Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Bodie Island Light Station

Double Keepers Quarters

Historic Structure Report

2009

for

Cultural Resources Division

Southeast Region, National Park Service

by

Joseph K. Oppermann - Architect, P.A.

Winston-Salem, NC 
Cultural Resources

Southeast Region

National Park Service

100 Alabama St. SW

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 507-5847

The historic structure report presented here exists in 

two formats. A traditional, printed version is available 

for study at the park, the Southeastern Regional 

Office of the NPS (SERO), and at a variety of other 

repositories. For more widespread access, the historic 

structure report also exists in a web-based format 

through ParkNet, the website of the National Park 

Service. Please visit www.nps.gov for more 

information.

2009

Historic Structure Report

Bodie Island Light Station

Double Keepers Quarters

Historic Structure Report

LCS#: 007244

Cover image: 


National Park Service A 

 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Management Summary

Project Team......................................................................................................................... .............. ............ 1

Executive Summary............................................................................................................. .............. ............ 3

Administrative Data.......................................................................................................................... ............ 5

Part I - Developmental History

A. Historical Background and Context........................................................................................ ............ 7

 Forces of Nature.......................................................................................................................... 7

 The Graveyard of the Atlantic.................................................................................................... 8

 What’s in a Name?....................................................................................................................... 8

 America’s Lighthouse Program..................................................................................... ............ 9

 Establishment of the U. S. Lighthouse Board (1852-1910).................................................... 10

 The U. S. Lighthouse Service (1910-1939)............................................................................... 10 

 From Lighthouse Service to Coast Guard................................................................................ 11

 Sending out a Light......................................................................................................... ............ 11

 A Light at Bodie Island................................................................................................................ 13

 The Civil War............................................................................................................................. 14 

 Crossing the Inlet......................................................................................................................... 14

 The Life of a Keeper.................................................................................................................... 15 

 Ever Cleaning............................................................................................................................... 16

 More than a Lighthouse................................................................................................. ............ 16

 Supplies and Demands............................................................................................................... 18 

 The Hardships of Proximity & Isolation: Appointments and Transfers.............................. 20

 The Last Keeper and the Longest Service................................................................................ 21

 

B. Chronology of Development and Use................................................................................................. 23

 

 Post-war Recovery....................................................................................................................... 23

 Plans of 1872.................................................................................................................... ............ 25

 1900: A Busy Year............................................................................................................ ............ 28

 (Unfulfi lled) Hopes for a Principal Keeper’s House.................................................. ............ 29

 A Visit from the National Geographic.......................................................................... ............ 30

 1939: The Coast Guard.................................................................................................. ............ 31

 1953: The Park Service Takes Over............................................................................... ............ 32

 Plans of 1954.................................................................................................................... ............ 33

 After the 1950s................................................................................................................. ............ 36

 1990-1992 Work.............................................................................................................. ............ 36

 Outbuildings.................................................................................................................... ............ 40

 Timeline........................................................................................................................ .............. ............ 45

i
A Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

C. Physical Description.................................................................................................... ........................... 51

 General Description........................................................................................................................ 51

 Construction Characteristics......................................................................................................... 54

 Structural Systems................................................................................................. ............ 54

 Utility Systems.................................................................................................................... 56

 Exterior Features............................................................................................................... 57

 Interior Features.................................................................................................... ............ 61

 Description By Room...................................................................................................................... 64

 Outbuilding & Other Ancillary Structures................................................................................... 86

 Cisterns............................................................................................................................... 86

 Mechanical System Enclosure......................................................................................... 86

 Concrete Slab Foundation - Wood Shed........................................................................ 86

 The Storage Shed............................................................................................................... 87 

 The Public Restroom Building......................................................................................... 89

 Character-Defi ning Features.......................................................................................................... 89

 Summary of Conditions & Code Compliance Issues..................................................... ............ 90

Part II - Treatment & Use

A. Ultimate Treatment & Use.......................................................................................... .............. ............ 93

B. Requirements for Treatment................................................................................................................... 95

C. Alternatives for Treatment......................................................................................................... ............ 97

D. Recommendations................................................................................................................................. 99

Bibliography.................................................................................................................................................... 101

Appendices

 A. Documentation Drawings - The Quarters By Historic Period

 1872 First Floor Plan......................................................................................................... A-1

 1872 Second Floor Plan.................................................................................................... A-2

 1945 First Floor Plan......................................................................................................... A-3

 1945 Second Floor Plan.................................................................................................... A-4

 1954 First Floor Plan......................................................................................................... A-5

 1954 Second Floor Plan.................................................................................................... A-6

 1989 First Floor Plan......................................................................................................... A-7

 1989 Second Floor Plan.................................................................................................... A-8

 B. Documentation Drawings - The Quarters As Found

 First Floor Plan.................................................................................................................. B-2

 Second Floor Plan............................................................................................................. B-2

 Elevations and Sections: Interior Door - Original........................................................ B-3

 Elevations and Sections: Interior Door - 1992.............................................................. B-4

 Elevations and Sections: Exterior Door - Original....................................................... B-5

 Elevations and Sections: Wall Baseboard....................................................................... B-6

 Elevations and Sections: Interior Door Casing............................................................. B-7

