It was Day 3 for us as Lighthouse Keepers in scenic Port Washington, WI. So far, this series of posts has focused on the lighthouse station itself and things that go bump in the night.
Now it’s time for me to share the bits and pieces about the wonderful folks we met while serving as tour guides at this historical site.
Visitors came from all over the world for a chance to discover more about the history of lighthouses in the Midwest.
We had travelers who made it their business to visit each and every lighthouse surrounding the Great Lakes. They were happy to cross Port Washington’s off their list.
The countless number of people we met was interesting and diverse. They came from Illinois. Texas. And Michigan.
Plenty of folks live in nearby Wisconsin towns, including Grafton, Oak Creek and West Bend.
A precocious five-year-old girl visited with her grandparents. All three climbed up and down the three sets of ladders to the tower, where they learned more about the Fresnel light and enjoyed breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Afterwards, the girl boldly asked my husband if he can do cartwheels.
“Nope,” he answered, “I was never any good at those.”
“Well, I’m practicing,” she proudly sang out.
More tourists came from California. Florida. And Alabama.
A professor from the local college stopped in on a whim. In tow with him were 10 of his students — all from Japan — and looking forward to accessing the light station tower. When I mentioned the suggested $5 donation for each visitor, the professor hesitated and looked over his crew, wondering how much cash he had on him that afternoon.
Was I going to be the one who denied these lovely students an opportunity to enjoy their afternoon? Not a chance. “Just give me twenty bucks for the whole crowd,” I suggested. Relief came over his face, and he promptly handed me a $20 bill from his wallet.
Our visitors were an eclectic group, but all were fun. Honestly, I can’t tell if we had more entertainment with the children or the adults.
We had a couple who intended to descend the wooden staircase that led into Port’s downtown streets.
“How many steps are there down to the main level?” the wife asked.
“105,” I noted.
She looked a bit nervous. “Oh dear, and how many back up?” she inquired.
“210,” I immediately responded.
The children who came along for the day were adventurous. They didn’t hesitate to climb the stairs to the tower. They marveled at the original “talking machine” phonograph in the parlor. They guessed at the purpose of the kitchen gadgets, which included a water pump, wire rug beater, old-fashioned toaster, and — one we all got stumped on — a metal sudser for aid in laundry day.
One lucky boy was grateful for the chance to try on one of the former lightkeeper’s coat and hat, while posing for pictures.
Finally, each afternoon ended with a visit from the locals themselves. Unlike the others, though, they mostly kept to themselves…
The Visitors It was Day 3 for us as Lighthouse Keepers in scenic Port Washington, WI. So far, this series of posts has focused on the lighthouse station itself and things that go bump in the night. Now it’s time for me to share the bits and pieces about the wonderful folks we met while…
Don’t believe the myth that ghosts can’t physically (and mentally) affect you.
Boo!
It was Day 2 of our stay at the Port Washington Light Station, and I’d already been spooked myself on our second night. As we continued settling in, I heard talk from my husband as he worried whether this lighthouse is haunted.
I started off by calmly reassuring him that the landmark is NOT taken over by spirits.
“I wish it were haunted,” I teased. “That would be fun!” Still, I shook my head at this nonsense. What could really go wrong?
And so the “fun” begins…
It’s true that I joked with him throughout the day, shouting “Boo” every so often. And perhaps a couple sinister-sounding mwa ha has have escaped my mouth. However, I truly didn’t intend any offensive or evil conjurings.
The 1860 Lighthouse itself is a lovely (and benign) museum, showcasing period furniture and containing artifacts used by keepers of the last century. I felt it was silly to even think that spooky spirits were overtaking the place.
Our 2nd-Floor Apartment in the Light Station – Simple and comfortableFloor 1 – Dining Room Floor 1 – Bedroom complete with bed warmer and chamber pot
Later that night…
Around 11:45 p.m., I awoke from a deep sleep. As my eyes slowly opened, I was facing the long corridor from our bedroom back down towards the front door of the second floor apartment. Directly in front of me was an opened closet door… a door which had certainly been locked earlier that day.
Beyond the door, a soft light shone — a light that was golden in color that seemed to take on a life of its own.
Quiet.
Stealthy.
Menacing.
That’s when I froze!
There was a presence to the space.
A feeling that’s difficult to describe.
It was as if a message was being conveyed to me.
A message that spoke volumes: “I’m here and stronger than you are.”
Confession time
I freaked out! It was too frightening to make a move. Who opened that door? How did that light come on?
Was it truly the Ghost of the Lighthouse that did so?
My mind raced with scenarios. Did I dare wake up my husband and cause a ruckus… thereby angering the Spirit?
Or should I text my daughter and seek her qualified opinion? Nope, it was close to midnight, so she probably wouldn’t be checking her phone.
Instead, I started Googling my fears. Quickly, I typed: open door light on ghost…
Aha!
I found “factual” evidence on the web…
“[S]pirits who can interact that powerful way with the physical world, can also do a great deal of harm to one, physically, as well. Don’t believe the myth that ghosts can’t physically (and mentally) affect you.”
Quora
Well, that settled it! Spirits were trying to scare us out of that place. I debated whether to scream first — or grab our suitcases and run down the staircase and head home to the Chicago suburbs. Either way, we were not staying put!
That’s when my husband awoke. As he rolled over, he mumbled,
“What on earth are you doing on your phone?”
“The door’s open and the light’s on!” I whispered intently. “I think it’s the Lighthouse Ghost!”
“I turned the light on,” he explained.
With that, he pulled up the comforter and went back to sleep.
With that said, it was several more minutes before I felt relief. Slowly, the built-up pressure released from my arms, legs and stomach, as I realized I was clenching my muscles the entire time.
