row ashore for Christmas. Carrying handmade gifts for his family, he set out in a small dory but never made it across.

As Jordan rowed into the choppy waters, a large wave overturned his boat. Assistant Keeper Rudolph Iten watched helplessly as Jordan struggled in the freezing tide before disappearing. Though his body was later recovered, many believe his spirit never left the lighthouse.

Shortly after the drowning, Iten reported strange occurrences—he later wrote in the keeper’s log that Jordan’s ghost appeared two weeks after his death, floating down the stairs before vanishing. Iten was particularly unnerved when he discovered that the logbook had been mysteriously turned to the page documenting Jordan’s death, which he believed was the work of Jordan’s ghost.

In 1942, two boys capsized their boat near the lighthouse. Struggling in the rough waters, they were helped to shore by an old man who then disappeared. When they described him to the lighthouse keeper, they were shown a photograph and identified their rescuer as Jordan.

Ownership Struggles and Restoration Efforts

The lighthouse remained operational but was automated in 1971, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. Since then, multiple efforts to preserve and restore the structure have faced challenges.

In 2007, the federal government attempted to sell the lighthouse for a single dollar. Ownership disputes and preservation requirements complicated the process, and a proposed plan to turn the lighthouse into a resting place for cremated remains never materialized.

Hurricane Sandy in 2012 further damaged the structure, requiring emergency restorations in 2015. By 2023, the lighthouse was once again up for sale, its future uncertain due to access challenges and ongoing maintenance needs.

Whether seen as a historic landmark, a real estate conundrum, or a paranormal hotspot, Penfield Reef Light holds a unique place in Connecticut’s maritime history. And if you ever find yourself near the reef on a foggy night, keep an eye out—you just might spot a lone rowboat cutting through the mist, still on its eternal voyage.