 Elevations and Sections: Window Apron - First Floor................................................. B-8

 Elevations and Sections: Window Apron - Second Floor............................................ B-9

 Elevations and Sections: Window Casing - Typical....................................................... B-10

 Elevations and Sections: Staircase Balustrade and Handrail....................................... B-11

 Details: Trim at Wall Below Stair and Stair Undercarriage........................................... B-12

ii
National Park Service A 

 Table of Contents

 C. Documentation Drawings - Outbuildings As Found

 Floor Plan: The Garage...................................................................................................... C-1

 Floor Plan: The Wood Shed.............................................................................................. C-2 

 D. HABS Documentation (2002)

 Index to Photographs........................................................................................................ D-1

 Key to Photographs........................................................................................................... D-5

 Selected Photos Showing Double Keepers’ Quarters & Outbuildings...................... D-7

 Selected Drawings Showing Double Keepers’ Quarters & Outbuildings.................. D-33

 

iii
A Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service

We are pleased to make available this historic structure report, part of our ongoing effort to provide 

comprehensive documentation for the historic structures and landscapes of National Park Service units in 

the Southeast Region. Many individuals and institutions contributed to the successful completion of this 

work. We would particularly like to thank the staff at Cape Hatteras National Seashore for their assistance 

throughout the process. We hope that this study will prove valuable to park management in their 

continuing preservation of the building and to everyone in understanding and interpreting the Double 

Keepers’ Quarters at the Bodie Island Light Station.

Dan Scheidt, Chief

Cultural Resources Division

Southeast Regional Office

April 2010

Foreword

National Park Service A 

 Table of Contents

Project Team

Building Investigation/ Joseph K. Oppermann, FAIA

Building Condition Assessment Joseph K. Oppermann–Architect, P.A.

 Winston-Salem, NC

Research Joseph K. Oppermann, FAIA, Historical Architect

 Langdon E. Oppermann, Architectural Historian

 Joseph K. Oppermann–Architect, P.A.

 Winston-Salem, NC

Building Recordation Joseph K. Oppermann, FAIA, Historical Architect

 Abby A. Gentry

 Joseph K. Oppermann–Architect, P.A.

 Winston-Salem, NC

Project Manager Tommy H. Jones, Cultural Resource Specialist

 National Park Service

 Southeast Regional Offi ce

 Atlanta, GA

Program Review Doug Stover, Cultural Resource Manager

 Cape Hatteras National Seashore

 Manteo, NC

 

Tommy H. Jones, Cultural Resource Specialist 

 National Park Service

 Southeast Regional Offi ce

 Atlanta, GA

Project Team

1
A Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service 3

Executive Summary

The Double Keepers’ Quarters was built in 1872, 

contemporaneous with construction of the 

Bodie Island Lighthouse and its Oil House. The 

Lighthouse, with a complement of buildings was 

the third to be built along this section of Cape 

Hatteras. The Quarters was a double dwelling, or 

duplex, built to house the Principal Keeper and 

assistant keepers and their families. 

The Quarters retains, to a great extent, its original 

characteristics. It is rectangular in plan, two 

stories in height with a gable roof covered in wood 

shingles. It is constructed of brick laid in a 1:6 

common bond with brick jack arch lintels at doors 

and windows. 

Fenestration is organized symmetrically along 

the two long elevations, the east and west, each 

with two levels of six bays. The original windows 

remain in place; six-over-six wood sash windows 

are at both levels. Two original doorways, with 

their original doors and transoms, are at the two 

fi rst-fl oor center bays of each elevation, serving as 

front and back entrances to the respective living 

quarters. Spanning the fi rst level of each long 

elevation is an open porch. The two gable ends 

have no fenestration but each has a pair of in-wall 

brick chimneys. 

Inside, each level was originally divided by a stud 

partition wall through the center of the building, 

creating two living quarters of equal size with 

mirror plans. Abutting this center wall were 

matching staircases, one for each living quarter. In 

each quarters, the fi rst-fl oor stair hall ran from the 

front (east) entrance to the back (west) entrance. 

Adjoining the hall were two rooms, the larger living 

room in front and the kitchen behind, each with 

its own fi replace. At the second fl oor, the long 

stair hall was truncated by a small utility room that 

fi lled the east end of the hallway. Again, two rooms 

adjoined the hall; used as bedrooms, each had its 

own fi replace.

This room confi guration and the building’s 

exterior appearance remained largely intact 

throughout the period of service as living quarters 

for the light station crew, at least until 1940 and 

perhaps longer. But when administration of the 

Quarters transferred to the National Park Service 

in 1953, the interior room confi guration was 

reorganized for use as a natural history museum, 

with spaces for exhibits, offi ces, retail operations, 

and other functions. Interior walls were removed 

to create larger rooms. Interior doorways were 

widened to facilitate circulation between rooms. 

The south staircase was removed; public restrooms 

were installed in its place on the fi rst fl oor. The 

center wall was opened at both levels to create 

wide passages from one quarters to the other, 

essentially creating one functional unit where 

previously there had been two.

Over the years the building fell into disrepair. 

During a massive repair campaign of 1990-92, the 

National Park Service addressed three principal 

objectives. The fi rst was to correct the considerable 

maintenance defi ciencies of the building. 

