Maine is haunted by the ghosts of it's past history and people
A lens dedicated to the spirits of Maine, both past and present. Surrounding us in the mist and in the fog, separating our current selves from our past.
Paranormal (That, which is not scientifically explainable)
Paranormal Beliefs Survey
Loading poll. Please Wait...
The Haunting of Wood Island Lighthouse Maine
Tragedy Lingers Still
Wood Island is the remote location of one of the oldest lighthouses on the Maine coast. It sits approximately 2 miles off the coast, surrounded by treacherous currents, often rough seas and frequent foul weather. However, none of this played a part in the horrific events of June 1, 1896.Residing on the Island at this time, were the lighthouse keeper, Thomas Orcutt, a local lobster fisherman and former part-time constable, Fred Milliken and his family (wife and 3 step children) and 2 young fishermen, Howard Hobbs and William Moses. Hobbs and Moses were described as drifters, who had rented a shed from Milliken, for use as their residence. Hobbs and Moses were also heavy drinkers who had not paid their rent in several months.
Following a weekend drinking spree on the mainland, Hobbs and Moses returned to Wood Island by boat and were met by Milliken and his step son at the island's boat landing, where the 2 were doing some maintenance work. Milliken confronted the 2 friends and asked them to meet with him later at his house. A short while later, Hobbs and Moses showed-up at Milliken's house, with Hobbs carrying his rifle. Milliken stepped forward and asked Hobbs if his rifle were loaded. The still inebriated Hobbs, denied that it was, but when Fred Milliken stepped forward and asked to check himself whether it was loaded or not, Hobbs shot him, point blank in the chest. Milliken's wife who had watched the shooting from her doorway, helped her gravely wounded husband back into the house, with the assistance of the other friend William Moses.
Mrs Milliken sent Moses and her oldest son to the mainland to obtain the services of a local physician. Hobbs who was still lingering outside the house, at the scene, still with his rifle, seemed remorseful and offered to get Mr. Orcutt, the lighthouse keeper to assist, which he did. Lingering and holding-on to life for approximately one hour, 35 year old Fred Milliken finally closed his eyes and succumbed to his gunshot wound.
When told of Milliken's death shortly afterwards, young Howard Hobbs announced that he had one bullet left, which he intended to use on himself. He ran off towards his domicile and shortly thereafter a shot was heard. Upon arrival on the island, the physician Dr O'Neill found 2 dead bodies, including that of Hobbs, lying in bed with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Following these grisly events in 1896, reports began of paranormal activity on the island, which have persisted to the present day. There were no longer any other residents, beside the lighthouse keeper on the island, after the murder - suicide.
In 1905, lighthouse keeper, Orcutt was reassigned and his successor was a man by the name of Charles Burke. Sometime in 1914, it was reported that Mr. Burke, driven mad by the isolation and the haunting, deserted his post, leaving the lighthouse unlit. He subsequently committed suicide by jumping from the 3rd floor of a boarding house, where he was staying on the mainland.
It is agreed that the ghostly activity at the lighthouse is caused by the agitated spirit of young Howard Hobbs, repeatedly seeking the assistance of the lighthouse keeper and full of remorse for his drunken killing of Fred Milliken. Reported paranormal activity at the lighthouse include the sounds of agonizing moans and strange voices, doors in the lighthouse opening and closing mysteriously, and a shadowy apparition.
Greg Marlett, Copyright 2008, All rights reserved.
(Wood Island Light Photo courtesy of Flickr)
Haunted Wood Island Lighthouse Maine Photos
Island of Tragedy
Wood Island Light
curated content from Flickr
Seguin Island Lighthouse Ghosts
Island of Mists and Fog
Maine is a particularly lonely place in the winter. With almost constant snow, sleet, fog and ice, the rocky coast is home to frequent storms and enormous seas. Located 2 miles off the coast from Fort Popham and the mouth of the Kennebec River, Seguin Island is reputed to be the foggiest point on the entire Maine coast. The lighthouse keepers and their families who resided on Seguin Island in the mid 19th century lived an even lonelier life still, surrounded by a hostile sea and cut-off from the mainland for weeks or months at a time. Separated from the comforts and supports of their fellow citizens, it is no wonder that such a lifestyle led to episodes of madness and tragedy. One such episode as occurred on Seguin Island Maine, in the winter, in the fog.Seguin Island is a beautiful and almost idyllic setting during the summer months. Sitting at the top of 186 foot cliffs, the Seguin Island Light is the highest and second oldest on the entire coast of Maine. Because of its difficult rocks and height above sea level, a small tramway was built to carry goods to the lighthouse from the boat landing, the only assessable point on the island. It was up this tramway that the newest lightkeeper had a piano transported for his young wife, who had complained of the monotony of island life. Initially surprised and pleased by the thoughtful gift from her husband, her joy was diminished when it was discovered that there was only sheet music for 1 song. Unfortunately the young wife could only play the piano using a written musical score. The weather worsened as winter approached and it was no longer possible to obtain further supplies or sheet music from the mainland.
