1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

Subject: Portland, Oreg., Dec. 29, 1900

The Light-House Board, Washington, D. C.

Sirs; I have the honor to report that additional quarters are very badly needed at the Yaquina Head, Or., Ediz Hook, Wash., New dungeness, Wash., and Robinson Point, Wash., Light-Stations.

At Yaquina Head Light-Station there are three keepers, the quarters comprise one double dwelling which is occupied by the keeper and one assistant with families. This leaves the other assistant without quarters as there is no room in the double dwelling. This condition of affairs has existed ever since the light was established in 1881 and one assistant has been compelled to occupy a building erected for temporary use as an office by the contractors for the erection of the tower and dwelling, being flimsily constructed in the first instance, its condition has gradually grown worse and worse until now it is practically uninhabitable and new quarters should be provided. It has been patched and repaired all it will stand. For the last two years recommendation has been made in the annual report that an appropriation be obtained for a new dwelling but so far without avail. A suitable dwelling can be constructed for $4,000.00.

At Ediz Hook Light-Station the dwelling is arranged for the accommodation of one family, but as there are two keepers employed the quarters are insufficient and a new dwelling is urgently needed. 163

Cape Blanco Light Sta. Or. $195.00 Cape Foulweather “ “ “ $152.00 Shoalwater Bay “ “ “ $158.00 Ediz Hook “ “ “ $90.00 New Dungenness “ “ “ $98.00 Smith Island “ “ “ $85.00 Point Wilson “ “ “ $83.00

A report on the necessity for these surveys was submitted by me Dec. 5th 1882 in compliance with request from the Board.

With the results of these surveys and the maps and notes of the other light stations in the district now on file, it is intended to compile a uniform set of charts showing in detail the topographical features and location of all structures at each station. The charts to be about 24 by 36 inches in size and as far as possible on the same scale.

Supported decayed joists on south side of 1” of 2” floors of Keeper’s dwelling with girders and posts. Replaced outside cellar doors. Commenced running Fog Signal during foggy weather- Inspected Station and made estimates for thorough renovation repairs. Ediz Hook Lt Station, W.T. Inspected Station & made rough plans & estimate for Repairs. New Dungenness Lt Station, W.T. Inspected Station, and made plans & estimates for work of c-reading Steam Fog Signal Smith Island Lt Station, W.T. Indspected & made estimates for repairs Admirarlty Head LH Station, W.T. Inspected and made estimaties for thorough repairs, and rough plans. Very respectfully, Chairman Light-House Board, Henry M Robert Washington DC Maj of Eng’rs & LH Eng’r Thirteenth District  

the construction should commence. The design of placing a structure like that at Ediz Hook is approved. You are desired to forward to the Board a requisition for the lens for Yaquina light which will be of the 5th order. You state that less than 270° arc of visibility is required. Please to state how much less and what kind of light it should be. This will involve a study of the kind of light to be used at Cape Foulweather. At some time convenient to you please to have made and forwarded a set of drawings showing the structures to be placed at Yaquina.

Dec. 28 From Engineer Secretary Maj G. H. Elliot. to Col. R.S. Williamson Corps Engineers. Sir: In reply to your letter of the 19th instant, I have to say that the deed of land proposed to be purchased at Yaquina Bay, when submitted to the District Attorney should be accompanied by an abstract of title on which his opinion can be based, or else he should be requested to procure the same at the expense of the United States. If there is no conveyance at Yaquina, it is supposed the County

(aside note) Yaquina Bay abstract of title to land requested

1872

Nov. 8. From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major H. M. Robert. Corps Engineers.

Sir: Referring to your telegram of the 5th instant, I have to inform you that Major Michler, the Light House Engineer at San Francisco, has been directed to look for the Cape Foulweather lantern and report to you.

Nov. 9. From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major H. M. Robert. Corps Engineers.

Cape Disappointment Oil House approved Ediz Hook not approved.

Dec. 30. From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major H. M. Robert. Corps Engineers.

Fix a date by telegraph on which Foulweather can certainly be lighted.

1873.

Jan. 2. From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major H. M. Robert Corps Engineers.

Sir: I have to acknowledge your telegram of Dec. 21, ultimo, relating to the lighting of Foulweather Light, and to say that the notice to mariners will be made accordingly.