More Than a Lighthouse

More Than a Lighthouse. . It is hard to miss the 163-foot-tall lighthouse. It was made to be noticed, to warn ships away from the shoals off the cape. But there is much more to the Cape Lookout Light Station than just the lighthouse. The light could not function without its many supporting features., Living quarters were needed to house the keepers, who were the most important part of the system. Only they could keep the light working. The light and the station required fuel, which was stored in buildings away from the others in case there was a fuel fire. Boats were needed to ferry people and supplies, and they required docks and boathouses., The Cape Lookout Light Station is a system of parts that work together. In turn, the station is part of a larger system of many stations, which work together to safely guide sailors along America’s coastlines., (sidebar) , John Quidley was one of three uniformed keepers here at Cape Lookout from 1905 to 1906. At that time his rank was Second Assistant Keeper. But notice that his collar rank insignia has the number "I" for First Assistant keeper, showing that this photo was taken after he had been promoted sometime after 1906. Also notice the lighthouse insignia on his cap. The Lighthouse Service was a uniform service like the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Army today., (caption) Photo taken in 1913.