15271a. (mounted photo) U.S. Signal Service Station, Morris Island, South Carolina c.1890’s. Measures 6” x 8” on 11” x 14” mat. The US Signal Service was organized to open and maintain communications, to note the development and progress of storms, to predict probable future atmospheric conditions and to report on the conditions of the sea and navigable rivers. In the later 1870’s, some forty odd observation stations were established in the principal cities of the country. The organization was sufficiently complete so that on the 1st of January, 1871, regular reports of weather observations taken synchronously were telegraphically reported to the Washington office. Signal Service Stations were established in connection with lighthouses and life-saving stations, connected by telegraph and offered communications to ships at sea by light or flag (and later by radio). They also summoned assistance to vessels in distress from the nearest life-saving stations or ports. After the turn of the century this organization would become the U.S. Weather Bureau. This rare photo shows the small signal station on the coastline of Morris Island, SC. Great detail includes Whole Gale warning flag flying as the station crew poses for the camera. Photo clean and clear. Mat has some light soiling, light edge wear. (VG). $110.