1858 Fenwick Island lightkeeper’s house now under HCA’s care
As of June 2025, the 1858 Fenwick Island lightkeeper’s house is now under the care of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), marking the latest of the historic complex’s structures to come under public purview in recent years.
“Now owning four of the five Fenwick Island Lighthouse structures, we can continue to share the lighthouse’s remarkable stories and its place in the maritime and community history of Sussex County and Fenwick Island,” said HCA Director Suzanne Savery. “Generations of residents and visitors have cherished this lighthouse and the lightkeepers’ houses as symbols of local identity and pride. We are deeply thankful to the Open Space Program for making it possible to preserve this beloved historic resource for the community and future generations.”
On Oct. 17, 1857, draft designs featuring drawings of a proposed “tower and keepers dwelling on Fenwicks Island” were sent to the Light House Board in an annual report. Although there have been alterations, modernizations and additions – including the porch – over the years, the current frame cedar shake house layout is nearly identical to the original drawings proposed in 1857, which included seven rooms with a basement crawl space and attic space.
From Feb. 28, 1859, to July 17, 1861, John Smith lived at the house as the first keeper to make it his residence. Census data lists 12 Smith family members living at the house. Fortunately for the Smiths, the second assistant keeper to hold this position was one of John’s sons, so they didn’t have to make room for an entire second family to squeeze in.
Over the coming years, though, the keeper and assistant keeper would both share the house with their families. Per the 1880 census records, the keeper’s family at that time totaled five members and the assistant keeper’s included seven, all living in the dwelling together.
In 1881, a larger keeper’s house was constructed to the west of the lighthouse to alleviate the overcrowding issues. This allowed a separate living space for each family.
In addition to this original keeper’s house, HCA also oversees the lighthouse itself, the 1881 light keeper’s house, a generator shed and a barn from the 1881 house.
