The Piano Playing Drove Him to Insanity
Seguin Island Lighthouse, Georgetown, Maine
Seguin Island lighthouse, in Maine, is one of the most fogged-in lighthouses in New England. It is also famous for lots of paranormal activity witnessed by many keepers, tourists, and mariners alike.
Perhaps the most tragic incident that occurred on Seguin Island is that of a former caretaker around 1850 who was driven insane and murdered his wife, then took his own life.
According to legend, around 1850, the Keeper, newly married, brought his young wife out with him to tend the light. Not used to the isolation on the island, she became increasingly bored and depressed, constantly complaining about not having anything to do. Thinking it would occupy her, and keep her mind off the boredom, the keeper ordered a piano to be brought to the island before the next winter set in. After numerous attempts trying to get the piano up the side of the rocky ledge, he proudly, and in total exhaustion, presented it to her.
The wife was delighted, but could not play without sheet music. Fortunately, only one song had come with the piano, so she set to playing it. By this time, the island was icebound; no other deliveries could come in. She continually played her piano, with the same song, over and over and over again.
The isolation and constant playing of the same tune over countless hours and days eventually drove the Keeper insane. Finally he had enough, took an axe and chopped the piano to bits. When she bitterly complained, he turned on her and chopped her up with the axe. Realizing the ghoulish action he just completed, he killed himself.
It's said, on the Kennebec River during foggy nights, you can hear the ghost of the lighthouse keeper’s wife playing the same ghostly tune on her phantom piano which can be heard floating out over the waves on those still, calm evenings.
Some Great References:
http://www.seguinisland.org/
http://www.hauntedlights.com
http://www.lighthousedepot.com
http://www.angelsghosts.com
http://www.squidoo.com/
http://www.lighthouse.cc/seguin/