Anacapa

Location:Anacapa Island, Santa Barbara Channel, California

Directions:The station is located on East Anacapa Island, part of the Channel Islands National Park. Tours are available -
Island Packers, operating out of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, is an authorized concessionaire to Anacapa Island and Channel Islands National Park. 

call them at (805) 642-1393. 

Coordinates: 34°00′56″N 119°21′30″W / 34.0156°N 119.3584°W / 34.0156; -119.3584

Year first lit:1912

Active: YES

Deactivated: No

Automated: 1968

Keepers dwelling: 1932 4 x 1 Stories,l Style: SPANISH REVIVAL Materials: WOOD

Other Structures: OIL HOUSE, RADIO BUILDING, TANK HOUSE, 2 STORAGE BUILDINGS, DOCK, CRANE HOUSE, CISTERNFoundation: reinforced Concrete 
Construction:Brick & Concrete

Tower shape: Cylindrical, White and Black Trim

Tower Height:40 ft

Focal plane: 277ft 
Original lens: 3^rd Order Fresnel (1932) On Display in the Visitors center

Range: 

Current lens: DCB-24 (1991), 2 white flashes every 60s, separated by 15 s

Fog Signal: : HORN/ORIG. DIAPHONE a diaphragm-type horn,

Characteristic: one 2 s blst then is silent for 2 s, blsts again for 2 s and then completes the cycle with 14 s of silence during low visibility.

Admiralty number:G3940

ARLHS number: USA-012

USCG number: 6-0185

Owner:  NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Site manager: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WITH U.S. COAST GUARD ACCESS TO OPTIC

Current Use: ACTIVE AID TO NAVIGATION IN NATIONAL PARK
National Register Status: LISTED: ANACAPA LIGHTHOUSE

 

Journal 

6:00 A.m., I awake sore and tired, my lily white skin burnt from the day before. I packed everything in my car making sure nothing is left behind. My stay at motel 6 was Okay, very comfortable. 7:20 a.m., I am on the road to Oxnard to catch my boat; I made my way to harbor Blvd. I arrived with plenty of time to spare, so I had breakfast at the latitude 34 café, it was quaint in a way, nobody on the marina and the sun was shining. I relaxed in the glow of a morning light, feeling this was the life to live. Filled my flask with coffee, made sure I had plenty of water, and of course a few sandwiches and lastly checked my cameras, I was set for the journey. I waited for the island packers’ office to open.

The trip to island was fun, It was approximately an hour each way, waters calm and the skies where a deep blue go to see some blue whales in the distance, dolphins came close to the boat, and a few pelicans. We came close to an oil rig between the mainland and the islands. As we came closer to Anacapa, the views where amazing, the lighthouse was perched atop a cliff looking proudly out to sea. The boat, Vanguard pulled into the Island Harbor and we disembarked. It was a steep climb up the stairs, 154 steps to the top of the Island. I slowly plodded my way up, not too anxious to be the first to be at the top. And then hike a few miles to the visitors’ center.

We camped out at the visitor’s center and had some refreshments. We now had 2-3 hrs to tour the Island or do our own thing. I noticed the ice plant covered a lot of the island, this was also at other lighthouses, Piedras Blancas had done a great Job at removing it, and so did San Luis Obispo. It's from South Africa, and was introduced to control land erosion. The Ice Plant overran light stations grounds so much that the NPS and LH Volunteer groups enlisted the services of high school students to hand pluck them.

 Our docent was quite vocal as she bellowed out her instructions. She gave some safety tips, one being not pick up things and bring them back to the mainland, as they could carry the Hantavirus. Our group was a motley one varying in all ages, genders and nationalities and personal fitness. It was amazing to see so many sea gulls; it was breeding season for the Western Gulls, it reminded me of the Alfred Hitchcock Movie “Bird”, this place is a sanctuary for the winged beasts. I called them beasts as I had to hit the dirt several times as they flew so close. The docent had given us some advice “The gulls can get agitated and often will  swoop down like a kamikaze plane on people, to protect oneself, hold up a closed fist for the gulls to hit, and not your head!”.

Our docent led us on a hike around the Island, we headed west, she stopped every so often to explain the habitat and give us a little folklore about the Chumash Indians and their gods. As we trekked to the remote regions of the Islands, the Vistas became more and more breathtaking. We eventually came to Inspiration Point. The view was from high cliffs that opened out to the strait that separated East Anacapa from Middle Anacapa, East Anacapa is a sanctuary for Pelicans. Our weather was great and so was the clarity of our views, we could easily see the other Islands from our vantage point.

I made my way to the base of the lighthouse, surrounded on all sides by gulls, walking the marked trails; I was always within a few feet gulls sitting on their eggs. They won't attack if you stay on the trail, but they complain incessantly with loud squawking racket that's difficult to illustrate.

 It felt so eerily uncomfortable. Hard to put into words, but deep inside us we have an innate fear of the unfamiliar and when you find yourself surround by thousands of birds and no one else in sight those fears can rise suddenly. At the base of the lighthouse, there is a caution sign preventing you from getting closer, unless I could get inside there was no purpose in disobeying the sign. I had my pictures so I headed back to the visitors center. There I was able to photograph the Fresnel lens.

I learnt that the Island is powered primarily with solar powered panels and backed up with a diesel engine. Water is pumped from the base of the island to a storage tower that looks like a church. The building was made to look like a church to stop people from taking potshots at the water storage tower. The park rangers brought their drinking water unto the island when they are doing their tour of duty, 8 days on, and 8 days off. I am sure the constant sound of the horn and the birds is enough to drive anyone crazy; every 12 seconds the foghorn blares out its signal for 2 seconds, the sound goes on for 24hrs a day. Gladly while I was on the Island the foghorn was silent.