The young woman played her one song, over and over and over again, as the weather and isolation grew in intensity. Finally, a break in the weather allowed the lighthouse keeper to obtain supplies and additional sheet music for his wife. In spite of the new musical compositions received however, the keeper's wife continued to play the original song beyond all reason. The sound of the composition became embedded in the surrounding fog, as it echoed, over and over again.
Finally, being driven to madness by his wife's piano playing, the lighthouse keeper took an axe and demolished the piano. When his wife protested his act of rage, the lighthouse keeper took an axe to her too and she was found nearly decapitated. In a final fit of remorse and insanity, the keeper then ended his own life.
It is still very common to hear soft piano playing on Seguin Island, day or night and particularly in the fog. It has been described by a recent Coast Guard maintenance contractor, who experienced it, as a quick Scott Joplin style tune, which he recalled as having an "ethereal quality, almost more like a memory on the wind, than music." He heard the tune on a bright sunny day, while speaking to the summer caretaker, in front of the lighthouse residence. He reported that there was no piano in the residence, as he had just taken a tour and likewise no radio or other device playing. When he returned to the Coast Guard Station later in the day, he was asked by the Executive Officer, if he had heard the ghostly piano playing. He states that his heart almost stopped, as he was completely surprised by this question and totally unaware of the story.
Many other paranormal events, including the apparition of a small child are experienced on Seguin Island, as well. The apparition is thought to be that of the young daughter of a former lighthouse keeper, who died and was buried on the island.
Greg Marlett, Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved.
(Photo Seguin Island Light, Courtesy of Flickr)
Haunted Seguin Island Lighthouse Video
The Haunting Of Boon Island Lighthouse - Off The Maine Coast by Greg Marlett
Island of Horrors
Is Boon Island Haunted? Let's consider the anecdotal history of evidence surrounding this remote and desolate outpost. Located approximately 6 miles off the Maine Coast from the Town of York, Boon Island is a pile of rock measuring approximately 400 square feet and is only 14 feet above sea level at it's highest point. It is a barren and windswept spot and due to a nearby shallow underwater rock ledge, extending some 4 miles out from the island, a very treacherous spot for shipping. Many a ship was lost in the vicinity of Boon Island and the first Lighthouse was built there in 1799. The current lighthouse on Boon Island, at a height of 133 feet, is the tallest lighthouse in New England and can be seen for miles around, in clear weather.On December 11,1710 the British Ship, Nottingham Galley was wrecked off Boon Island and the survivors struggled to stay alive, eventually resorting to cannibalism during their 3 week ordeal. After this disaster, local fisherman began leaving barrels of foodstuff and provisions on the island to benefit shipwreck survivors and avert further tragedy.
Sometime in the 1850's a lighthouse keeper at Boon Island, married a young local woman named Kathleen Bights. A few months after the young bride relocated to the island, a furious storm struck while her husband, the lone lighthouse keeper at the time, was seriously ill. At some point during the storm, he died and Kathleen was forced to climb 168 stairs to tend the light herself. After 5 grueling days, she finally collapsed from exhaustion and lack of food and water. Noticing the light was out, local citizens went out to the island and so the story goes, found her wandering aimlessly around, deranged by grief and exhaustion. Although physically surviving the ordeal, it was said that she never fully recovered from her trauma.
A common report from visitors and local fisherman,, is a "mournful wail" emanating from the Island at night and during bad weather. Some attribute it to young Katherine Bights, calling out for help during that storm many years ago.
