16117. (lot 12 mounted photos) U.S. Light House Establishment Depot, Staten Island c.1890.
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16117. (lot 12 mounted photos) U.S. Light House Establishment Depot, Staten Island c.1890.
16117. (lot 12 mounted photos) U.S. Light House Establishment Depot, Staten Island c.1890. Provenance John Millis (1881-1952) , Engineer, Light House Establishment. Wonderful lot of twelve large early albumen photographs taken at the Lighthouse Depot at Staten Island, New York in about 1890. The photos detail many of the buildings and workshops there, lighthouse tenders, the caisson lighthouse used for testing lens apparatus that would later become the Roamer Shoals Light, and much more. The lot is from the estate of John Millis (1881-1938) , Engineer 3rd District, U.S. Light House Establishment. John Millis had a long and interesting lighthouse career and lived for more than 93 years. Millis entered West Point in June 1877, and was graduated in June 1881, at the head of his class. In November 1883, after service with the Engineer School at Willetts Point, N. Y., he was assigned as Assistant to the Light-House Engineer of the Third District on Staten Island. It was during this period that these photographs were taken. Views include the oil vaults, capable of storing over 85,000 gallons of oil. specialized storage buildings, storehouses and shops, the “Green”, flag mast, 1871 Lamp Shop, the three-story granite and red brick French Second Empire style Administration Building completed in 1871. The light tower was used for testing lenses, lamps and other equipment. Note the two Tenders at the wharfs, one flying the Light-House Establishment pennant. The small building with the two iron chimneys generates steam for testing fog signal equipment. Also included is a great view of a Lighthouse Tender crew powsing for the camera, the tenders John Rogers and Cactus, and the electric lighted buoy dated 1890. Images measure 7 ½” x 9 ¼” on 10” x 12” mounts. All photos are clear, close images. Some occasional minor foxing on a few, a few spots. Overall a very rare important lot. (VG+). $2,695.