Peck Ledge Light (Pecks Ledge Light), Norwalk, Connecticut
Sparkplug style lighthouse built in 1906.
PECKS LEDGE LIGHT
Location: Long Island Sound--Norwalk Islands
Station Established: 1906
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1906
Operational? Yes
Automated? Yes, 1933
Deactivated: n/a
Foundation Materials: CAST IRON/CONCRETE CAISSON
Construction Materials: CAST IRON
Builders: TOOMEY BROTHERS OF GUILFORD, CT
Tower Shape: CONICAL ON CYLINDRICAL BASE
Height Above FOCAL PLANE: 61’
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BROWN BAND ON BLACK PIER
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER FRESNEL
Characteristic: White flash every 10 seconds lasting 2 seconds.
Fog Signal: Yes - operating on compressed air.
Historical Information:
- Requests for a lighthouse here began in 1896 but it was several years before anything happened.
- In 1901 $10,000 was appropriated for the construction of a lighthouse. Additional money was required when plans were changed to include the housing of two keepers.
- Construction began in 1905 and was completed in 1906. The light was put into operation in July and contained a fourth class Fresnel lens. There were complaints raised while the light was under construction that it was in the wrong location. It was felt by many that a better location was George’s Rock, but construction had already started so it remained on Pecks Ledge.
- In 1913 a fire was started when a tub of hot tar was placed on some newspaper while the keeper was preparing his lobster trap funnels. He managed to put the fire out and there was no significant damage to the lighthouse.
- The light was automated in 1933.
- In 1988 the Fresnel optic was removed and a 250 MM was installed. Characteristic is flashing green light.
- Inspection in 1989 found the structure to be in fair condition.
- In 1990 added to the National Register of Historic Places. Reference #89001472
- In 2004 the Coast Guard planned to install 100 tons of granite riprap as well as a section of step-cut stones to allow for easier access.
Researched and written by Anne Puppa, a Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Light House Society volunteer.