Bass Harbor Head Light Station Historic Structure Report

Cybularz, Rebecca

From the executive summary: "This Historic Structure Report (HSR) was produced for Acadia National Park to determine the best treatment and use for the Bass Harbor Head Light Station. Use of the structure is preferred as per National Park Service policies and guidelines for Cultural Resource Management and Executive Order 130006: Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties. This HSR will guide future rehabilitation and repair work on the structure. The project was conducted under a project agreement between the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) and Acadia National Park (ACAD) entitled: 'Prepare Historic Structure Report for Bass Harbor Head Light Station' as part of PMIS 253831. Funding was allocated through ACAD with funds generously donated by The Friends of Acadia. Project management was also provided by ACAD. HPTC and ACAD are units of the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Department of the Interior. NPS policies and guidelines were adhered to in the production and distribution of this HSR. A Historic Structure Report is the National Park Service’s primary guide to treatment and use of a historic structure and is required by NPS-28: Cultural Resource Management Guideline. It is prepared to identify and minimize the loss of character-defining features and materials and provides a basis upon which to address anticipated management objectives. This HSR aims to provide a current understanding of the historic Bass Harbor Head Light Station—including the 1858 Lighthouse, the 1858 Keeper’s Dwelling, the 1897 Bell House, the 1902 Oil House, and the 1905 Garage. The historical background, context, building chronology, and technical evaluations provide an understanding of the historical integrity of each light station structure. This information is valuable for guiding sustainable development of the Bass Harbor Head Light Station by offering research and insight to park management and directing planning and construction alternatives. The contents are used by the park when scoping new projects. These new projects contain parameters for reuse functions and physical modifications that complement resource protection and preservation goals. The Historical Background and Context section provides information on general themes associated with the structures described in the HSR. Included is this report are the Administration of Lighthouses from the Colonial era, through formal government oversight - provided by the United States Light House Establishment 1789-1852, the United States Light-House Board 1852-1910, the United States Light House Service 1910-1939, and the United States Coast Guard 1939-present. The progression of lighthouse lamp technology from the early lamps in 1790 through the development and worldwide adaption of Fresnel lenses, of differing sizes, is a fascinating and often devastating story. Those lamps were powered by a wide array of fuels throughout time, including whale oil (spermaceti), porpoise oil, rapeseed oil, lard oil, kerosene, and ultimately electricity. The lighthouses and their reservations were tended by Keepers. The job of a Keeper varied somewhat under the different governmental agencies, but they ultimately all required unrelenting commitment to tend the light, through all weather, adversity, and various other circumstances. The Chronology of Development and Use section includes a thorough history of the Bass Harbor Head Light Station from the time the area was identified as treacherous (1837) through the present. The construction of the Light Station was completed in 1858 - the start date of the Period of Significance - and included the extant Lighthouse and Keeper’s Dwelling, the since-altered Covered Way connecting the two structures, and a long-demolished privy. A standalone fog bell, struck by hand, was established in 1876. A Boat House and slip were constructed in 1893"... continued in notes section