The 1850 Storm: Shipwreck at Owl’s Head

There was a terrible storm in December of 1850, with several ships going aground in Penobscot Bay, Maine. About midnight the storm picked up and the winds were howling. One small schooner had anchored earlier, intending to wait the storm out and continue to Boston the next day.

The captain had gone ashore and left his first mate, a seaman and one passenger on board. When the winds intensified, the schooner broke free, was blown across the bay to Owl's Head, and crashed into the rocky ledges.

The 3 on board were not injured, but were exposed to the storm and waves and were soon soaked. They wrapped themselves in blankets to try to stay warm. As the schooner began to break apart, the seaman, Roger Elliott, scrambled ashore over ice coated rocks and eventually made his way to a road.

It was the road to the Owl's Head Lighthouse and fortunately the lighthouse keeper was going by in a sleigh and saw the exhausted, freezing man. He quickly took him home and put him to bed (after a hot rum). Roger told the keeper about the 2 left on the schooner.

About a dozen men were called out for the rescue and made it to the schooner before it had totally broken apart. They found the 2 wrapped in each others arms under a blanket which was covered in ice! They seemed to be dead, but the rescuers would not take a chance and took them to the keeper's house where they chopped the ice off of the pair and then placed them in cold water. The water temperature was slowly raised and the limbs of the pair were gently exercised and massaged.

After about 2 hours the passenger, Lydia Dyer, began to come to and within the next hour Richard Ingraham did as well!

During the sharing of the events, it became known that the pair were engaged to be married and thought, as they were freezing on the wrecked schooner, they'd never have a chance to share their vows. It was many months before they were totally recovered, but they did marry and had 4 children, living very near Owl's Head, Maine and extremely thankful for Roger Elliot's bravery.

Experience the Heartwarming Legend of the Frozen Lovers

Are you ready to uncover the captivating tale of survival and love amid the icy waves of Owl’s Head? Join us for an unforgettable Owl's Head ghost tour as we explore the legendary story of Lydia Dyer and Richard Ingraham, who defied the odds during the brutal storm of December 1850. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a romantic at heart, or simply seeking an intriguing adventure, this tour offers something special for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to delve into this remarkable love story that has become part of Owl’s Head’s rich history!

Be sure to check our Milwaukee ghost tour reviews online to see what fellow adventurers are saying. Ready to embark on this heartwarming journey? Reserve your spot now!

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