North Dumpling Lighthouse

Year Built

1849

Cost

$5,000

Type

Octagonal

Height

31 feet

Location

Fishers Island sound in Long Island Sound

Automated Year

1959

First Lit

1871

Lens Type

Fifth Order Fresnel Lens (original), 12 inches (current)

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1959-1980

Color

Natural w/White Lantern

Last Keeper - Date

William I. Clark (1940s)

Description

The island and light are part of a private residence.

Brief History

•  The lighthouse was rebuilt and relit in 1871, increasing the size of the tower to 29 feet and adding a mansard roof to the house.
•  In 1893 a fifth order Fresnel lens and a new Funck lamp were installed, replacing the sixth order Fresnel lens that was installed in 1871.
•  This lighthouse was replaced by a skeleton tower in 1959, but the light was returned to the lighthouse in 1980.
•  The island was purchased in 1977 by David Levitt, president of the Doughnut Corporation of America, who remodeled and expanded the house.
•  In 1986, the lighthouse was sold yet again, this time for $2.5 million to Dean Kamen, who had spotted the lighthouse while taking flying lessons.