Legends and Lore A Tale of Love Lost  The life of a lighthouse keeper was lonely, but sometimes, for the wife it was worse, particularly if you were young and full of life. The wife of John Randolph, the keeper of New London Ledge Light's (Connecticut) was one such person. Flirtation with the local fishermen and other sailors was what kept her sane. One day, however, when her husband went ashore for some supplies, she ran off with the ferry boat captain and was never seen again. When her husband returned and discovered she was missing, he slit his throat and fell off the 65 foot tower. A replacement soon arrived, but he found he was not alone. Doors would open and close, items in locked desk drawers would be rearranged, a fishy smell was present, and cold wafts of air would accompany the feeling that someone was present. When the Coast Guard took over running the lighthouse service, the ghost was well known, and nicknamed Ernie. Only women and children had seen him, but no one was immune to his tricks. Tools would mysteriously disappear and reappear, items would be rearranged, floors would be washed, windows would be cleaned, and more. A psychic visited in 1981, which was when his name was revealed to be John Randolph. He also promised to leave, but he didn't keep his word. When the next keeper arrived, he was back in full force. He also didn't like skeptics that didn't believe in him. Legend has it that some fishermen stopped by the light for coffee and expressed their doubts about Old Ernie. When they went to leave, they found their boat had been set adrift. Since everyone was all together having coffee, it could have been none but Ernie.
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