Extensive repairs were made to the wood framing 

and additional masonry foundation piers were 

installed. New wood shingle roofs and galvanized 

steel gutters and downspouts were installed. The 

open porches were extensively repaired. The 

electrical and mechanical systems were replaced 

and upgraded. 

The second objective was to use the building fabric 

itself to tell the story of the building’s former 

use as living quarters for the lighthouse keepers. 

Where elements were missing, new replacements 

were installed, such as a section of handrail 

and balustrade of the missing north staircase, 

the fi rst-fl oor fi replace mantels, and numerous 

interior doors. Where whole walls had been 

removed, wing walls were constructed to provide a 

semblance of the original room confi gurations.

Executive Summary
4 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

The third objective was to facilitate access by the 

handicapped. The site was re-graded along the 

west side of the building and a new wood plank 

walk was installed on a gradual rise to connect the 

site’s walkway to the building’s open porch; the 

plank walk with gentle slope resembles an historic 

feature, disguising its true purpose as a wheelchair 

ramp. On the porch, a beveled wood board serves 

as a reducer to provide a wheelchair-negotiable 

change in grade from porch deck to building interior. 

A new public restroom building, fully accessible by 

the handicapped, was built north of the Quarters. 

Designed in a size, scale and proportion of early 

outbuildings, and using similar materials, the 

resultant eff ect is a visually unobtrusive and even 

complementary addition to the site which once had 

many such buildings.

Today, the Double Keepers’ Quarters is in very 

good condition in general because of the good 

work performed in 1990-92. A few exceptions 

are matters of maintenance needs that are now 

due. Chief concerns are replacement of the wood 

shingle roofs, re-pointing of the masonry cisterns, 

replacement of mechanical units, reapplication 

of varnish to fi rst-level interior wood fl oors, and 

repainting of exterior wood elements.
National Park Service 5 

Administrative Data

Administrative Data

Locational Data

Building Name: Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters

Building Address: 1401 National Park Drive

 Manteo, NC 27954

Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore

County: Dare County

State: North Carolina

Related Studies

Primary Bodie Island Lighthouse Historic Structure Report. National Park Service, 

 Southeast Regional Offi ce, 2005.

 Holland, Francis R. “A History of the Bodie Island Light Station,” 

 Washington: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 

 1967.

 National Archives (Washington, D.C.), District Engineers 

 Correspondence and District Inspectors Correspondence, two collections 

 of papers relating to Bodie Island Light Station, compiled 1987-2009.

 Collections of papers, drawings, and images held at Cape Hatteras 

 National Seashore headquarters, Manteo, North Carolina.

Secondary Cliff ord, Candace. National Register nomination, Bodie Island Light 

 Station, 2002.

 Oppermann, Joseph K., Cape Lookout Lighthouse Historic Structure 

 Report. National Park Service Southeast Regional Offi ce, 2009.

Real Property Information

Acquisition Date: January 12, 1953: Cape Hatteras National Seashore established; U.S. 

 Coast Guard retained control of lighthouse property.

 October 15, 1953: property and buildings transferred to National Park 

 Service; U.S. Coast Guard retained possession of lighthouse.
6 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

 July 13, 2000: lighthouse transferred to National Park Service; U.S. Coast 

 Guard retained possession of Fresnel lens.

 May 16, 2003: Fresnel lens transferred to National Park Service.

Numbering Information

Double Keepers’ Quarters

LSCS ID: 007244

Structure No: HS-2B

Storehouse 

LSCS ID: 007249

Structure No: HS-2C

Cisterns

LSCS ID: 091898

Structure No: HS-2D

Southeast and northeast cistern pumps

LSCS ID: 202972 (southeast)

LSCS ID: 202818 (northeast) 

Structure No: HS-2E (southeast)

Structure No: HS-2F (northeast)

 

Size Information

Total Floor Area: 2,396 square feet

First Floor Area: 1,198 square feet

Second Floor Area: 1,198 square feet

Roof Area: 2,114 square feet

Number of Stories: 2

Number of Rooms: 17

Number of Bathrooms: 1

Cultural Resource Data

National Register Status: Listed July 24, 2003

 Reference # 03000607

 Name: Bodie Island Light Station

Proposed Treatment Preservation of the character-defi ning features of the exterior in their 

 current state, an appearance that spans each of the three major design 

 manifestations. Preservation of the interior as currently adapted. 
National Park Service 7