Finally we came to the end of the day, back to the boat for the return trip. One final look at the Island as set out on our departing journey. We made a quick stop in a cove to look at some sea lions, I was tired, I used my point & shoot for my last shots, I was too lazy to retrieve my dslr’s; my mind was already prepared for the long journey home. The remainder of the boat journey was uneventful, until we arrived near the harbor; a fishing boat arrived alongside us with a shark on the rear of the boat, they had just caught. Now that was a climatic finish to a great day.

History 

1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovered the Channel Islands, Anacapa being one the group.  The Anacapa ("Mirage Island") islands, a chain of 3 islets extending four and a half miles from east to west, 12 miles off the California coast and in the Santa Barbara Channel, coupled by reefs that appear at low tide. The islands are named East, Middle and West Islands. West Island, the largest island of this group, is 2 miles long (3km) by 6/10ths of a mile wide, and its highest point is 930 feet (280 m). The length of the Middle Island is 1 & 1/2 miles; its breath is 1/4 of a mile with its highest point being 325 feet (99 m). The length of East Island is 1 mile (1.6 km); its breath is 1/4 of a mile with its highest point being 250 feet (76 m). At the east end of East Island is a 40 foot-high natural bridge, called Arch Rock, Arch Rock is a trademark for Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. The perimeter of the island is made of steep sea cliffs. Concealed in the cliffs are lava tubes and air pockets, signifying the origin of the islands being volcanic. Most of the features are sea caves and attention-grabbing points of discovery for kayakers.

1769, Spanish explorer Gaspar De Portola names the islands "Las Mesitas" meaning Little Tables.

1793 Captain George Vancouver renamed the islands Anacapa, derived from the Chumash Indian word, "Eneeapha".

1853 December 2 At 11 p.m. , the side-wheel steamer Winfield Scott, on the way from San Francisco to Panama, beached on Middle Anacapa Island in soup thick fog. Abruptly waking its passengers, many en route from the California gold fields, they scrambled to save both themselves and their gold, amazingly, no lives were lost. The passengers made it safely to shore in lifeboats. Following the wreck it was “every one was for himself, with no thought of anything but saving his life and his (gold) dust.” The passengers were stranded and rescued after several weeks. The Winfield Scott was a total loss; today its remains lie sunken just north of the island.

1854, the scandal of the grounding provoked President Franklin Pierce to issue an executive order reserving Anacapa for lighthouse purposes. The U.S. Coast guard Survey recognized the need for a light at Anacapa Island, but believed that it was impractical to build a lighthouse on the rugged volcanic rock. The report said “it is inconceivable for a lighthouse to be constructed on this mass of volcanic rock - perpendicular on every face, with an ascent inaccessible by any natural means." James Whistler, who later became famous for his painting of his mother, was part of the survey team and produced an etching showing the profile of the eastern extremity of Anacapa Island.

1854 September 11, Executive order reserved 700 acres for government purposes.

1868, The Lighthouse Board requested funds for a lighthouse on Anacapa island.

1874, a lighthouse was eventually built, at Point Hueneme instead of Anacapa Island. Point Hueneme was the nearest point on the mainland to Anacapa Island.

1909, Lighthouse board report “Anacapa island is one of the most difficult points on the Southern California coast to pass in foggy or otherwise thick weather and is regarded as the most important point for a light station on any of the Channel Islands It is estimated that a light and fog signal station can be established here for $100,000, and the Board recommends that an appropriation of that amount be made therefore.”

 

1910, bureau of Lighthouse takes over from the Lighthouse board

1911 The increase of shipping traffic, increased ships lost near Anacapa, this put pressure on the lighthouse board to place a light on Anacapa Island. Congress was unwilling to fund $100,000; The Lighthouse Board estimated cost for the light station, so in its place they erected a 50 foot skeletal tower housing an unattended acetylene lens lantern, the light display a lashing white light every 15 seconds, its focal plane was 185 ft above sea level, the light required service 2 times a year.  In addition a whistling buoy was anchored 5/8ths of a mile off the east end of the Anacapa Island.  This setup served as a guiding beacon for sailing vessels until 1932. 

1921 February 28, This solution proved insufficient, the steamer Liebre ran aground directly below the acetylene light and had damages totaling $40,000. The whistling buoy had capsized and was not operational; it was suspected that the disaster occurred on a foggy night. It was estimated 90% of ships trading on the Pacific Coast moved inside the Santa Barbara Channel Islands, the American Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots petitioned for a fog signal station on Anacapa Island. Anacapa would be the last major light station built on the west coast, and funds were finally allocated.

1928, bureau of Lighthouses allocated funds for a fog signal and radio beacon on Anacapa,est cost for light station $186,000

1929 Construction of a lighthouse began on East Anacapa. However, Roth construction company first awarded the contract to construct the light proved incapable of doing the job

.

