1871-1900 Yaquina Head Lighthouse Letter books

Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District Portland, Oregon, May 20th, 1874 SIR: By compunctions of the Board dated November 12th and 20th, 1873, the Officers of the 13th District were directed to examine and report as to the expediency of discontinuing the Light House at Yaquina Bay, assigning reasons in full for the conclusion to which they arrive. It is their opinion, which is respectfully submitted, that no necessity exists for continuance of said Light in the present condition of the commerce of the Bay, not even in anticipation of the Bay at the entrance to the Bay will forbid any attempt to cross it at night, and a light would therefore only be nicefs any to indicate that locality so that vessels may retain their position by it until day light appears. This can be more readily effected by the use of the Light at Cape Foulweather, only a few miles

Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District Portland, Oregon, June 10th, 1874 SIR: The following Report of Engineer Operations in the Thirteenth Light House during the month of May, is respectfully submitted for the information of the Board. Yaquina Light Station. By direction of the Board the Officers of this District visited this station in order to examing and report as to the expediency of discontinuing the Light House located there; a special report on the subject dated May 20th, has been submitted. A detailed inspection was made and a description dated May 20th, has been submitted. A detailed inspection was made and a description of Light House Tower, Buildings, and Premises, forwarded to the Board. Cape Foulweather Station. A thorough inspection was made at this Station, and a description of Light House Tower, Builds, and Premises was forwarded to the Board. Columbia River Light Station. The bids for building the Light House at the mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon, were opened in accordance with published advertisements

Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District Portland, Oregon, July 20th, 1874 SIR: The following report of Engineer Operations the 13th Light House District during the month of June, is respectfully submitted for the information of the Board. Cape Gregory Light Station. The Keeper’s dwelling, tower, outbuildings, and fences require whitewashing which will be attended to where funds are on hand. Cape Foulweather. This station is in excellent is condition, with the exception of the Tower and Keeper’s dwelling which need painting; the outbuildings and fences also need whitewashing. Materials for the work required will be sent as soon as this office is placed in suspension of the necessary funds. Yaquina Bay. At this station the Keepers dwelling, outbuildings and fences, require whitewashing; about five hundred feet of fence to enclose the premises should be built. These will be attended to when funds are received. Columbia River Lt Station. Up to July 1st no ????? was received respecting the approval of the Board of the contract made with M Ray

Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District Portland, Oregon, August 5, 1871

Rear Admiral W.B. Shubrick Chairman Light House Board Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I have the honor to submit the following Report of Light House Operations for July, 1871. Work done on new Light House at Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Labor furnished by Mr. Ben Simpson per contract dated June 19, 1871.

Mason's work.

Two coats of plaster completed and one third of last coat finished. Hearths laid.

Carpenter's work.

Picket fence, cellar stairs, sink in kitchen completed. Blinds fitted and hung. Doors and windows cased. Closets, half of work done.

Painting work.

Two coats put on outside. Woodshed, house and picket fence.

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Office of the Light House Engineer Thirteenth District

Portland, Oregon, September 4, 1871

Rear Admiral W.B. Shubrick Chairman Light House Board Washington, D.C.

Sir:

I have the honor to submit the following Report of Light House Operations for August, 1871.

Work done on New Light House at Yaquina Bay, Oregon. Labor furnished by Ben Simpson per contract dated June 19, 1871. Mason's work completed. Carpenter's work completed except work in placing deck plate in tower. Painter's work completed except roof. Laborers work completed except making brick walk and assisting in adjusting lantern, etc.

Work to be done at Yaquina L.H. in September -

If received, the deck plate lantern and lends are to be fitted in place.

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