Looking back, I realize I was awakened from a deep slumber when the presumed “ghosting” occurred. My mind wasn’t fully working. The day’s conversation about spirits and haunting must have been swirling in my subconscious, thus leading to my wild imagination.
I feel silly now. Embarrassed.
Still, I do believe spirits are out there among us.
Day 1 of our experience as Lighthouse Station Keepers
Earlier this winter ~ on a cold but sunny day in March 2025 ~ my husband and I took our annual trip to lovely Port Washington, Wisconsin.
“Port” (as it’s affectionately called by its residents) is situated approximately 20 miles north of Milwaukee and situated on the shores of stunning Lake Michigan.
Port is one of our favorite weekend trips away from the streets of Chicago and our jobs, which – let’s face it- can wear us down. Port offers small town charm with gorgeous lake views and enough peace and quiet to refresh ourselves.
Port Washington’s marina
On that last day of our trip in March, my husband insisted on driving past the lighthouse station built in 1860. I’m so glad my husband is fun, since that’s when we ran into the caretaker, who mentioned the Resident Lighthouse Keeper program.
I was immediately on board with the idea, since I’d always wanted to live in a lighthouse ever since reading about one as a child. I immediately set out to sign ourselves up for this exciting opportunity.
****************************************
Two résumés later — along with a letter of reference and background checks — we found ourselves selected to stay one week in late August.
Lo and behold, here we are today, acting as docents for this historic landmark, where we act as guides for visitors visiting the 18th century structure.
Day One started off with a quick walk into the main part of Port’s downtown for breakfast alongside the boat marina. Afterwards we strolled along the lakefront and appreciated the fresh air and views.
Walking back toward our day’s duties, we climbed the set of stairs from the main street to the lighthouse… I counted 105 steps on the staircase. It was challenging, but we did it!
At 11:00 AM my husband set out the OPEN sign and we eagerly awaited our first visitors.
Here’s what we quickly learned…
• The point of sale system is easy to use. The Historical Foundation has a $5 suggested donation plus t-shirts and postcards are available.
• Visitors are friendly and allow for our novice mistakes.
• My spouse has a gift for chat and is a natural tour guide.
• Ladder-type steps to the third floor tower with the Fresnel light are tricky.
• Views from the tower are worth it.
Stay tuned for more adventures from Port Washington.
View from the tower. I’ll provide more once I get the nerve to climb the ladders again. 😆
We from the Gen X generation love to reminisce. We grew up with a terrific music soundtrack to our lives. Think: Rolling Stones, Bob Seeger, Queen, AC/DC.
Pop culture included Civil Rights. Space Exploration. And Peter Max.
We watched the end of the Vietnam War and this country’s First Earth Day. Movies included The Godfather and the summer splash hit… Jaws.
Later, in our high school years, we quickly found and loved: Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, R.E.M, Billy Idol.
And we can’t forget disco’s funky hits that made us want to dance: Donna Summer, The BeeGees, KC and the Sunshine Band.
SIGH. I do enjoy daydreaming about that era.
I will readily admit those times are still so close to my heart. My friends from that generation can still picture those moments in time and feel the actual vibe that was generated.
Like others, I still feel that those memories are a mere 10-15 years ago.
Except they were definitely not!
Those times were decades ago. A different zeitgeist. A long-gone past that lives on in our recollections. I cannot deny… that life is from many moons ago.
Some days, I may feel 28 years old. Others, I feel like I’m 42.
But to truly think back to when I was young (let’s be honest!), it was a looooong time ago.
This Is How Old I Am
Here’s a sampling of how long ago those memories actually area. Enjoy this peek from the past…
This is me with the full baby cheeks. My mom looks like she hasn’t had much sleep. My older sister looks grumpy as usual. And will you check out that refrigerator?! (Or did we actually call it an “icebox” when back then?)
A few years went by, and I could get around on my own. Here I am at my grandparents’ home in Roseland, blowing bubbles with my sister, Kim. Do kids blow bubbles like this anymore? Or is it all done with a large bubble wand?
But that’s beside the point. Here, I want you to check out the TV tray with the cabbage roses on them.
And what about that PLYMOUTH? Hubba hubba.
Later that same year, my sister and I posed with our parents, Howard + Dorothy. My mom was expecting our baby brother at this time.
Folks, what do you think of the lamp from Sears Roebuck? We were a stylish family.
Adding a few more years and – VOILA – I had an adorable baby brother named Holden. I was trying to be the star of the show and show off my teeth. But it’s the high-chair that stands out here. When have you last seen one of them??
Almost one year later, we visited the Morton Arboretum on a splendid Fall day. My mom still wonders how she got us all dressed up and out the door in those days. I tell her it’s because she’s AMAZING.
My question here: what do you think of our coats? I thought we looked divine. I wish folks still dressed this way.
The Arts Scene
Both of our parents “dug” culture. Mom dressed us up and we all went to see the unveiling of the Picasso in Daley Plaza – Chicago.
We lived in the era when mothers sewed our Halloween costumes. Here, I was a princess. My sister — a drum majorette. Holden was a cowboy. And our dog Fido played himself.
What talent my mom has! Her creativity always impresses me.
Okay, some years went by and the family took one of many road trips. This time we landed in Missouri to see Tom Sawyer’s famous whitewashed fence. Again, we were very fashionable. Ahem.
Back to Reality
And here we are today — its 2025. Not too shabby, for all I’ve seen.
In fact, this past weekend, I saw an 80-year-old Rod Stewart show us his groovy moves in live concert. He’s still got it! And I’m glad I was here to see him.
PIZZA FOR BREAKFAST 