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This column continues to provide excerpts from the “Lighthouse Service Bulletin,” a monthly publication of the Bureau of Lighthouses, U.S. Department of Commerce. The first was issued in January 1912, and it continued throughout the existence of the Bureau. Unedited quotes from Vol. II, No. 7, dated July 1918, follow. The Bulletin had as it object “supplying information that will be immediately useful in maintaining or improving the standards of the Lighthouse Service, and of keeping the personnel advised of the progress of work and matters of general interest in the service and in lighthouse work in general.”
Important Legislation Affecting the United States Lighthouse Service - The general lighthouse act approved June 20, 1918, contains provisions of much importance to the Lighthouse Service, including a retirement system for all of the field force and more equitable compensation for the officers in charge of the lighthouse districts, whose designation is changed to superintendent of lighthouses, and for the light keepers, as well as much needed relief for the latter. The Secretary of Commerce has written the following letter with reference to this lighthouse bill: “Will you express to the officers and employees of the Lighthouse Service my satisfaction at the enactment of the general lighthouse bill, approved by the President June 20, 1918. The retirement and compensation provisions, and other general legislation contained in the bill, render justice to a deserving force and will have a valuable effect on the future of this Service; it is the most important legislation affecting the Lighthouse Service since the act reorganizing it. The fact that Congress in these days of stress took time to consider these matters should be deeply appreciated by all in the Lighthouse Service, and should add to that devotion to duty which has already been so well shown by them.” William C. Redfield, Secretary.
Donation To Red Cross - Henry Rosendale, keeper of Point Hueneme Light Station, Cal., in addition to donating to the Red Cross 46 pounds of Angora goat wool, which was sold for $23, also donated the Angora billy goat, from which the wool was obtained, which was raffled and sold for $25. The goat was to have been resold by the purchaser at a carnival on June 4, and as it will probably be resold on many future occasions, the Red Cross fund will eventually be materially added to. The Lighthouse Service is proud of the patriotism displayed by Mr. Rosendale, and the Secretary of Commerce has commended him for his generous act.
Moving of Cape San Blas Light Station – On June 14, 1918, the work of taking down and removing the tower at Cape San Blas Light Station, Fla., was entirely completed, and the parts of the tower moved to the high ground along-side the wharf or walk leading to the new site.
New Construction - [Only partial listing of sites included]
Galveston Jetty Light Station, Tex.: Station completed, except the installation of fog bell struck by machinery. Requisition for striker made on the general depot. A contract for 1,125 tons of riprap in course of settlement.
Aransas Pass Light Station, Tex.: Contract entered into October 1917 for construction of dwelling, oil house, T wharf, walks, etc., and work is now underway.
Sand Hills Light Station, Mich.: Reservation has been purchased; detail plans have been completed; construction of workmen’s quarters completed; considerable quantity of material has been purchased and delivered; temporary lights have been established; contracts have been placed for steelwork, cast-iron work, stonework, lumber, brick, etc.
Kellett Bluff Light Station, Wash.: Plans and specifications returned to the superintendent approved. Bids were received but were rejected as excessive and station will be established by hired labor.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Aids to Navigation - Preliminary layout approved for lighting the harbor and detailed plans submitted were returned for revision.
Executive Order – On June 14, 1918, the President signed an Executive Order suspending during the present national emergency the provisions of law prohibiting more than eight hours of labor in any one day by persons engaged in the performance of work covered by all existing and future contracts of the Bureau of Lighthouses for the construction, repair, and alteration of vessels, structures, and aids to navigation, and for the obtaining of equipment.
This story appeared in the
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