|
|
|
|
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Newport, Oregon Text and Photos by Bill Stanfill Located atop a pine-covered bluff at the mouth of the Yaquina River in Newport, Oregon is the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Built in 1871, it is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport. It has been painstakingly restored as a working lighthouse and an aid to navigation by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, with the help of many local volunteers and agencies. Although the lighthouse had a very short service life, only 3 years, the restored structure is a favorite of visitors to the central Oregon coast. The original structure was built on thirty-six acres, purchased from pioneers Lester and Sophrina Baldwin for $500 in gold coin. Construction began in May 1871 and was completed by the end of October. The wood-frame building had 2 stories and a basement, with a 3 story tower at the rear, housing a small 5th order fresnel lens. It stood 42 feet above ground level and 161 feet above sea level. At the time, it was 1 of only 4 lighthouses operating on the Oregon coast. The new light keeper, Charles H. Peirce, had moved into the lighthouse with his wife, Sarah, and 6 of their children ranging in age from 2 to 18 years. Another child would be born in the lighthouse later. He received a salary of $1,000 per year. Peirce had served as a captain in the Union Army and was said to be a friend of Ulysses S. Grant. But the lighthouses usefulness would be short lived. In August of 1873, a new lighthouse with a more powerful 1st order lens went into operation at Yaquina Head, 3 miles to the north of Newport. The new light had a range of 19 miles and Yaquina Bay light was ordered discontinued. In October 1874, Peirce and his family would move to Cape Blanco lighthouse near Port Orford, to take over operation of that lighthouse. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse stood empty for 14 years, falling into disrepair. The government tried to sell off the property. Fortunately, the bids were too low and the property was withdrawn. Over the following years the lighthouse held many occupants, finally ending up in the hands of the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department. In 1974, restoration was begun with the help of local volunteers and various agencies. Period furniture was acquired for the interior and the structure looks much like it did in 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached. The lighthouse is open to the public, as a museum, every day except major holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas for example). Entrance is free by donation. Hours during the summer from Memorial Day to the end of September are 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during the winter months from October to Memorial Day from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM. The lighthouse is accessed from the Yaquina Bay State Park at the north end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
Sidebar: In 1822 a French physicist, Augustine Fresnel, invented a system of lenses and prisms that magnified and focused up to 85% of the light from a single source. This invention was specifically intended for use in lighthouses. Lenses were made in different sizes called “orders”, from 1st through 6th. The largest being the 1st order lenses, 6 feet in diameter and 10 to 12 feet high. These lenses were used in seacoast towers. The smaller, 5th order lenses were about 20 inches high and 15 inches in diameter. They were generally used as harbor entrance lights. Photo# 1
The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, shown with the modern Coast Guard lookout tower behind, has become a popular attraction for visitors to the Central Oregon Coast.
Photo # 2
The interior of the lighthouse has been decorated with period furniture pieces and appears much as it did when occupied in 1871.
Photo # 3
Two flights of stairs lead up to the watch room. The lantern room is not open to the public. The basement is open to the public and includes an Interpretive Store.
|
Contact Information
Send mail to
bill@billstanfillphoto.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