1930 A new contract was awarded, and work began anew, starting in the spring. First a landing dock, 2 gasoline powered hoisting cranes - one 55 feet above sea level, the other at the top of the cliff, and roads were constructed and then work began on the light station buildings. The cranes served to transport supplies to the island. Materials were shuttled from the ship to the landing dock and from the landing dock to the top of the cliff. At the eastern end of the Island, near the highest point,248 ft above sea level, a 39 (12 m) foot

cylindrical tower housed a 3^rd order Fresnel lens, manufactured in England by Chance Brothers, and a fog signal building was built. The keepers’ quarters were 4 large Spanish-style, white stucco houses with red tile roofs. A large cement catchment basin fed rainwater into 2 x 50,000-gallons, redwood water storage tanks situated on the hill behind the keepers’ quarters. Regrettably the annual rainfall of 8 inches was common for this dry environment and provided about 30,000 gallons of water, the tender that called to the cove had to provide the remaining water, and this had to be pumped to the tanks. A building called the “church,” had to provide protection for the tanks. The water tanks, often where the targets of boaters and their rifles. Fuel was stored in 3 x 2000 gallon tanks

1932 March 25, Keeper Frederick Cobb lit the lamp, the light from Anacapa beamed out on the Pacific Coast. The light from the tower’s Fresnel lens, equipped with 3 flash panels had characteristic, a 1/10th  second of white light, 11.9 seconds of darkness, A 1/10th  second of white light, 11.9 seconds of darkness, 1/10^th  second of  white light, 35. 9 seconds of darkness. The foghorn, a two tone diaphragm-type horn, groans one 3 second blast every 27 seconds. Electronic equipment sends out a continual radio beacon signal with a range of 12 miles (19 km). 

1933 The stations fog signal - had a characteristic like nearby Point Hueneme. The SS Lightburne mistook the Point Hueneme signal for Anacapa Island - providentially the fog lifted just in time for the ship to steer clear of disaster. Point Huenene, the fog signal characteristic was altered.

Anacapa’s radiant light beacon, 1.1 million candlepower, bellowing foghorn and beeping radio signal have guided ships safely through the coastal channel since 1932

1934, Life on the high cliff proved to be hazardous. The assistant keeper Rex Coursey's wife was badly injured in a fall. The station radioed for help, and the battleship USS California responded. A boat from the battleship took the woman to shore, where she was treated and recovered. . A keeper lost his life falling from one of the station's platforms. Arriving on the island was no easy chore - a small boat was hoisted by crane up to the lower platform and placed in a cradle. One keeper and his wife had their boat stuck dangling in the air as the derrick broke down in mid operation,

1938, Channel Islands where declared to be a National Monument by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

1942, The lighthouse extinguished and the navy took control of the coast guard 
 

1950's Light-keeper James W.Baker recalled that there were many rats on Anacapa Island, they had come from a wrecked Spanish Galleon  in the 1700's "We had rat alerts, similar to general quarters, where we found long tailed critters in the residences. They where large and display a nasty temper when cornered". The rats were well fed from the sea gull eggs and found shelter in the in the dwellings when the lighthouse was constructed in 1912. baker recalled a night owl screeching and when he went to investigate he saw the owl flying away with a rat clasped in its claws. The rats terrified the residents of the Island.

1951, TV had come to the Island

1956 March, the residents on the Island where 3 couples and 5 bachelors, each of the couples had their own residences and the 5 bachelors shared a 4^th house. The wife of Larry Boylan, Officer in Charge, Lois, stated life on the island wasn't as lonesome as people thought. Women "would gab over the phone just like the girls on the mainland" although their quarters where in close proximity to each other, women could lean out their windows and talk back and forth. Living in seclusion appeared to have a health advantage, Boylans 2 children where never sick since they moved to the island.

1961, The replaced the fog signal with an electrical appliance

1962, an aerobeacon has replaced the Fresnel lens A plan was proposed to convert Anacapa Island Station to unattended operation and remove the Coast Guard's personnel. The reason for the change was the weekly test firing of missiles from Point Mugu; it was mandatory for the island residents to stay several hours in a shelter during tests.

1967 May, The Coast Guard razed 3 of the 4 houses. 

1968, the remaining house along with several other buildings were slated for demolition in the fall, September 24, Donald M. Robinson Superintendent of the Channel Islands National Monument placed a phone call to the Coast Guard. Robinson informed the Coast Guard that the National Park Service was interested in placing persons on the island and would like to keep the remaining facilities.

1968 December, The light station was automated.

1970 , the Coast Guard signed A joint agreement with the National Park Service, the Coast Guard would maintain  the light and fog signal, the park service would take care of all other structures.

1980, Congress designated 5 of the 8 Channel Islands, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands, and 50,500 hectares (125,000 acres) (510 km²) of submerged lands as Channel Islands National Park. Known today as the "Northern Galapagos Islands", contains a large variety of Mother Nature's multihued and fascinating plant life and creatures, over 250 species of plants and seabirds, the largest Brown Pelican rookery in the USA. 7 other species of marine birds nest here, including the Western Gull, as well as 22 species of land birds. 90 per cent of the Western Gulls in Southern California were born on Anacapa. This isle is a migration ground for many other birds. Harbor seals and sea lions breed on its rocky beaches

 The lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.

1989, the 3rd-order Fresnel lens, was removed from the tower in and placed on display in the Anacapa Island Visitor Center, formerly the station's service building.  A solar powered acrlic lens.

2001 Visitors to Anacapa Island today can see the lighthouse, fog signal building, one of the original keeper's dwellings, the water storage building, the powerhouse, and James W. Baker served on Anacapa Island for almost a year and a half starting in February of 1956. After an absence of more than forty years, he returned to the island with his wife in 2001 to view the old station. Baker's admiration and affection for the Fresnel lens used in the Anacapa Lighthouse are evidenced in the following lines he composed after his visit. "The multifaceted crystal lenses, bound in polished brass, are still among man’s most beautiful creations. A static display of a lighthouse lens in a museum, however, is similar to viewing an animal in a zoo. Once removed from its natural habitat it’s never quite the same. I get chills remembering foggy nights when the sweep of the powerful light flashed through the mist, illuminating a small part of the sky."

