Lighthouse Keeper's Tools

This page will explain some of the lighthouse keepers tools they used on a routine basis to maintain the lenses, light the lights, sweep the floors and paint the house for example. This page will keep growing as more photos become available. Every items will be identified and a description of how it was used at the lighthouse will be included. This page can be used for reference in identifying items in a lighthouse and what they were used for. If anyone has any items that aren't displayed please e-mail a description and a photo in so we may use it for reference on the site to help educate the public about these tools.  THIS PAGE IN UNDER CONSTRUCTION STILL

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US Lighthouse Service Clock made by Chelsea

This clock is a typical clock made b y the Chelsea Clock Company out of Boston, MA. who made most of the clocks used by the government. Time keeping was essential in the lighthouse. This clock was more of a general time keeping clock and didn't have a second hand. A small pocket watch was used for timing the lights that rotated or flashed to make sure the light characteristic was exact. If it wasn't then the keeper would make adjustments to the clockwork mechanism. Each lights flash pattern along the coast was unique to that lighthouse, that's how mariners knew where they were at night.

US Lighthouse Establishment Oil Drip Pan

This oil drip pan was used to fill lamps, lanterns and smaller oil cans. Items to be filled were placed on the tray and the oil poured into them until they were full. If they were filled to much and overflowed, then the excess oil would drain down in the pan. The lid is filled with small holes which allowed the oil to drain down in. To get the oil out the keeper removed the lid from the pan and tipped the pan to one side or the other to drain the oil back into a large pitcher for example which is also featured on this site. Small brackets under the lid with a hole in them funneled the oil out of the pan to avoid spilling any since oil was a precious commodity.

US Lighthouse Establishment Oil Lamp Filling Can

This oil can would be used for filling small lamps or lanterns around the lighthouse. It has a handle on top and a handle on the side for pouring. The can has a cap on the spout and a fill cap on top. This can could hold approximately a quart of oil and was used on a daily basis as lamps and lanterns were lighted every night.

US Lighthouse Establishment Large Oil Pitcher

Description to follow.

 

US Lighthouse Establishment Dust Pan

This was obviously used for cleaning around the lighthouse. A clean lighthouse was essential to the operation and also for surprise visits from the district inspector. Lighthouses were held to the highest standards for cleanliness and upkeep and it was the keepers responsibility to make sure that this happened.

 

US Lighthouse Establishment Rouge or Wick Box?

Description to Follow. This item has not yet been identified. If you can help please e-mail us.

 

US Lighthouse Service Silver Cup Holder

Description to Follow. This item has not yet been identified. If you can help please e-mail us.

 

   

 

US Lighthouse Establishment Light Keeper's Service Basket

Description to Follow