The First House
Raising a family on the lighthouse reservation was as challenging as keeping shipping lanes safe. The first house, 26 by 30 feet, was built in 1859 to house all three keeper families, sharing a single outdoor kitchen. Only twenty six years later did they have the luxury of a "remodeling", the addition of a 14ft by 16ft kitchen and a new walkway to the light.
The Second House
It was not until 1883 that a new dwelling was built for the head keeper and the original building expanded so as to accomodate one assistant keeper on the top floor and the other on the bottom. One of the first items of furniture was a portable bookcase complete with forty books. This was in the days where you made your own entertainment.
Indian With a Knife!
Sometimes the Seminoles were the keepers only company. Once Mrs Amour opened the lighthouse door and found an Indian with a knife between his teeth. She resisted the urge to scream only to find the indian hand it to her, handle first, a sign of friendship. The Indian had come to ask permission to camp overnight.
A Haven to All
During their 42 years at the lighthouse the Armours were gracious hosts. They needed to be, in the middle of nowhere there home was the only haven afforded to the traveler, Indian, shipwrecked sailor or servant alike. In his day Captain Armour was the most important person in the area, he lived up to his name and is still remembered fondly today.
The Houses End
Both the assistant keepers house and the main house are no longer around. The original house was destroyed by fire in 1927. The keepers home was demolished in 1959. Sadly we only have the memories.