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

I.A Historical Background and 

Context

Forces of Nature

Nowhere along the Atlantic coast of the United 

States are the forces of nature a more ever-present 

and defi ning infl uence than on the Outer Banks 

of North Carolina. The winds, water, sand, and 

storms have continually shaped the landscape 

and the culture. This isolated land has challenged 

navigation along its shore since the fi rst recorded 

shipwreck of John White’s fl agship Tyger at 

Ocracoke Inlet in 1585. Since then, more than 

650 shipwrecks have been identifi ed along this 

treacherous coastline. In a complex relationship 

with the sea, the inhabitants of this land have been 

both threatened and nurtured by this turbulent and 

often hostile environment.1

The formation of the Outer Banks began fi fteen 

thousand years ago when the ocean level was 

300 feet lower than today and North Carolina’s 

coastline extended fi fty to seventy-fi ve miles east of 

its present location. Winds from the west piled up 

sediment to create a large dune at the easternmost 

edge of the continental landmass. Then, as glaciers 

melted and the sea level rose, the dunes became 

barrier islands paralleling the coastline. Although 

the sea continues to rise, the Outer Banks have 

slowly moved to the west and remained intact 

because of the unique combination of wind, waves, 

and weather.2

By protruding so far into the Atlantic, the Outer 

Banks are particularly vulnerable to hurricanes 

and storms that continually resculpt the fragile 

landscape. Consequently, historical records dating 

from 1585 document more than twenty-four 

diff erent inlets cutting across the Banks at various 

1. Stick, Outer Banks, p. 173; Hauser, Graveyard of the 

Atlantic, www.coastalguide.com/packet/ Shipwrecks01.htm.

2. Pilkey, North Carolina Shore, p. 41- 45; Bachman, Insiders’ 

Guide, www.insiders.com/outerbanks/main-history.htm#tod.

times. Geographic formations indicate that almost 

half of the Outer Banks has been covered by inlets 

at one time or another. Today there are six inlets 

between Morehead City and the Virginia state line.3

Figure 1, Detail of 1882 “Map of North Carolina.” (Collection of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, 

Winston-Salem)

By the 18th century, Native Americans no longer 

had a presence on the Outer Banks. European 

settlers were sustained by fi shing, grazing 

stock, and farming. Most had migrated from 

Virginia and were joined by shipwreck survivors 

as well as a number of outlaws. By the time North 

Carolina became a state in 1789 about 1,000 

permanent residents lived on the Outer Banks. 

That they were a self-suffi cient and independentminded people was the result of the isolated 

landscape and its dangers. They would be called 

upon to man the lighthouses and life-saving 

stations of the Outer Banks.4

3. Bachman, “Shipping and Settlement into the 1770s,” 

www.insiders.com/outerbanks/main-history.

4. Stick, Outer Banks, p. 75-77.
8 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

The Graveyard of the Atlantic

Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton 

has been credited with declaring the ocean off 

the Outer Banks “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” 

for the extraordinary number of ships buried 

there.5 The currents that increased the speed of 

sailing ships also brought them perilously close to 

the shifting sand bars of the Outer Banks. Once 

grounded, ships were soon torn apart by the 

turbulent waters, their crews without assistance. 

Historian David Stick vividly describes the sea 

conditions: “the northbound Gulf Stream and the 

cold currents coming down from the Arctic run 

head-on into each other, tossing their spumy spray 

a hundred feet or better into the air and dropping 

sand and shells and sea life at the point of impact.”6 

Today few ships wreck, but storms still uncover the 

ruins of old wrecks along the beaches of the Outer 

Banks. The longstanding practice of reusing their 

remnants continues. In 1926, lighthouse keeper 

Vernon Gaskill added three rooms to his family’s 

house in Wanchese, mostly with framing salvaged 

from the hull of the Laura A. Barnes, a four-masted 

schooner wrecked nearby in 1921.7

What’s in a Name?

The origin of the name Bodie Island is unclear but 

it was apparently in use by 1709. In that year, A 

New Voyage to Carolina was published, a journal 

of John Lawson’s travels wherein the name is fi rst 

mentioned in print. Lawson describes several 

inlets through the barrier islands that have since 

been closed by storms, and his journal gives a 

glimpse of the Outer Banks as they were in early 

1700s. The name also appears on Moll’s 1730 

“Map of the Province of Carolina.”8 

Known at various times as Body’s Island, Bodies 

Island, Body Island, Micher Island, and Cow 

Island, its land mass in the 1770s extended from 

Roanoke Inlet at the north end, nine and one-half 

miles south to Gunt Inlet, and contained 

5. Harrison, p. 10-15. “Under Sea Graveyard along the 

Outer Banks holds the USS Monitor,” 19 July 2005, www.

kittyhawkfreepress.com/atlanticgraveyard.html.

6. Stick, Graveyard of the Atlantic.

7. John Gaskill Remembers, p. 20.

8. Powell, North Carolina Gazetteer, p. 57.

approximately 1,900 acres.9

Figure 2, Detail of Moll’s “A Map of the Province of Carolina,” 1730. (Collection of the Museum of Early Southern 

Decorative Arts, Winston-Salem)

This section of the Outer Banks is especially 

susceptible to the opening and closing of inlets. 

Over the years, at least six diff erent inlets have 

been located between the present day Bodie 

Island Lighthouse and Rodanthe approximately 

seventeen miles to the south.10 The instability of 

this landscape has resulted in the reshaping of the 

size and even the location of Bodie Island over the 

years. 

The land now known as Bodie Island has not been 

an island since about 1811 when Roanoke Inlet 

closed. Oregon Inlet was subsequently opened by 

an 1846 hurricane, further confusing geographic 

identity. With the cutting of the Oregon Inlet, the 

lower part of the island was severed. Nonetheless, 

the name would linger long after the island was 

gone, a moniker that continues to this day for the 

land that straddles both sides of the inlet. When 

the current lighthouse was completed in 1872 on 

the north side of Oregon Inlet, it retained the name 

as the Bodie Island Lighthouse. 

