News

Lighthouse Leans Forward to Tomorrow

by Wilson Wrightwrub, Publisher/Editor, Dirt Cove Press

Lighthouse history very historical
Dirt Covians have always had a constant reminder of their historic past in the form of the famous Leaning Lighthouse. The lighthouse has kept a watchful eye over the inhabitants of Dirt Cove since it was commisioned in 1921.

Originally, the lighthouse overlooked the community from Dirtview Hill. From this prominent location, ships and schooners visiting Dirt Cove (formerly Doily Cove) could be warned of Disemboweling Point.

In 1927, a group of concerned citizens petitioned to have the lighthouse moved, complaining that sailors from Upper Lower Cove were "using our lighthouse to save their lives." The Town Council voted three to zero to have the lighthouse moved inland where it was no longer visible from the sea, to prevent Upper Lower Cove fishermen from "stealin' the light without payin' for it."

In September of that year, the lighthouse was moved 1.3 kilometers inland to Boggy Gulch. Its remote location rendered it of little use to marine traffic, though it became a popular hangout for Dirt Cove teenagers.

The lighthouse was decommissioned and abandoned in the early 1930s when it was discovered that -- due to the unfortunate decision to move it to the middle of a bog -- the entire structure was sinking into the soggy earth at the rate of approximately 10 centimeters per year, although one side was sinking faster than the other.

Leaning lighthouse leans
Today, fallen into complete disrepair, the lighthouse leans at a precarious angle. The original entrance is now completely below ground, and access can only be made via a former second-story window now at ground level. Local legend has it that the lighthouse is haunted by the many sailors who lost their lives in its absence. It is one of the stops on the popular Dirt Cove Spooky Stroll.

Leaning Lighthouse may become National Historic Site
Due to the lack of historical sites in the area, Dirt Cove historian Skipper Eli Wrightwrub has been pushing to have the lighthouse declared a "Site Deemed More Historical than Other More Recent Ones" under the Canadian Structural Preservation Act. "I don't know if there is such a thing," admitted Skipper Eli. "But there probably should be."

Lighthouse to be torn down if it don't sink first
Dirt Cove Mayor Wallace Pippy says that the lighthouse is now off limits even to those with a historical interest in the structure. He informed the Dirt Cove Press that building inspectors from the Provincial Government have declared it a condomed structure due to the fact that it is very dangerous. "It's condemned", he said today. "But it's historical too. I think that if something is historical, it should be allowed to stay up even if it is dangerous and an eyesore."

Lighthouse future uncertain
The future of the Leaning Lighthouse is more uncertain now than ever. Skipper Eli has even threatened to chain himself to the structure to prevent its destruction. "That's just that old drunk talking," said Mayor Pippy.

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