Monday, April 4, 2011

Mysterious Monday - Light Keeper's House

Caretaker's House, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon  © Doug Hickok


Legend has it that the Heceta Head Lighthouse is haunted by the Lady in Gray, or Rue as she is called. She was the wife of an assistant light keeper in the late 1800's who lost her young daughter to a drowning in the waters near the coast. In despair, Rue took her own life.
It fits the story that the word "rue" in English means regret or sorrow. Since then, many people have reported seeing or hearing her ghost in and around the lighthouse and the caretaker's house.
 On a misty and moody evening, I made this image of the light keeper's house as I walked down the hill from the lighthouse, and the gloom of the coastal fog moved in. I thought for an instant I saw something move in the darkening shadows. Was someone on the porch? What was that light in the attic? Could it have been the Lady in Gray?


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36 comments:

  1. RobApril 4, 2011 at 7:06 AM

    Could the glow in the upper left window be that from Rue? Really like the lighting in this image.

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  2. Cezar and LéiaApril 4, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    I love that red roof and the contrast with the blue sky.
    *** Maybe someone is working there in that attic?
    Just a positive image in my mind! LOL
    hugs and a great week
    Lëia

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  3. LauretteApril 4, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    A beautiful mysterious capture and a very attractive lighthouse with lovely colours. Perhaps the lady in Gray is in the house where the light is burning on the top floor.

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  4. FriedaApril 4, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    I like the contrast between the foggy forrest and the house with its warmer colors.
    And knowing the story of the house makes it even better!

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  5. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Interesting and a little bit scary story :)
    The photo is excellent, I like the three main colors: red, blue and yellow.

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  6. Traveling HawkApril 4, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I don't believe in ghosts (as moving shadows), Doug but I am sure that places are impregnated with the spirits of those who lived there, and who continue to live in the people left behind.

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  7. AlexandraApril 4, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Bonjour from the frozen north, Doug, delighted to have stumbled across your photoblog! Some wonderful and colourful shots you have here, and love the story behind this one too.

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  8. LúciaApril 4, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    This beautiful house looks so cozy and warm, but with all the fog, and after reading about Rue, I changed my mind...
    Have a good new week! ;-)

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  9. franzApril 4, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    superbly atmospheric "portrait" of this handsome house with the bright red roof! funny thing about ghosts - hardly is there a building in a rather remote place without one! and there's always more than enough people who have "seen" them and are ready to swear to it! ;-))

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  10. Eyeliquor 2April 4, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Great capture!
    Have a peaceful new week :)

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  11. OlegApril 4, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    Hi, Doug! Whence such a bright light directed on the house? Unusual,enigmatical photograph!
    I have seen many blogs but your stories and comments to own photos are the very best, the very interesting and the most informative ones without doubt.

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  12. Hilda R.BApril 4, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    The house looks so warm and fine. Good story and photo.

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  13. AnonymousApril 4, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    fantastic colors and frame - great atmosphere
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  14. WimApril 4, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    A fine evocative photo and story. A sad story too!

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  15. georgeApril 4, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    For all the stories, the house has a warm and cozy atmosphere. You've composed this beautifully Doug - and timed it to perfection.

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  16. KalaApril 4, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Wonderful contrast between the warm tones of the house against the dark blue sky. And your narratives accompanying your photos are always interesting!

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  17. VPApril 4, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    Lovely building, great image!

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  18. Andrew Graeme GouldApril 4, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    A beautiful image which brings out the wonderful lines and textures of this interesting building.

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  19. ChristopherApril 4, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Great shot and an entirely enjoyable supporting post!

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  20. OKApril 4, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    beautiful capture. I really like the colors.

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  21. LeoviApril 4, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    I love that combination of colors and shapes. Red, cream and blue in a very personal and engaging tone, great. A greeting.

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  22. Tammie LeeApril 4, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    gorgeous light and colors!! thanks for sharing the tale with us.

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  23. London CallerApril 4, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    Superb contrast! Love this photo.

    I wonder what would Lady in Grey say to me if I bump into her...
    Perhaps, "Would you like to have a cup of Earl Grey?"
    Have you tried Twining's Lady Grey tea?

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  24. brattcatApril 4, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    excellent story-telling in image and word.

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  25. ChelseaApril 4, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    love this post papa bear :)

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  26. SteveApril 4, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    A beautiful shot of the assistant lighthouse keepers house. The house is great as well as the lighthouse. They are very beautiful.

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  27. rianApril 4, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    lovely capture of this handsome house.. the quality of light in both the foreground & background is great.. :D

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  28. AyushApril 4, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    this is such a wonderful house. well framed here

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  29. L'explorateurApril 5, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Hi Doug. First I thought it was a doll house. Then I read your words. Looked back to the photo. Felt a cold feeling running up my spine. I saw it too! Your photo is very nice. I like it a lot! Very spooky woods in the backdrop, uh?

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  30. Klaudia JApril 5, 2011 at 5:51 AM

    A beautiful mysterious capture, colours, story ...

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  31. Elaine-April 5, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    i think i see her on the porch!! hehe i don't believe in ghosts, but this is a GORGEOUS picture, what color!!

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  32. KathyApril 5, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    I do love old buildings/homes with a story from their past!

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  33. theys rolandApril 5, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    This beautiful house, good shot!

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  34. yzApril 6, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    great colors

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  35. JonasApril 6, 2011 at 11:21 PM

    Wonderful capture of a warm and beautiful foreground and a cold and harsh distant... And a nice horror story to!

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  36. LuizaApril 11, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Very nice! And very nice colorz:-)

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