9. The origins of the Bodie Island name remain unknown. 

Today, local lore explains that the term relates to the bodies 

that were washed up on its shores. Jan DeBlieu, Hatteras 

Journal (Winston-Salem: John F. Blair Publisher, 1998), p. 31. 

Zepke, Coastal North Carolina, p.36.

10. Stick, Outer Banks, p. 274-79.
National Park Service 9

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

America’s Lighthouse Program

Recorded history traces lighthouses back at least 

to the ancient construction, possibly as early as 

300 BC, of a lighthouse on the island of Pharos at 

the entrance of the port of Alexandria, Egypt.11 

Built to provide safety for mariners, lighthouses 

have always had a direct correlation to nautical 

endeavors. With the decline of ship travel after the 

fall of Rome, the use of lighthouses also declined, 

but by the fi fteenth century renewed sailing skills 

brought a new age of lighthouse construction. 

The fi rst lighthouses in America naturally arose 

where coastal populations were concentrated 

and local businesses were growing. During 

the colonial period, the individual colonies 

assumed responsibility for the construction and 

maintenance of the lighthouses on their shores. 

These towers generally were paid for by the 

merchants and businessmen at each location and 

supported by a duty on ships entering the harbor. 

No standards addressed their priority, placement, 

construction or operation.12

The adoption of the Constitution created a 

Federal government empowered to address this 

as a national concern. Aids to navigation were of 

such high priority that one of the fi rst offi cial acts 

of Congress was the passage of a lighthouse bill, 

placing responsibility under Secretary of Treasury 

Alexander Hamilton. In a short time, most stateowned lighthouses were transferred to the U.S. 

Treasury. North Carolina at that time had begun 

construction on the Bald Head lighthouse near 

the mouth of the Cape Fear River; while still under 

construction, it was transferred to the United States 

and completed in 1796.

By the start of the nineteenth century more than 

a dozen ships a day were navigating the barrier 

islands, still with little hope of any organized 

assistance in the event of trouble. The conditions 

for mariners were only slightly better along the 

coastline of New England. There, near the major 

ports of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, 

several private organizations had been established 

early in the nineteenth century to lobby the 

government for better navigational aids and 

provision of assistance for wreck victims. 

11. Stick, NC Lighthouses, p. 2. 

12. Cape Lookout Lighthouse HSR.

The extreme hazard posed by the Outer Banks was 

recognized. As eff orts were continued to protect 

mariners and their cargo, lighthouses were built 

at Ocracoke between 1800 and 1803 and at Cape 

Hatteras in 1803, followed by a lighthouse at Cape 

Lookout in 1812. These towers kept the southern 

portion of the Outer Banks fairly well lit; however, 

the area to the north between Cape Hatteras and 

Cape Henry in Virginia was still dark, leaving Bodie 

Island “literally covered with wrecks.”13

Initially, Hamilton himself had assumed 

responsibility for lighthouse matters, but in 1813, 

the nation’s lighthouse program was delegated to 

the Treasury’s Commissioner of Revenue. The 

vitality of the program changed in 1820 when it 

was placed under the authority of the Fifth Auditor 

of the Treasury, Stephen J. Pleasonton, who knew 

little of maritime matters. For the next 32 years, 

Pleasonton ran a harmfully frugal lighthouse 

program. He shunned technological advances and 

refused to approve use of a revolutionary new lens 

system, instead retaining an inadequate lamp and 

refl ector system. 

Figure 3, Stephen J. Pleasonton. (U.S. Diplomacy Center 

poster on U.S. Seal, 2007)

13. 25th Cong., 2nd Sess, House Doc No. 41 (Serial #322), p. 

60; 25th Cong., 2nd Sess, House Ex. Doc No. 24 (Serial #345), 

p. 113, found in Holland p. 3.
10 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Establishment of the U.S. LightHouse Board (1852-1910)

Pleasonton’s administration was brought to an 

end in part by public outcry after a shipwreck in 

1849 and the subsequent collapse of a lighthouse 

in 1851. It was his refusal to consider the Fresnel 

system that proved his downfall. A commission 

was appointed to investigate the eff ectiveness 

of America’s lighthouses. The 750-page report 

proved so critical of Pleasonton’s management 

that Congress wasted no time in relieving him 

by creating in 1851 a nine-member Lighthouse 

Board composed of civilian and military offi cials. 

The Board exercised complete authority over the 

lighthouse system and all of America’s navigational 

aids, and created twelve lighthouse districts, each 

assigned an offi cer as lighthouse inspector. Bodie 

Island was in District Five.14 

A new era in American lighthouse construction 

began. In the next decades, new brick towers of 

increasing height were constructed.  By 1859, nine 

tall brick towers had been built, including one at 

Bodie Island, the second at that location. Six more 

were constructed in the years following the Civil 

War. The second Bodie Island Lighthouse was 

built in 1859, an 80-foot whitewashed brick tower 

designed by Army Corps of Engineers. The third 

light, the one now present, was constructed in 1872 

and was among several built concurrently on the 

Outer Banks. 

The U.S. Lighthouse Service 

(1910-1939)

In 1910, Congress dissolved the Light-House 

Board and created in its place the civilian U.S. 

