Little lighthouse found in B.C. thrift store illuminates N.S. family connections
The search for an office lamp at a thrift store in Maple Ridge, B.C., has captivated the online community and brought to light a heartwarming tale of family ties spanning thousands of kilometres. Julia Ghersini, a member of the film industry, stumbled upon a wooden Nova Scotia lighthouse lamp priced at $14.99 at Value Village. Intrigued by its charm, she flipped it over to check the price and discovered an inscription that read “built & painted by John and Sheila Jordan, Brighton N.S.” along with a phone number in the 902 area code.
Enthralled by the discovery, Ghersini decided to purchase the lamp, thinking it would be a thoughtful memento for a co-worker from Nova Scotia. Upon further investigation, she learned that John and Sheila Jordan had passed away, with Sheila in 2015 and John eight years later.
Realizing the profound connections that East Coast families often share, Ghersini took to the “I love Nova Scotia” Facebook group to share photos of the lamp. She went to bed with the hope that someone would respond, only to wake up to an overwhelming response. The post garnered close to 7,000 likes, 274 comments, and over 500 shares.
The post quickly reached John and Sheila’s family in Nova Scotia, including their great-niece Ocean O’Neill from Bridgetown. O’Neill was taken aback when she saw the post, recognizing her Uncle Johnny and Auntie Sheila in the inscription. She fondly remembers visiting their home near Digby, where they crafted lighthouses, birdhouses, and replicas of Maud Lewis’s home as a retirement hobby. O’Neill shared that Uncle Johnny, who was color blind, crafted the wooden pieces while Aunt Sheila painted them.
The heartwarming post not only reunited family members but also introduced O’Neill to a long-lost cousin. Another great-niece, Amanda Farnsworth-Thibodeau from Marshalltown, shared her fond memories of John, her godfather, and the cherished birdhouse he made for her. She likened the online gathering of memories and connections to an East Coast kitchen party, where simple gifts hold significant meaning.
The little Nova Scotia lighthouse now adorns Ghersini’s office in B.C., serving as a beacon of joy for all who come across its story. She expressed her delight in brightening people’s days through the Facebook post and shared her plans to return the lighthouse to its place of origin during her upcoming visit to Nova Scotia.
The heartwarming tale of the lighthouse lamp serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family connections and the simple joys found in handmade treasures. As the lamp continues to shine its light in Ghersini’s office, it symbolizes the enduring bond between past and present, bridging the gap between two coasts with love and nostalgia.
