NEW YORK — Scott Schubert, a lifelong Brooklyn resident, visiting Grandpa’s house as a child was a rare glimpse into living history.
“We didn’t really realize how special it was until we were growing up,” he said of his childhood.
His grandfather’s name was Frank Schubert, and he was the last civilian lighthouse keeper in America. He moved with his wife and children to the site of the Coney Island Light, in the private community of Sea Gate, in 1960.
“It’s the Brooklyn Lighthouse that No One Knows Exists”
Over the course of more than 40 years, the tall, white beacon became like a member of the family. Scott Schubert’s parents got married on the lawn.
The light was finally automated in 1989, but Frank Schubert continued to live there and care for it until his death in 2003.
“It’s the Brooklyn Lighthouse that no one knows exists, so it’s really cool to be able to share that with people,” said Scott Schubert, who runs a website to commemorate the family’s legacy.
The lighthouse is still operational and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to officials. They say these types of safety beacons have helped make our city what it is today.
“The Port of New York and New Jersey has a very rich maritime history,” said Robert Quinn, USCG Senior Chief Boatswain Mate. “Currently, it is the second largest port in the United States and among the top twenty in the world.”
Electrician’s Mate First Class Benjamin Mooney, a lighthouse technician, is among those responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.
“What’s so profound about this lighthouse is that it still has the older equipment in it, but it still works perfectly. And without any problems, just like all the other lighthouses I’ve worked on,” Mooney said.
The public is kept at a distance from the lighthouse
There is one problem with teaching its history: the lighthouse is generally off-limits and is located in a private gated community on the west side of the Coney Island Peninsula. Without permission from the U.S. Coast Guard or the Seagate Association, the only way the average person can get a good look is from a boat, on the water.
Scott Schubert said it’s the first time in a decade he’s been able to visit, this time with some special guests, including his 9-year-old niece Lily and her fourth-grade class.
“I’ve always been curious about it because I’ve seen a lot of pictures,” Lily said, explaining to CBS News New York that she was inspired to discover how hardworking her great-grandfather was.
In recent years there has been talk of requesting a milestone consideration, but nothing concrete has been done yet.
For now, Scott Schubert welcomes the opportunity to share his stories of the old man and the sea.
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Hannah Kliger
