THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Penfield Reef Lighthouse is famously associated with the ghost of keeper Frederick A. Jordan, who drowned in 1916 while attempting to row ashore during rough weather. Subsequent keepers reported seeing his apparition and encountering unexplained activity, and Jordan's spirit is said to continue watching over the isolated lighthouse.
Completed in 1874, the Penfield Reef lighthouse is believed to be haunted by light keeper Fred A. Jordan, who died in 1916 while attempting to get to shore to see his family for Christmas. His rowboat capsized, and his body was found three months later. Jordan wasn’t ready to leave his post yet though, because his apparition began to appear, coming from his former room. His footsteps and voice have been heard as well. Some say Jordan’s spirit has even appeared to help others: Reports say a man appeared in the surf to guide an endangered yacht around the reef, and two boys who capsized in a canoe were assisted by a man who appeared from the rocks and then disappeared after ensuring the boys were safe.