Bureau of Lighthouses under the Department of 

Commerce. The legislation referred to the bureau 

as the Lighthouse Service, its more commonly 

known name. George R. Putnam was appointed 

the fi rst “Commissioner of Lighthouses” and 

modernized the Service, bringing technical 

improvements to navigational aids and pioneering 

the use of radio navigation. At its height, the 

Lighthouse Service operated about 1,200 

14. Cape Lookout Lighthouse HSR; Jones, Encyclopedia, p. 

108. The Board, whose stationary hyphenated the word to 

Light-House, was under the Treasury although it had little 

infl uence.

lighthouses and 54 lightships with a total of 11,713 

navigational aids.15 

Advances in electronics led to the automation of 

lighthouses, a transformation that reduced the 

number of Assistant Keepers necessary to operate 

the stations. In 1916, a device for automatically 

replacing burned-out electric lamps in lighthouses 

was developed. The next year an updated 

bell alarm was developed to warn keepers of 

fl uctuations in oil-vapor lamps. In the same year, 

an experimental radio beacon was installed in a 

lighthouse. An automatic time clock for operating 

electric range lights came into use in 1926, and 

by 1933, a photo electric-controlled alarm device 

had been developed to check the operation of the 

unwatched electric light. Lightships and buoys 

were similarly improved. These technological 

improvements brought the United States from 

sixth in shipping safety in 1920 to second in 1935, 

with only the Netherlands holding a better safety 

record.16

Figure 4, Logo of USLHS.

By the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of light 

stations had electric service, with the resultant 

reduction in on-site personnel. The makeup of the 

light stations began to change. The Bodie Island 

Lighthouse was electrifi ed in 1932. This led the 

way to full automation in 1940 and the ensuing 

departure of the Keeper.

15. Samuel Willard Crompton and Michael J. Rhein, The 

Ultimate Book of Lighthouses (San Diego: Thunder Bay 

Press, 2003), p. 26, found in Cape Lookout Lighthouse HSR; 

uscg.mil/history.

16. Maritime Digital Archive, United States Lighthouse 

Service, www.ibiblio.org/maritime/photolibrary/

index.php?cat=1554.
National Park Service 11

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

From Lighthouse Service to Coast 

Guard

In 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard was assigned 

responsibility for the functions of the Bureau 

of Lighthouses when it was incorporated into 

the Coast Guard with all personnel, equipment 

and property. The U.S. Coast Guard became the 

operational steward of America’s lighthouses, 

overseeing light stations as they evolved from 

manned to unmanned stations. In more recent 

years, the Coast Guard has transferred many 

lighthouses as surplus property, placing them 

under the management of the National Park 

Service (NPS) and appropriate non-profi t 

organizations. Despite the transfer of ownership 

and responsibility, many continue as working 

navigational aids with the lighting apparatus 

remaining the property of the Coast Guard.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse was transferred to 

NPS in 2000, then its Fresnel lens in 2005. NPS has 

agreed to maintain the lens as an aid to navigation. 

The lighthouse remains under the protection of the 

National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.17

Sending Out a Light

Lighthouses are simply support structures for 

a beacon. Early light towers relied on multiple 

candles and simple oil lamps; hence the quantity 

of light was measured in candlepower. As 

maritime commerce increased, so did the 

quality of lights. By the late eighteenth century, 

American lighthouses were using spider lamps 

with numerous wicks; these demanded constant 

attention.18 Light production improved around 

1810 when the Argand parabolic refl ector was 

introduced to the United States. 

One of the greatest improvements in lighthouse 

technology was developed in 1822 by the French 

physicist Augustin Fresnel (frā'-nel), who 

developed a complex lens that concentrated light 

into a powerful beam. Used fi rst in the British 

Isles, the lens came to this country in 1840. The 

lens could rotate and fl ash, allowing a unique 

pattern for each lighthouse to help navigators 

identify their locations.19 Although expensive, 

17. www.outerbankslighthousesociety.org

18. Holland, America’s Lighthouse, p. 21-23.

19. Jones, Encyclopedia, p. 14.

the Fresnel lens became the universal standard 

for over a hundred years. A major advantage for 

lighthouse keepers was the reduced amount of 

fuel required to produce a stronger light, meaning 

fewer trips carrying fuel up the steps. When placed 

at a 150-foot height, the Fresnel lens could achieve 

a distance of twenty miles; nevertheless, it would 

take the replacement of Fifth Auditor Pleasonton 

in 1852 before the United States embraced this new 

technology.20

Figure 5, Argand refl ector lamp.

Figure 6, Augustin Fresnel 1788-1827.

20. http://www.michiganlights.com/fresnel.htm.
12 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

The fi rst Bodie Island Lighthouse housed the 

inferior refl ector lighting system. The second 

Bodie Island lighthouse of 1859 was part of the 

new generation of tall brick towers constructed in 

the 1850s along the Atlantic coast, with the tallest, 

Cape Hatteras, capping out at 193 feet. All of these 

were furnished with the new “fi rst-order” Fresnel 

lens and by 1861 nearly all American lighthouses 

had been upgraded with a Fresnel lens.

Figure 7, Use of Fresnel lenses to refl ect and refract light to 

a horizontal plane.

