Adieu, Great View: Longtime Lighthouse Caretaker Moving On

After 31 years of living in a lighthouse for free, Margaret Winski is giving up the best view on Long Island and moving to Maine.

The New York Times reports the 62-year-old known as Marge has been living in the 222-year-old Montauk Lighthouse since April 1987, when the U.S. Coast Guard moved out of the property on the island's eastern end and turned it over to the Montauk Historical Society.

She lived at the lighthouse for free but the caretaker's job came with no pay, so she worked during the day at the local post office for 30 years. Winski said after she turned 60 she decided to fulfill her longtime dream of moving to Maine.

She's being replaced by Joseph Gaviola, a 63-year-old Montauk businessman and member of the lighthouse board.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us