Another experience by many of the Coast Guard keepers and area fisherman is the sighting of a full bodied apparition, of a young woman "shrouded" in white, who reportedly appears sad faced. This ghostly presence has been attributed to the mistress of the Nottingham Galley, or the spirit of young Kathleen Bights.
Coast Guard lighthouse keepers have reported paranormal activity and events right up to the time the light was finally fully automated in 1978. One keeper stated that his labrador retriever chased and pursued an unseen entity all over the island. Another incident occurred when the 2 coast guard keepers went out fishing for the day in their boat. Having drifted too far away from the island to make it back by nightfall, they were astonished when the light came on, right on schedule, since no one else was on the island. It was reportedly common to hear doors open and close in the tower and adjoining house as well as other noises which couldn't be readily accounted for. Many keepers also reported a feeling or sensation of being watched, especially when going outside to turn on the fog horn.
After duty at Boon Island Light, most skeptics became firm believers in the paranormal, with their own tales and experiences to report. Unfortunately, with automation and subsequent islolation, the ghostly denizens of Boon Island will have no further opportunity for interaction.
By Greg Marlett Copyright 2007, All rights reserved.
http://gregsebo.blogspot.com
Photo: Boon Island courtesy of freefoto.com
Gifts For Ghost Hunters
Paranormal Ware
Personal Paranormal Experience? Yes/No
Have you ever had a personal paranormal experience? Explain
0 characters used, 100 remaining
I say...
What others are saying...
Loading...
Choose the Best Ghost Hunting Resources
The Supernatural Side of Maine by C. J. Stevens
The mysteries found in this book have been hiding more...0 points
Everything's Eventual : 14 Dark Tales by Stephen King
The first collection of stories Stephen King has p more...0 points
Working the Sea: Misadventures, Ghost Stories, and Life Lessons from a Maine Lobster Fisherman by Wendell Seavey
In Working the Sea, Wendell Seavey paints a lively more...0 points
Dark Woods, Chill Waters: Ghost Tales from Down East Maine by Marcus LiBrizzi
Forgotten somewhere between Bar Harbor, Maine, and more...0 points
Haunted Maine: Ghosts And Strange Phenomena of the Pine Tree State (Haunted) by Charles A. Stansfield
Tales of pirates, witches, and other amazing deniz more...0 points
Creepy Campfire Tales Vol. One Halloween Camp Out by James, D. Adams
Creepy Campfire Tales vol. 1 features 11 all origi more...0 points
Maine Ghosts and Legends by Thomas Verde
Tom Verde became interested in eerie phenomena whe more...0 points
Ghosts of Maine by T. M. Gray
Join in the fun of ghost hunting as you travel thr more...0 points
Ghosts on the Coast of Maine by Carol Schulte
A ghostly tour of Maine's coast - twenty-five tale more...0 points
Haunted Portland: From Pirates to Ghost Brides (Haunted America) by Roxie J. Zwicker
Follow Zwicker, author of Haunted Portsmouth and H more...0 points
In Search of Maine Supernatural by Eddy Forester
Maine is well known for its Ghosts. With this book more...0 points
Some Favorites
Totally Creepy
-
Paranormal - Psychic - Entertainment
-
For those who have experienced or believe in "The Unexplained World" of the paranormal. View Edward Shanahan's free video Cyber tours of Historic Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Archer Wood's Cemetery and more. Also our Radio Internet Broadcast -...
-
American Hauntings
-
Your home for things that go bump in the night. With Halloween on the way, there is always the thirst for stories that keep you looking behind you. Did those footsteps you heard belong to a member of the living? Sit Back, turn off your lights and rea...
-
Haunted Ohio and Ghost Hunters in Ohio
-
This lens is dedicated to listing haunted places within Ohio. It will attempt to validate stories of the supernatural to either prove or disprove the claims of many popular ohio legends, tales, and hauntings and provide actual details of investi...
Creepy Lensmasters
Visit These Lensmasters If You Dare
Haunted Auctions
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
The Search Begins For Real Haunted Places in Maine
Haunted Maine on Twitter
-
- MNNDaily
- Haunted waters: Hunting ghost traps in Maine http://mnn.com/node/43334
automatically generated by Twitter
My Favorite Paranormal Links
Checkout These Exciting Links!
- Central Maine Researchers and Investigators of the Paranormal
- Central Maine Researchers and Investigators of the Paranormal
- New England Ghost Project - Paranormal Investigations
- New England Ghost Project is the area's leading paranormal investigation team.