References

• Umbrella Guide to California Lighthouses, Nelson
• California Lighthouse Life in the 1920s and 1930s, Wheeler
• California Light Stations and Other Aids to Navigation c.1950, Mattson and Thowy, California Lighthouses, Roberts and Jones
• Keeper's Log, Summer 2002,
• Lighthouse Digest August 2005
• Channel Islands, Charles Hillinger, 1998.

Links
 Anacapa  Lighthouse, Lighthouse, lighthouse pictures, Anacapa Island, Anacapa, California, photographs, Journal, history, LighthousesOfCalifornia, Sean O’Cairde

Content is copyright by Ocairdestudio 2011

Point Hueneme Lighthouse

Location: Point Hueneme Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the southeast entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel, in Ventura County, California

Directions: Highway 1 to Port Hueneme Road. West on Port Hueneme Road. Left from Port Hueneme Road to Ventura Road. The beach is at the end of the road. You can walk to the lighthouse via the Lighthouse Promenade for 1/2 mile. The promenade runs parallel to the port fence.

The lighthouse is open from 10AM to 3PM every third Saturday of the month

Coordinates 34°08′42″N 119°12′35″W / 34.145°N 119.2098°W / 34.145; -119.2098

Active: Yes

Deactivated:

Automated:1972

Year first constructed: 1874, 1941

Year first lit: 1874,1941
Keepers Dwelling:  Original was similar in style to Point Fermin, Swiss Elizabethan Style or Swiss Carpenter Gothic or Victorian stick, 2 stories in height, with 10 rooms that included gabled roofs, horizontal siding, decorative cross beams and hand carved porch railings, was painted white, with a red roof, while the tower rose from the front 50 feet.

Construction:Original Wood frame oak, new  Concrete

Tower shape:Original Square cylindrical, new  Square on fog signal building

Markings / pattern: white art moderne

Height: 48 ft. (15 m)
Focal plane: 52 ft (16 m);

Original lens: 4^th order Fresnel lens

Current lens: 4^th order Fresnel lens
Range: 20 nm
Fog Horn:ORIG. SINGLE DIAPHONE
Fog Horn Characteristic: orig 1 blast every 41s (4s bl). New 1 blast ev 30s (3s bl) can be activated by VHF-FM ch 16

Characteristic: flashing white

Admiralty number:  G3926

ARLHS number: USA-693

USCG number: 6-0190

Owned by: United States Coast Guard

Journal

It was midweek, and I was in the process of preparing myself for the trip southward. Point Hueneme on Saturday and Anacapa Island on Sunday; my wife jean had my bag packed and I booked a room  at motel 6 in Oxnard for the weekend. I had set my mind to finish work early on Friday, around 4 – 4:30 pm, fill my SUV with gas and pack something to eat while driving. I hoped to reach my destination around 10 – 10:30pm. I prepared my camera bag with an array of lens with, from wide angle to telephoto. It’s was with anticipation of excitement that I looked forward to this trip, the precarious nature of  the weather, I had to prepare as if I was in the winter season. 

Finally,Friday came, my bags were packed and I was ready to go, slowly the day dragged on. To my chagrin, I may be stuck in one of the largest backups in California History. Highway 405 was shutdown that night at 10:00 pm, roughly around the time I was to hit LA. I set out from Livermore and headed south on highway 5, no real problems until I got to Bakerville, all along the freeway, detour signs were posted to take Jct 45. Finally I arrived at Jct 45, and take the detour, not paying full attention I followed the main traffic, this was a fatal mistake, it led me to 101, a 100 miles detour out of my way, I came in to Los Angelos by way of Santa Barbara. 

When I arrived at highway 405, it was like a ghost highway, no traffic on one of the busiest highways in the world. I exited for Oxnard and encountered more confusion with my GPS; it led me around in circles; eventually I arrived at the motel. Pleasantly I was surprised at the quality of this motel. Usually motel 6 is the bottom of the barrel; here I had a drive in to my room in a secluded spot.  The area was quiet and the room very comfortable. I made myself at home, had a glass of wine and retired for the night.

Saturday morning, I made my way to Point Hueneme after a few detours from the route and and a visit to some of the beaches, I arrived at my destination. The parking area was next to the beach, which was filled with families and surfers. The weather was warm, the sky a deep blue, with a burning yellow orb planted at high noon, scorching my Irish Lilly white skin. Parking had to paid for, I made my way to the pay machine and was about to put my dollars in when a young man offered me his parking ticket, it was good for the day. No matter where you go there is always a good samaritan. I strolled from the parking lot to the lighthouse along a well paved promenade. Fenced on side with high wired mesh fences with security cameras, dogs and foreboding signs saying “keep out, government property” and on the other side people scattered on clean, soft white sandy beach, with picnic stations protected from the wind ,the emerald sea beat against the rocks with hang gliders floating in air. It was two worlds juxtaposed with each other, carefree, laid back , picturesque fishing pier, kites flying, with miltary, rigidness and fear of entry.

I arrived at the lighthouse to see it was behind a fence, I was glad to see it was open to the public. Its style was much different to other lighthouses I had seen in the past. It definitely had a modern feel to it, almost betraying the past. I made my way into the lighthouse and was greeted by 2 coast guards, I believe husband and wife, and I understand they have a senior coast guard family member at Point Vicente, a father in-law, a family of coast guards. I had a very interesting conversation with the daughter in-law Rose Castro-Bran who allowed me to take a picture of an old postcard of Point Hueneme. She is the author of several books one being “Lighthouses of the Ventura Coast” & "The Adventures of Port Herman Lighthouse." Read more: - vcstar.com

I was struck by the oddity of the stairs. Not the usual spiral, but a bright red parallel lines angled ever upwards. I climbed to the tower, and had a great view of the harbor, The clockwork and its mechanism where functioning, hard to believe they were from the era of 1899. Things were made to last. 

