1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

United States Senate Chamber, Washington, Feb. 4, 1878 Prof. Joseph Henry, Chairman Lighthouse Board Sir: Herewith enclosed please find a communication from Hon. R.A. Bensell, of Newport, Oregon, calling attention to the Light House Station at Yaquina, Oregon. I thought it proper to communicate this letter to you and ask your attention to the same. Please advise me what

(2 enclosures,) 144

Treasury Department Office of the Secretary,

Washington, D.C., January 7th, 1888

Vice-Admiral H. Rowan, U.S.N. Chairman, Light-House Board.

Sir:

Referring to letter of the Light-House Board of November 30th, 1887, requesting information as to whether the improvements in the harbor of Yaquina, Oregon, have been completed so as to warrant the establishment of a light in that locality, etc. I transmit herewith a letter of the Honorable the Secretary of War, dated the 30th ultisno???, enclosing a copy of a

E 148

War Department Washington City December 30th 1887

Sir:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant inclosing a request from the Light House Board for information reflecting the present condition of the harbor of Yaquina, Oregon, and whether the improvements have been completed warranting the establishment of a light in that locality.

In reply I beg to state that the matter was referred to Captain William Young, Corps of Engineers, the Officer in charge of the improvements at the entrance to Yaquina Bay, and to enclose a copy of his report, dated the 17th instant, from which it appears that the works in the harbor are still in an unfinished condition; that

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.

1873.

to the position of Clerk in your office as Engineer of the 13th Light House District, you will please have delivered to him.

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Nov. 20.

From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major N. Michler. Corps Engineers.

Sir: The Board at its last meeting directed that the District officers report as to the expediency of discontinuing the light at Yaquina, Oregon. Your views concerning the proposition are requested for the information and action of the Board.

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Nov. 20.

From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major N. Michler. Corps Engineers.

Sir: I enclose for your information a copy of a letter from the Honorable the Secretary of War, approving the application of the Board for permission to build a road through Fort Stevens Military reservation to Point Adams, and to state that no action in the premises should be taken until further advice.

Enclosure- see Volume 350, page 100 of Letters Received.

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Nov. 26.

From Engineer Secretary Major G. H. Elliot. To Major N. Michler Corps Engineers.

Sir: Herewith please find extracts from Inspection Reports of Light House Stations in your District. Your attention is called to them, and you are requested to make, without delay, such repairs in each case as may be necessary, and especially