Figure 8, 1st Order Fresnel wick.

Fuels for lighthouses were changing as well. In the 

1850s, colza oil replaced the expensive whale oil. 

In the late 1850s, Joseph Henry of the Light-House 

Board discovered lard to be an excellent fuel if 

heated to a high temperature. Lard was plentiful 

and outperformed earlier fuels; by 1867 it fueled 

the larger lighthouses with colza oil assigned to the 

smaller.21

By 1878 kerosene, popularly known in that day 

as mineral oil, began to be used for fuel. Costing 

a fraction of the cost of lard, it initially was used 

for smaller lamps but eventually in lamps of all 

sizes. In 1902, the consumption of oil for a fi rstorder light was calculated to be 2,283 gallons of 

oil per year, all of which had to be carried by the 

keeper, typically in fi ve-gallon cans, from the oil 

house up the hundreds of stairs to the lantern. 

Bodie Island’s Lighthouse made the conversion to 

mineral oil (kerosene) in 1884 and later built an oil 

house to store the fuel.22

Figure 9, USLHS kerosene glass container protected with 

metal mesh.

The last technical upgrade before the installation 

of electricity was the invention of the Incandescent 

Oil Vapor (I.O.V.) light. Operating similar to a 

modern Coleman lantern, the device vaporized 

kerosene against a hot wall, forcing it through small 

holes to a mantel where it burned in a fi reball. An 

improved I.O.V. lamp was developed in 1911. The 

following year an I.O.V. was installed in both Bodie 

21. Holland, p. 23, Smithsonian Institution Archives, Joseph 

Henry Papers, www.siarchives.si.edu/history/jhp. Henry was 

chairman of the Board’s committee on experiments; he 

helped introduce numerous improvements in illumination 

and signaling and encouraged research in optics and 

thermodynamics. 

22. Instructions to Light-Keepers (Washington: U.S. 

Government Printing Offi ce, 1902), 14.
National Park Service 13

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

Island and Cape Lookout lighthouses. The I.O.V. 

increased the burn temperature and light intensity, 

at the same time reducing the eff ort needed by the 

keeper to keep the lens clean. 

In 1886, the Lighthouse Board tested a new 

technology in the illumination of the Statue of 

Liberty--electricity. The electrical lighting of the 

statue heralded the beginning of the “modern 

age” in lighthouse illumination. In 1900, the Board 

began converting lighthouses to electric service; 

however, the scarcity of nearby power lines 

hampered a widespread conversion. 23 Therefore, 

generators were introduced where power lines 

were not available and in the 1920s and 1930s the 

Lighthouse Bureau converted most lighthouses 

to electricity. Remote Bodie Island Lighthouse 

was electrifi ed using a generator on September 

19, 1932, with the light bulbs simply replacing the 

I.O.V. lamps, leaving the Fresnel lenses in place. 

The new generator was installed in the oil house. 

The change to electricity drastically reduced the 

manpower needed to operate a lighthouse but, 

more signifi cantly, it opened the door to new 

methods of communication that would in time 

eliminate the need for keepers altogether. As early 

as 1898, the Navesink Lighthouse that had been the 

location for the fi rst Fresnel lens was also the fi rst 

lighthouse to have an electric arc lamp installed 

and supported by its own generating plant. It 

was from Navesink that in 1901 the fi rst wireless 

message was transmitted between a lighthouse and 

lightship.24

A Light at Bodie Island

The origins of the Bodie Island Lighthouse began 

almost a century before it was electrifi ed. A 

congressional examination of the southern coast 

in 1837 found Bodie Island “of great importance,” 

saying, “More vessels are lost there than on any 

part of our coast. It is the eastern-most point of 

land on the coast of North Carolina, forming in 

fact, a cape. It is my opinion, that by the erection of 

a lighthouse on it, much property would be saved 

and the navigation of the coast facilitated.”25 

Congress appropriated funds for a lighthouse 

23. www.michiganlights.com/lighthouseservice.htm.

24. Strobridge, n.p., from Cape Lookout Lighthouse HSR.

25. Holland, p. 17.

on Pea Island south of Bodie Island, but Capt. 

Charles Skinner, who was asked to examine the 

site, argued that the vast majority of vessels came 

from the north and passed close to land to avoid 

the Gulf Stream,; “...the beach is so low, they 

run on it before they are aware of danger,” and a 

light station on Bodie Island would better serve 

them. He recommended a tower sixty feet high 

with revolving light, “revolving, because Hatteras, 

nearest south, is fi xed, and Cape Henry, the nearest 

north, is also fi xed.”26

Collector of Customs Thomas H. Blount disagreed 

with Skinner, arguing the lighthouse should be 

located on Pea Island where it would be “secure 

from the storms...and much more comfortable to 

the keeper.”

Congress avoided a decision by funding, in 1838, 

a lighthouse to be built on either Pea Island or 

Bodie Island, leaving the choice to Pleasonton. 

Pleasonton followed Skinner’s recommendation, 

instructing Collector of Customs Thomas H. 