After my visit and tour of the lighthouse and on my return to the parking lot, I met up with a group of Pentecostals. They are on a mission to pray for the revival of the State at all the lighthouses, certainly a challenge. I have been to most of the sites with only one or two to go and I know from 1^st hand experience the remoteness of some of these lighthouses. I parked my camera equipment and returned to the lighthouse to listen to these people. They had a worship service, testimonies, and prophecies in a public forum. Some of them prayed in tongues, overall it was positive outpouring and concern for their community. This is why I love America, it has room for everyone, and for the freedom to express your faith without repression.Sunburned, I headed back to my hotel. First I stopped by a outdoor food cantina on Surfside Dr and had some fish and chips with a ice cold beer. I was dog tired and looking forward to my trip on Sunday to Anacapa Island. The area here is quite beautiful and the people are laid back and cordial. It was a good day.

History

1868.Thomas Bard had a learned that a of a natural submarine valley, a 1000 ft deep ran to 300ft off Hueneme. (pronounced "Wy-Nee-Mee") is derived from a Chumash Indian word meaning "half-way" or "resting place." is approximately fifty miles north of Los Angeles, . It is believed that the Chumash stopped at Point Hueneme as they transited between today's Point Mugu and the mouth of the Santa Clara River. 

1872, to utilize this canyon Bard had a 1500-foot wharf built at Point Hueneme so goods could be lightered from the coast to ships anchored offshore.

1873 March 3, A sum of $22,000 was allocated by Congress on  for a lighthouse to mark the City of Port Hueneme to guide shipping through the Santa Barbara Channel which runs between the California coast and the Channel Islands

1874 April 25, the firm of Salisbury and Co. was contracted to build the Point Hueneme Lighthouse. The lighthouse consisted of a two-story residence, with a square tower extending an extra story above the buildings inclined roof. The residence consisted of ten rooms with four fireplaces. The style was with a Swiss and Elizabethan influence. The first floor was taken by the head keeper and his family, while the second floor was occupied by the assistant keeper and his family. This building was like structure to Point Fermin which was lit at the same time.

1874 November 9,The first entry in the station’s log book reads “I, Samuel Ensign, having been promoted from 1st Assistant Keeper at the light at Pigeon Point, San Mateo County, California, and appointed principal keeper of this station have this day taken charge of Point Hueneme Light Station.”

1874 December 15, Assistant keeper, Mr. Giles and family, arrives from San Francisco aboard the steamer Constantine. With the help of a lampist, the keepers prepared the lighthouse for its inaugural lighting. The Lamp is lit. for the next 14 yrs. a steady white light shone from the tower.

1875 February 11, Keeper Ensign made a subsequent entry in station’s log book reads: “Entered the watch room at 6 a.m. to relieve Mr. Giles who had to go today as witness in a criminal case to San Buenaventura. Found Mr. Giles asleep in watch room and light unattended. Light very low.”

1875 August, Giles receives the position of head keeper at Pigeon Point On another day, He was hampered by another report by Ensign again discovering Giles asleep in the watch room,

1878 August, Ensign is fired from the service for “physical incapacity to discharge the duties of Station Keeper.”

1882 Point Hueneme made a request for a fog signal. A Report of the Lighthouse Board to Congress noted, in regards to Point Hueneme, “It is important that a steam fog signal should be established here. The numerous passenger and other steamers, in going up and down the coast, pass inside Anacapa Island, and very near the coast, which here makes a considerable elbow. The land at this point is quite low, and is so for ten miles inland, so that it is difficult to see if there is any fog.” Congress approved $7,000 for the fog signal.

1889, the signature of the light is changed, it becomes a fixed red.

1892 April 15th , the light is changed to occulting white. The apparatus was a new type devised by Maj D Heap

1899, the tower received a new revolving fourth-order Fresnel lens, which produced a flashing white characteristic. The Fresnel lens was manufactured in France by Barbier & Bernard in 1897 was relocated to the new building in 1941 and is currently in operation.

1922, two giant Sunkist lemon-packing plants were built, Ventura County had steadily increased its agricultural output since the early 1900s.

1925, Building gets electricity

1927, Walter White served at Point Hueneme until 1948. He witnessed many changes at the site.

1934, Electric motor installed on the light

1938 May 5th, it took 15 mins to fully subscribe Bonds for the amount of $1,750,000 to fund the project a deep-sea commercial port.

1939 The U.S. Lighthouse Service merged with the U. S. Coast Guard. The USLHS had constructed and maintained all federal aids to navigation.

1939 January 24, Standard Dredging Company commences work on the harbor. Richard Bard, son of a U.S. Senator, who would become known as the ‘Father of Port Hueneme’, had led an endeavor to get a deep-sea commercial port to Point Hueneme in an effort to expand the market for the county’s goods was honored with turning the first shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremonies which weren't held until February 4th.

1940, the Port of Hueneme was completed. As the entrance to the harbor would be dangerously close to the Point Hueneme Lighthouse the creation of the channel entrance to the harbor required that the lighthouse building to be moved. It was decided to build a new fog signal/lighthouse on the east side of the harbor’s entrance, which the lighthouse building is standing today. It’s style Art Modern. The lantern, lens, and clockworks mechanism were housed in a temporary tower while the new lighthouse was being built.

