A keeper’s work was never done
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 44° 40.610 W 124° 04.780
10T E 414428 N 4947618
This sign is located at the west base of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Waymark Code: WM14TX
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 01/14/2007
Views: 12
This sign is located near the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Marker Name: A keeper’s work was never done
Marker Text: By modern standards, the regular routine of a lighthouse keeper was monotonous. It was, however, sometimes interrupted by unexpected moments of drama.
Keeping the light
By 10 a.m., every day, the lighthouse lamp was refueled and its five wicks trimmed. Throughout the day, the lens and windows were cleaned and repairs made to keep everything shipshape. At dusk the limp was lit -- then watched from the watchroom until sunrise.
What else did keepers do?
They greeted tourists
”. . . Sea quite smooth. Keepers painting the watchroom and working the road today. Had two visitors today.” - Keeper’s Log, Yaquina Head, April 28, 1877
They submitted to inspections
”. . . they never knew when an inspector was going to come. He came about four times each year. He would just come in the house like he belonged there and he would go through it just to see if the women kept the houses up.” - Philena Nelson, friend of the keeper’s children (1916-18)
They painted, painted, and painted some more
”Keepers painting the bracketts and getting stage (scaffold) ready and mixing paint to paint tower” - Keeper’s Log, Yaquina Head, May 27, 1891
They aided victims of shipwrecks
”Keeper sent 2nd Asst. to Newporte for assistance of a tug. The keepers gave the men that got ashore necessary assistance done all in there power to make them comfortable.” - Keeper’s Log, Yaquina Head, March 28, 1889
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