Sea Girt Lighthouse
Posted by: 
chstress53
N 40° 08.242 W 074° 01.641
18T E 582859 N 4443457
The entire section of the coast now called Sea Girt was once known as Wreck Pond. No wonder, considering the countless shipwrecks over the years in the vicinity of the Manasquan River. One source estimates 92 assorted vessels foundered along the coast during the early 1890's.
Waymark Code: WM28A
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 10/06/2005
Views: 52
On December 10, 1896, the lighthouse was completed, the beacon was turned on. It flashed a red light once every second, usually visible 15 miles at sea. The keeper of the light had to wind the clock every seven and one half hours to keep the signal continually beaming.
The light was changed to white in 1901 and in 1915, electricity replaced the kerosene which fueled the lighthouse. The first radio fog beacon was installed in 1921 as an aid for ships approaching New York Harbor. Signals from Sea Girt crossed those from the Ambrose and Fire Island lightships, so ships could navigate more safely in foggy or foul weather.
There have been five station keepers. Major Wolfe from 1896 to 1903, Abram Yates from 1903 to 1910. On May 29, 1910, Harriet Yates recorded the death of her husband and assumed the duties of keeper. She faithfully kept the light until relieved two months later. Next, John W. Hawkey from 1910 to 1917, William H. Lake from 1917 to 1931, and last George J. Thomas from 1931 to 1940.
Open Sunday's 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
732-974-0514 (
visit link)