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

It is ?? suitable building can be ??? $4,500.00.

At New Dungeness Light-Station the dwelling is arranged for one family but as there are two keepers with families employed and a third keeper necessary, there is insufficient accommodation and a new dwelling is urgently needed. Recommendation has been made in last six annual reports that an appropriation be obtained. It is estimated that a suitable dwelling can be constructed for $4,500.00.

At Robinson Point 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 an urgent necessity. Recommendation has been made in last four annual reports that an appropriation be obtained. It is estimated that a suitable building can be constructed for $4,000.00.

I would respectfully request to be informed if these dwellings can be built out of any funds available, especially the one for Yaquina Head. If no funds are available then it is respectfully suggested that special effort be made to obtain these funds during the present session of Congress.

If the Board thought advisable it would seem that a joint resolution could be readily obtained transferring the amount needed for the erection of these dwellings from the balance in the Treasury to the credit of Grays Harbor Light-Station, Wash. This balance as shown by the records of this office is $17,978.81 ($18,704.42) and the amount needed for these dwellings can be easily spared from that appropriation as the station has been practically completed.

Respectfully yours, W. C. Laugfitt??? 164 Captain, Corps of Engineers, U.S.A., Engineer 13th Light-House District.

In June the roof of kitchen at principal keeper’s dwelling and part of roof of 2nd assistant keeper’s dwelling were re-shingled. A new sill was placed under the latter building. About 150 tons of gravel were hauled up from the beach by the tramway and used in repairing roads and filling up holes around the tower where the sand had been blown out.

(4th) The station is in good condition.

No. 599 – Tillamook Rock (3d) In July, the keepers fitted a steam jet in the smoke stack and dampers in the branches of the stack in order to increase the draught of the furnaces; for the same purpose four grate-bars with larger spaces were place in the furnace. In October, some broken places in the galv. Iron

The plastering in the dwelling, the window blinds, and plank walk from dwelling to tower were repaired and some new branch walks were made. Work by hired labor assisted by keepers.

543 – Cape Arago The brush on the land cleared last spring was burned and the clearing away of the logs and residue left was commenced and nearly completed.

544 – Cape Foulweather The iron work for the tramway car and winch were obtained and shipped to the station. The lumber for the tramway was obtained at Yaquina Bay and work commenced. Some minor repairs were made by the keepers to the dwelling occupied by the 2nd assistant keeper.

be hauled up by horses. 546 – Point Adams The work of prevention of sand drift was closed on the 16th. All the sands of the L. H. reservation were operated upon and most of the beach fronting the reservation. Three coils of barbed wire, for fencing out cattle from the reservation were sent to the station; also a grindstone for repairing tools. 565 – River Light, Three-pile beacon The lantern, parts of which were worn out, was replaced be a spare one, and the lantern was repaired at Portland.

564 – Shoalwater Bay The keeper reports that the drifting sand is worse this year, than formerly. The plank road, from barn to light house