- Bangor Ghost Hunters
- Bangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association
 We analyze things that go bump in the night
About usBangor Maine Ghost Hunters Association takes great pride in being the #1 investigative team in the area. Our investigations have taken us to many locations in Maine, Massachusetts, - Home Page
- Maine Ghost Hunters
- Southern Maine Paranormal Society
- A Southern Maine based group of paranormal investigators and researchers dedicated to helping others with their paranormal experiences
- The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS)
- Home page
- Halloween Vampire Costumes
- Your Favorite 2009 Halloween Gothic Vampire Costumes
- Adult Vampire Costumes of the Victorian Era
- Being one of the undead is such a great experience for Halloween fun
- Halloween Costume Masks for Sale, Buy Discount Halloween Masks
- Discount Halloween costume masks for sale. Buy scary and funny costume masks for kids, teens, and adults.
- Kids Witch Costumes For Sale, Discount Halloween Witch Costumes
- Discount Kids Halloween Witch Costumes for Sale. Scary Witch Costumes for the Best Prices Online Guaranteed.
What's Your Passion?
You Can Make a Lens of Your Favorite Things in Life Too!
You have some great ideas to share, or a favorite movie, book, hobby. Maybe you would like to salute a favorite person in your life or share a favorite recipe.
What are you waiting for? It won't cost you a penny and could earn you some cash, not to mention friends and possibly even fame. Don't forget your favorite cause or charity either.
Squidoo makes it all so easy, it's like a window to the internet and the whole world awaits you!
Click Here to Find Out How
Follow Me on Twitter!
- gregmarlett
- aka gregmarlett
- 317 followers
- 297 following
-
- I just updated my Squidoo page: how to write a haiku poem / http://tinyurl.com/a58yyv
-
- I just updated my Squidoo page: Real Haunted Places of Maine / http://tinyurl.com/clvn3p
-
- Have you ever had a personal paranormal experience? Explain #perspara http://twttrlist.com/A17q
-
- I just updated my Squidoo page: PPC Web Spy / http://tinyurl.com/cjwoxd
-
- Red Sox in first place! Wang's garbage - What about the rest of the overpriced underachievers?
powered by Twitter
Your Comments are Greatly Appreciated
Please Visit Often
submit
-
Reply
- BigGirlBlue BigGirlBlue Jun 16, 2009 @ 12:17 am
- Congratulations on your purple star!
-
Reply
- Susan52 Susan52 Jun 5, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
- True or not, these make for some great stories. Congratulations on your purple star!
-
Reply
- DeniseN DeniseN Nov 6, 2008 @ 8:42 pm
- Great Lens! I've lensrolled it to my Haunted Lighthouses lens. My mom and my sister were both born in Maine. It's a beautiful place!
-
Reply
- ghost_guide ghost_guide Sep 29, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
- Hi Greg,
What a great lens! 5 stars! I really enjoyed it.
I hope you can stop by my lens at www.squidoo.com/ghostguide .
Thank you, and thank you for your service to our country!
-
Reply
- KonaGirl KonaGirl Aug 29, 2008 @ 10:34 pm
- Great lens! Very spooky! 5* and lensrolled to my new Haunted Hawaii lens.
- Load More
by gmarlett
Hello, I am Greg Marlett, a retired rehabilitation counselor who worked for 33 years with the federal government (US Dept of Veterans Affairs). I am a... (more)
Explore related pages
Goldfield Hotel - The History, Paranormal Investigation and Ghost Hunting- In February 2008 I enjoyed a trip to Goldfield, Nevada to investigate the histor...
Haunted Toys and Dolls- Can toys be hosts for the spirit world? Discovering the TRUTH behind haunted it...
Haunted Ohio and Ghost Hunters in Ohio- This lens is dedicated to listing haunted places within Ohio. It will attem...
Maine Lighthouses Explorer- Bringing you the best of Maine Lighthouses. I will highlight several of my favor...
- Haunted Ohio and Ghost Hunters in Ohio
- This lens is dedicated to listing haunted places within Ohio. It will attem...
Ghost Hunters Guide DIY Ghost Hunting And Hauntings- Ghost hunters are typical people with typical jobs hunting for ghosts in their s...