1940 February 15^th and 18^th, the old lighthouse is barged from the west side of the harbor’s entrance to the east bank, the move attracted local attention.

1940 July 4, Work on Port Hueneme is complete; it is the only deep water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

1940 July 6^th & 7^th, a two-day dedication was held over the weekend.

1941 The light first lit. Keeper White oversaw the replacement of the original lighthouse with The new lighthouse, now interchangeably called the Point Hueneme or Port Hueneme Lighthouse, consists of a 48-foot-tall, square, concrete tower rising from a one story, buff-colored Art Deco style tower on a fog-signal building. The Keepers & families did not reside in this structure. Cottages were built close to the lighthouse. The station was automated.

1942, the US Navy purchased Hueneme Harbor and established the US Construction Battalion Center - "Home of the Seebees." Navy takes control of the port. During WWII more dry cargo would move through the port than any other port in the U.S. After the War the port was returned to civilian operations. The old Lighthouse was purchased for use as a Yacht Club, but razed because of neglect.

1996 On December 7^th, the port led the nation in citrus exports, large cargo ships can be seen off-loading a constant stream of overseas automobiles.

2008 March, the City of Port Hueneme and Oxnard Harbor District dedicated a new "Lighthouse Promenade", beginning at the Hueneme Sunset Beach alongside the perimeter fence of the port to the lighthouse. The 1/2 mile stroll is on a flat, even surface and allows visitors a leisurely stroll along the beach.

In recent years, the Coast Guard has refurbished the building, and there are plans to make the site part of an Aquaculture center, complete with interpretive facility and Coast Guard maritime museum. A public access path along the shore to the light already exists and is being further developed.

References

1. "Point Hueneme Lighthouse," Thomas M. Ward, The Keeper's Log, Fall 1992.
2. "Stormy Harbors, A Retrospect of Ventura County's Three Harbors and Their Problems Over the Years," Dave Crowell, Reporter, August 1998.
3. Umbrella Guide to California Lighthousees, Sharlene and Ted Nelson, 1993

Links

Point Hueneme Lighthouse

Wikipedia Point Hueneme
Histororic Lighthouse Information

Inventory of historic lights
Content is copyright by Ocairdestudio 2011

San Luis Obispo LightStation

Location: located on California's central coast, just South of Cambria. On Point San Luis, west side of the San Luis Obispo Bay, near Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo Bay, California

Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers.

P.O. Box 13556,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (805) 541-TREK

.

San Luis Obispo also known as Port Harford Light

Directions: From San Luis Obispo, travel south on Highway 101 and exit at Avila Beach. Follow the road all the ways to Port San Luis, Park in the Port San Luis Harbor District; the lighthouse is on the grounds of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. Free guided hikes of the Pecho Coast Trail visit the lighthouse, Call (805) 541-TREK for a current schedule. A Tram goes to the lighthouse every 1^st & 3^rd Saturday of the Month cost $20 per person Call Keepers at 805-540-5771 .For current information on access, visit their website

Coordinates: 35°09′36″N 120°45′36″W / 35.1601°N 120.76°W / 35.1601; -120.76

Year first lit: 1890

Year constructed: 1890

Active: no

Automated: 1974

Deactivated: 1975

Foundation: Masonry

Construction: Wood Frame, Victorian style dwelling.

Tower shape: Octagonal lantern on square tower

Markings/Pattern: white

Tower Height: 40 ft

Original lens: 4th order Fresnel lens (removed), it’s now restored to the grounds

Current lens: modern beacon

Focal plane: 116 ft

Fog Signal: pair of 10-inch steam whistle

Characteristic: Flashing white, 20 s (3s flash)

Admiralty number:

ARLHS number: USA-720

USCG number: 6-0225

Owner: The point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers

Site manager:

Journal

It was after work on Friday; I set out on my journey towards the south of this State. I made my way to Safeway supermarket, to fill my SUV with gas and pick a few food items for my journey. I already had my camera equipment packed earlier in the morning as I got ready for work. Mentally I was ready for the long boring drive down 101, this trip I expected to be an uneventful journey, no beautiful coastlines to keep me distracted as I drove the long roads. I had my iPod with its 18,000 songs to occupy my head and keep me entertained.
 I arrived in San Luis Obispo; it was dark, around 10: pm, and I was lucky to find accommodation at Motel 8 in Pismo beach. The school Cal Poly was celebrating their commencement week, every hotel and motel was booked out. 3 star hotels where looking for exorbitant prices. Avila lighthouse hotel wanted over $400 for the night and no in room extras for that price. Honestly you would not think that the country was in a state of economic depression here.

The next quirk was when I tried to check in to the motel, the motel had a problem approving my credit cards, not just one but 3 cards where declined. I called Jean, my wife, and she contacted the bank, the bank said it was the motels server, and it was not making contact with the banks server, so much for technology. Luckily I had the cash in my wallet to pay for the room. The sleep was not that comfortable, I could hear kids skateboarding and dogs barking. I also had a sick stomach, a reaction to stress. You get what you pay for
I rose around 7:30am showered packed my gear and headed for Avila beach. Parked in the harbor port and made my way to meet the hiking group at the fisherman’s memorial. I had apprehensions about this trek, lately my breathing was bit labored and due to knee problems no exercising for several months, and I did not think that my legs would hold up for a 3.5 mile trek to the lighthouse and 3.5 miles back, a total 0f 7 miles roundtrip. The terrain was challenging as the elevation rose several hundred ft. We set off with a group of 20; the first leg was a trail that lead up to a tar macadam road, I basically ploughed my way up a steep incline though bramble and dry brush to the road that continued rise for about a ½ mile. Panting, panting, gasping for air, I was glad that I had my knee brace on; but I was going on and my mind was made up not to quit, the weather was cool for this part of the trek. I also made sure that I was carrying a water bottle.  My lens was a 24-105mm with a 5D Camera. So I was not overly laden.

