I agree with the person that commented that, [ It's a wonder that nobody has stolen that buoy after all these years. ] tell you if someone did ever steal it that would have the worst luck ever for the rest of their lives, not to mention that it would be so freaking haunted. I imagine that anyone with any sense would know what kind of horrible things would happen to them and their family. I can only imagine just how many spirits are attached to that one small piece of history. After it's been on display there for a 100 + years it probably has been taken, but was bought back so that they could get peace back in their lives.
I honestly mean zero disrespect by this question, But isn't hanging a life perserver over the grave of a drown victim kinda wrong. This is an honest question, to me that seems wrong, but I dunno