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Digest>Jul/Aug 2019 |
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Photo Caption:
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The 1870 York Spit Lighthouse, at the approach to the York River from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, where William James Diggs served as the assistant keeper from 1917 to 1922 and as the head keeper from 1924 to 1943.
In 1933 keeper Diggs nearly lost his life when a storm severely damaged the lighthouse ripping out most of the floor, washing away the cook stove, oil tanks, and all kitchen items. When most of the decking and hand rails were washed away or damaged he was forced to hang on to the fog bell to save his life. He was eventually rescued by a local fisherman. Eventually the government made the necessary repairs to the structure. When he passed way at the age of 96 in 1978 he had nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
The York Spit Lighthouse was demolished after its 1960 decommissioning. (Lighthouse Digest archives.)
Back to the edition of: Jul/Aug 2019
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Story:
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Six Chesapeake Area Keepers Honored
Back to the edition of: Jul/Aug 2019
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