We made a single line, following the lead of the docent along the trail. Avoiding poison ivy and ticks, as the brush rubbed against my white ivory skin. At this early stage I could already sense the tightening of my air pipe and shortness of breath take effect. But I was not deterred, last week I made the climb up 311 steps from Point Reyes lighthouse, I was determined to do this trek. We reached the road and the docent gave us the chance to change our minds and return to our vehicles. He said the trek was going to get much tougher. The group decided that we where moving on, so we trekked on a more even terrain to greater heights. Spectacular views of San Luis Obispo Bay where incredible from our lofty perches. But I was struggling with my legs and my breathing to fully appreciate my view; at a later stage I was able to appreciate the view from the comfort of a cable car.

Periodically we stopped on the trail as the docent fed us the history of the area; he would show us pictures of times gone by and from our high perch, he would point to areas below and give a brief history. This gave me a chance to catch my breath, a drink of water and take a few pictures. From this height the scenery was awesome, I was glad I continued. Finally we came to a point where we started to descend into a more treacherous and uneven terrain. We had to worry more about losing our footing and staying on the trail, the pathway had become a gravel path. As I looked for things of nature, flowers, birds, insect that would make this trek more interesting; I also became very aware of the height I was at and my footing, outside of the views there was not much of anything. Most of the trail was filled with dry brush and most of the interesting plants were few and far apart.

Onward I trekked, steeling my mind against the pains and aches of my body. Uphill and downhill, glad of the moments of respite the docent would give us as he took the opportunity to whip out his folder with more pictures of yesterday. I reckoned I was the oldest of the group, and I was holding my own at this point. Finally I could sense that we where coming to close to the end of the trek. We had reached a point on the peninsula where we would have to move back inland. And there was the clue a small wharf at the base of the hill and a road. I could see Kayakers in the small harbor, poles that carried electricity; I could also hear the bark of seals. And we where making our way downhill. Amongst the trees I could make out the lantern tower. We had arrived at my destination. This was another notch on my belt. This lighthouse was to be on my roughest trek yet.

The site was not as impressive as others, the beautiful coast seem to take away from the remoteness of the light station.  I was busy taking my pictures as I moved closer and closer. I immediately noticed the buildings that where added by the coast guard. The picket fences did not appear as original as the earlier fences I had seen. As I came close to where the lighthouse was located, I was greatly disappointed. It was covered in scaffolding. The lighthouse, was been renovated for the 120^th anniversary, on June 26^th. I toured on the inside and took my pictures. The Fresnel lens was on display, it was 4^th order, but the bull lens where taped over with a blue tape. It was not functional; again I was limited what I could shoot. My return trip was more rewarding for photography.

I was impressed at the restoration work on this lighthouse. The artifacts that where on display came from the mid 1800’s, The intricate work on the lace curtains reflects the handiwork of the lighthouse keepers wives, the furniture restored in the various rooms, and the work gave you the sense of visualizing people living in this place. The care that was being taken in restoring the old floors, woodwork and fire place tiling could be seen.
I made my way around the site and snapped a few more pictures. I had taken a number of pictures on the inside, I decided in spite of the scaffolding I would take some exterior pictures. Already my mind was preparing for the return journey. Not something I was relishing, already the temperatures had risen. Slowly I made my way back to rejoin the group and we started our home bound journey. Getting on the trail was probably the hardest.
I braced my mind for the return journey; it was to be harder than the trek in. The uphill climbs were the toughest part, my legs and breathing both labored with intense pain. At least the docents where patient with me and waited as I slowly made my way, I have to find a way to get myself back into shape. Finally I arrived back at our starting point. Made my way to the Port, Sat back had a cappuccino and recuperated from my trek. Got out my netbook and checked on the US game.

Met a few people, the owner of the Café who took pride in that he was not politically correct and that this was a hobby for him, a dad and son who wondered about the US Game. I sat with my cappuccino and under my straw hat contemplated my trek and how many more lighthouses to go. Wondered what way to bring the blog up to date without regurgitating some of the same old stuff. It’s about lighthouses or is it. Sometimes I confuse myself, as so many things happen on these trips. Meeting people, Sea mammals, plants, mountains, then of course there is the lighthouse itself, the history, location and buildings. I could focus on any one of these as the theme and build its story, or I could continue to be random and let my mind take you on its perceived journey.

I spent the rest of the afternoon, in Avila, had lunch and a few beers. Took a stroll along the peer; looking at the yachts in the scenic bay, and observed the seals playing alongside the boats. In all it was a very relaxing day, the yellow orb hung in the clear blue skies as children ran up and down the sidewalk of the pier, it was a lazy Saturday afternoon. This was the essence of relaxation; I could live in a place like this. Time to terminate this trip and head north, I will certainly be back and more than likely spend the entire weekend here.

A year later I am back, My brother Eddie is with me. This time I am taking the tram and sitting back in the lap of luxury. We are on the new Tram Lucy 2, and its so easy as it makes its way around the twists and turns of mountainous narrow road. I just relaxed and took in the views of the Bay, it was so beautiful, I would definitely recommend this to any tourist. The trip did not take that long, but it did give the docent’s ample time to tell their story. We arrived and I could already appreciate their hard work of restoration, gone where the scaffolding and builders materials.  It was now my time relaxed and under physical strain to finish my story in Pictures, you will only see a handful, and they will be the ones that catch my eye, hope you will enjoy.

