13313. (lot 5 documents) Lighthouse Service, Inquiry as to Why Light and Fog Signal Not Operating, Poverty Island Light Station, Michigan c.1918.
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13313. (lot 5 documents) Lighthouse Service, Inquiry as to Why Light and Fog Signal Not Operating, Poverty Island Light Station, Michigan c.1918.
13313. (lot 5 documents) Lighthouse Service, Inquiry as to Why Light and Fog Signal Not Operating, Poverty Island Light Station, Michigan c.1918. Lot of three typed documents regarding inquiries of Keeper by the Inspector12th LH District, regarding the light and fog signal not operating on the nights of February 16 and 17, 1918, as well two additional documents regarding appointment of Assistant Keeper and an increase in pay for the keeper. Documents measure about 5” x 7 ½” and are quite tattered on the edges, with moisture staining and some deterioration about the margins. All are quite readable, are on official Lighthouse Service letter forms and still bear the signature in hand by the Lighthouse Inspector. These documents were found in the deteriorating remains of the Keeper’s house on Poverty Island in the 1960’s. The contents are as follows:
(February 23). The Inspector writes that he is “in receipt of a report stating that on the nights of February 16 and 17 neither your light nor your fog signal was in commission, notwithstanding the fact that it was snowing heavily part of the time. You are requested to report why your station was out of commission on those dates.”
The keeper responded on March 1, for on March 5 the Inspector again writes: “Referring to your letter of March 1 …. You are requested to submit an exact copy of your Fog Signal Report and your station Journal for February 16th, 17th, and 18th. The question of whether or not you were derelicy in your duty on these dates will thereby be investigated. “
Again the keeper answered, this time to the satisfaction of the Inspector, for on April 26 the Inspector writes: “Referring to your letter of April 23, 1918, indorsed by Henry J. Wierzbach, 1st Asst. Keeper, in regard to certain complaints made against you by Mcaide: Your explanation of the reason for not blowing your fog whistle on February 16, 1918, is considered satisfactory; and you are hereby exonerated from all blame which might arise from such a complaint.”
Two other documents during this period relate to appointments and pay: March 18, 1918. “To Keeper, Poverty Light Station. You are advised that the Department has approved the following temporary increase in salary…. Keeper $15 per month. 1st Assistant $2 peer month…”
March 20, 1918. To Edwin C. Jacobson… You are advised that you have been nominated for appointment to the position of second assistant keeper of Poverty IslandLight Station. You will hold yourself in readiness to procede to that station upon advise from this office….”
Great content, most interesting. Lot $185.