1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

Office of the Light House Engineer,

THIRTEENTH DISTRICT,

PORTLAND, OREGON, July 22, 1872

Chairman Light House Board,

Washington, D.C.

SIR: In reply to letter from your office of 12 July, I have to state that the lens and lantern for Cape Foulweather Light House arrived in San Francisco on the 19 May.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant Henry M. Robert Maj. Of Eng’rs & L.H. Eng’r Thirteenth District.

Office of the Light House Engineer,

THIRTEENTH DISTRICT,

PORTLAND, OREGON, Oct 8 1872

Chairman Light House Board,

Washington, D.C.

SIR: In reply to letter from your office dated Sept 3, 1872, asking information relating to Cape Foulweather Lt Station, Ogn, I have to state that the Keeper’s Dwelling has been completed; the Oil House walls have been completed; the Tower Walls (Sept 30”) are built 22 feet above the lower floor; all materials (including Lantern, Lens, & c) are on hand or now discharging, except 23 lbs??? Bricks & 25 Bbls Lime, already ordered from San Francisco; a full force of Mechanics, Machinist, & Laborers are employed; and with average weather & no further delay from inability to secure Steam transportation (sailing vessel carrying materials to Foulweather again partially wrecked) the light can be exhibited on or before January 1st 1873.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant Henry M. Robert Maj. Of Eng’rs & L.H. Eng’r Thirteenth District.

Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District Portland, Oregon March 3, 1873

Chairman Light House Board, Washington, DC Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 6, 1873, and in compliance herewith to enclose the original certificate of deposit with the 1st Nat'l Bank, Portland, Ogn. for $105 # from the appropriation for Cape Foulweather light station Ogn. 1871-72, to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States to pay for 14 prismatic vault covers.

Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, Henry M. Robert Maj. of Eng'rs & L.H. Eng'r, Thirteenth District

1870

Yaquina, Oregon, entrance to Yaquina Bay.---An appropriation was made at the last session of Congress for lighting the entrance to this bay. An examination of the locality has been made, and the work will be commenced as soon as a proper site and valid title can be obtained.

1871

407. Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---The light-house at this point as commenced May 1, 1871. and will be completed about September 30, 1871.

1872

422. Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---The light-house at this point as commenced May 1, 1871. It was completed the following October, and lighted November 3, 1871.

1874.

458. Yaquina, entrance to Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---Since the establishment of the light upon Cape Foulweather, (Yaquina Head,) Yaquina light is no longer necessary. An examination of this station was made in May last, by the inspector and engineer of the district, and its discontinuance recommended. The light will be extinguished October 1.

1877

---. Yaquina Bay unlighted station, Oregon.---The buildings are not in good condition. An effort was made to sell the station during the year, but the price offered was so small that the property was withdrawn.

1878

---.Yaquina Bay unlighted, sea-coast of Oregon.---The dwelling as in such wretched condition as to be almost uninhabitable. Anticipating the relighting of the station on the completion of the railroad from the Willamette River to Yaquina Bay, and to prevent the building from going to ruin, the roof and the outside sheathing have been renewed and other actually necessary repairs have been made.

1884

---.Yaquina, at entrance to Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---Discontinued. The roof of the dwelling was repaired, but only such work was done as was necessary to preserve the building.

1890

---.Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---Vessels now have occasion to pass in and out of the bay during the night, and lights are needed to prevent accidents. During a part of the year the mail has to be carried before day-light in the morning and after dark at night. The necessities of commerce in this locality are such as to demand the establishment of inexpensive lights at this point. It is estimated that they could be established at a cost of about $300, and it is recommended that an appropriation of that amount be made therefor.

1892 + 1891

---.Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---The following recommendation, made in the Board's last two annual reports, is renewed:

Vessels now have occasion to pass in and out of the bay during night, and lights are needed to prevent accidents. During part of the year the mail has to be carried before daylight in the morning and after dark at night. The necessities of commerce in the locality are such as to demand the establishment of inexpensive lights at this point. It is estimated that they could be established at a cost of about $300, and it is recommended that an appropriation of that amount be made therefor.

1893

---.Yaquina Bay, Oregon.---The following recommendation, made in the Board's last three annual reports, is renewed:

Vessels now have occasion to pass in and out of the bay during night, and lights are needed to prevent accidents. During part of the year the mail has to be carried before daylight in the morning and after dark at night. The necessities of commerce in the locality are such as to demand the establishment of inexpensive lights at this point. It is estimated that they could be established at a cost of about $300, and it is recommended that an appropriation of that amount be made therefor.

lights are needed to prevent accidents. During a part of the year the mail has to be

194 REPORT OF THE LIGHT-HOUSE BOARD. 1894

Thirteenth District.

carried before daylight in the morning and after dark at night. The necessities of commerce in the locality are such as to demand the establishment of inexpensive lights at this point. It is estimated that they could be established at a cost of about $300.

The Board proposes, when funds are available, to establish two inexpensive beacon lights at the mouth of the bay, and to pay therefor from the general appropriation for repairs, etc., of light-houses, which provides for such expenditures.

January 16

Sir:

The following telegram has been this day sent you:

"See your letter to Williamson of April first last. Sixteen cases and sixteen pieces have been received, but there are missing of Cape Foulweather lantern eight lantern posts, sixteen floor lights, sixteen rafters, sixteen tie rods, and "Station ready for lighting. Where are they?"

Col. I. C. Woodruff. Corps of Engineers, U.S.A. L.H. Engineer. New York City.

Very respectfully, George H. Elliot Major of Engineers, U.S.A. Engineer Secretary.