History

1542: The Portuguese explorer Juan Cabrillo sailed into the San Luis Bay, he named the bay Todos Santos (All Saints Bay)

1864: David Mallagh an Irish Sea captain bought the 1^st pier in the San Luis Bay. The pier shot out from Cave Landing (today's Pirate's Cove).He owned and operated the stage and freight lines that ran from the town of Avila to San Luis Obispo.

1867 President Andrew Johnson issued an executive order directing the Department of the Interior “to take the necessary steps to cause the reservation for Light House purposes of an area of land at Point San Luis”.

1868:  Under the shelter of Point San Luis, on the southwestern shore of San Luis Bay, John Harford completed a 540-foot-long pier; it’s called the peoples wharf

1876 The Pier is extended to 1500 feet. A 30-inch narrow gauge railroad ran along the wharf and eventually tied the harbor, to San Luis Obispo and other Central Coast communities. Port Harford became a vital link for transporting both passengers and commerce to and from the area.
1877: Congressman Romualdo Pacheco, 1^st Hispanic Gov of Ca, introduced a bill in the House of Representatives for the building of a lighthouse at Port Harford.

1884: Smith house is built to house families in the whaling business on a small island just off Port Hartford.

1885, the US Lighthouse Board suggested a lighthouse for Port Hartford

1886: Congress authorized $50,000 for the lighthouse. The project was delayed. Acquiring the land on the headland at Point San Luis, and the bids for the construction were too expensive.

1888 May 1^st: 2.00AM Disaster hit The passenger & cargo steamship Queen of the Pacific 15 miles out from Port Harford , it began taking on water. The captain turned his ship towards Port Harford, for fear of Rocks at the harbor entrance; He had to proceed slowly, because he had no lights to mark the harbor. The steamship settled at the bottom of the harbor, in 22 ft of water, 500 ft from of the pier. Most of the ship was above the waterline, and the passengers safely disembarked.
It could be argued that this event, helped to progress the construction of the lighthouse.

1889: Construction of the Lighthouse began.

1890 June 30^th: The Light is lit for the first time and a new beacon is added to the California Coast.  An article in San Luis Obispo’s Daily Republic described the new light station: “The light is shown from a black lantern surmounting a square frame tower attached to the southwest corner of a one and a half story frame dwelling painted white, trimmings lead color, blinds green and the roof brown. About 50 yards to the eastward stands a one and a half-story double dwelling painted in a similar manner, between the two dwellings … stands the fog signal building with its two black smokestacks, and painted like the dwellings.”
3 lighthouses were built in California using these plans, but the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only one that remains fully intact. As for its two sister lights, the tower of the Table Bluff Lighthouse is all that is left, while the Ballast Point Lighthouse was completely razed to make room for the expansion of the Naval submarine base in San Diego.
Whaling vessels, cargo ships, tankers and fishing boats were all guided around the treacherous point into the safe harbor.

1893: From the eastern end of Point San Luis, a federal breakwater, which encompassed Whalers Island, was built between 1893 and 1913. A small wharf located near the juncture of the breakwater and the mainland provided the primary means of access to the lighthouse, though a crude wagon road also reached the station.

1915: Steam Fog system replaced with compressed air system.

1933: Electricity comes to the lighthouse; kerosene lamp is replaced with electric bulb.

1942: A listening post is put up in front of the lighthouse and a second duplex building is built to the south east of the original double dwelling.

1950: Road is built to the lighthouse.

1961: the Coast Guard replaced the double dwelling with a modern wooden frame duplex

1969 the Fresnel lens was retired and replaced by an automated electric light.

1974: The Coast Guard closed the Lighthouse.

1976: the lens was moved to the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society

1978: the Port of San Luis was licensed by the Coast Guard to restore the lighthouse

1992: Port San Luis Harbor District received the 30-acre site from the Federal Government with the requirement that the station be restored and opened to the public

2003: Much progress has been made by the modern-day keepers. The exteriors of all of the structures were painted during the summer, and the parlor inside the lighthouse has been fully restored and furnished with period pieces provided by a local chapter of the Questers. Plans are in place to improve the access road to the station; however, due to security concerns at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the road will likely not be available for transporting visitors to the site. Instead, the lighthouse wharf will be rebuilt and water access will hopefully be provided to the general public in the future.

2010: the year the San Luis Obispo Lighthouse celebrated its 120th anniversary; the Fresnel lens was returned to the station and placed on display in the horn house, which has been converted into a visitor center. The lens was removed from the lighthouse in the late 1970s after it was shot with a .22 caliber bullet and had been on display most recently at the San Luis Obispo Library before returning home.

2011: PG&E donated a 22-passenger electric trolley, named Lucy 2, this will assist to ferry visitors to the lighthouse. The new trolley joins a gasoline-powered trolley Lucy 1 that currently shuttles people to the lighthouse, the current schedules is 3 times a day on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month

Read more: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2011/01/10/1437108/pge-electric-trolley-lighthouse.html#ixzz1V7d5k1yF

References

1. Umbrella Guide to California Lighthouses, Sharlene and Ted Nelson, 1993.
2. Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers website.

Links

Point San Luis Lighthouse

San Luis Obispo Light Wikipedia

Historic Light Station information USCG

Inventory of historic light Stations

Point San Luis  Lighthouse, Lighthouse, lighthouse pictures, San Luis Obispo,  California, photographs, Journal, history, LighthousesOfCalifornia, Sean O’Cairde

Content is copyright by Ocairdestudio 2011