Blount to choose and purchase a site on Bodie 

Island. After several years of delay, Blount 

appealed to a member of Congress in 1843, 

...I presume the reason why it has not been 

commenced is that the appropriation was 

insuffi cient and will require one of the fi rst 

class [lights]. There is no part of the Coast of 

the U.S. which requires a Light House more 

than Body’s island—‘tis’ in the direct route 

of all going North or South & of all foreign 

vessel bound into the Chesapeake, & when 

there during the last summer, there were fi fteen 

wrecks in sight at one place, & within the last 

month, a Brig bound into Norfolk was wrecked 

there worth more than would have built the 

light house.

 You will excuse my calling your attention 

to this subject, but many of your constituents 

have suff ered and will continue to do so unless 

a light is placed there, & not only yours but the 

north are, from their owning more shipping 

than the south, still more interested.27

After a new inlet had opened at Bodie Island 

in 1846 and Congress had made an additional 

appropriation in 1847, the fi rst Bodie Island 

Lighthouse was completed and its light displayed 

in early 1848. The fi nished station included a 

wood frame single keeper’s house, brick cistern, 

and two outhouses. Two years later, defects in 

26. Holland, pp. 18-19.

27. Correspondence from Thos. H. Blount to Hon. Ed Stanly, 

U.S. Representative, dated January 20, 1843; in National 

Archives (Washington , D.C.), Entry 17C, “Letters Received 

from Superintendent of Lights, 1803-52,” found in National 

Register nomination, p. 23.
14 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

the foundation design caused the tower to settle 

unevenly in the soft soil, leaning nearly a foot out 

of plumb by 1851. By 1858 the tower was beyond 

repair; it was abandoned, replaced, and then razed. 

The second Bodie light was built in 1859 with an 

upgraded third-order Fresnel lens. Construction 

was completed in less than a year. The new lens 

required two people for operation; the previous 

keeper’s house was repaired and a new dwelling 

constructed for the new assistant keeper. The 

Timing was unfortunate. The new tower and the 

two keeper’s houses would be short-lived.28

The Civil War

The War came early to the Outer Banks and left 

late. The strategic value of the inlets and sounds 

was recognized by the Confederacy at the outset, 

and as the war began the Confederate Lighthouse 

Service ordered all lighthouse lenses removed 

and taken inland for safekeeping until war’s 

end.29 The Bodie Island Lighthouse was used 

as a lookout tower and a storage place for guns. 

North Carolina seceded from the Union in May 

of 1861, and soon after sent forces to build forts 

along the inlets of the Outer Banks, despite the 

intricacies of getting supplies, hauled by boat from 

the supply depot in New Bern. The forts were 

meant “to guard the inlets and thus protect the 

sounds from Yankee incursions.”30 Federal troops 

watched, then entered the inlets and attacked the 

forts in August, 1861. Within three days both Fort 

Hatteras and Fort Clark had fallen. Fort Ocracoke 

was next, occupied after it was abandoned by the 

Confederacy. 

With the neighboring forts gone, the Confederates 

abandoned the fort at Oregon Inlet in November 

1861, but only after blowing up the Bodie Island 

tower to prevent the Union force from using it 

28. The keeper’s house for the fi rst Bodie Island Lighthouse 

was described in 1858 as a 11⁄2-story frame house with 

unpainted “natural” wood shingles. Inside were fi ve rooms 

to serve a keeper’s family. With the house were provided a 

cooking stove, 2 warming stoves, “and pen, clock.” A brick 

cistern supplied water.

29. Torres, Historic Resource Study. HABS documentation 

of Bodie Island Light Station, 2002. Near the end of the 

War, Sherman’s troops found several crated lens stored in 

the capitol building in Raleigh. Records of the Light-House 

board indicate the Bodie lens was saved and eventually 

shipped to the Lighthouse Inspector in New York

30. Holland, p. 34.

as a lookout. To the south, the Cape Hatteras 

Lighthouse had been abandoned by Confederate 

troops, but was occupied and restored by the 

Union.31 

The Union commanders recognized that control of 

the inlets meant control of much of North Carolina 

and continued their eff orts on the Outer Banks. By 

early 1862, the entire coast had fallen into Union 

hands. In their attempt to thwart the encroaching 

enemy, the people of North Carolina had darkened 

the coast they had worked so hard to illuminate. 32

Crossing the Inlet

In the winter of 1870-71, a number of fatal 

shipwrecks along the Atlantic coast resulted 

in a renewed call for protection of vessels and 

mariners. More lighthouses were required, as 

well as personnel to help rescue wreck victims. In 

1871 Congress appropriated the fi rst funds for lifesaving stations and their crews. Construction at 

the Outer Banks began in 1872.33 A new lighthouse 

was needed at Bodie Island, but because Oregon 

Inlet had moved to within 400 yards of the previous 

site, a new location was sought. A site across the 

inlet was chosen, and construction of the third 

Bodie Island Lighthouse began in 1872.

Figure 10, Bodie Island Life-Saving Station, before 1900. 

(Collection of Outer Banks History Center, N.C. Division of 

Archives and History)

31. Bodie Island Lighthouse HSR, p. 10.

32.Torres, Historic Resource Study. 

33. Stick, Outer Banks, p. 180-193.
National Park Service 15

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

The Life of a Keeper

The 1915 defi nition of a lighthouse by the U.S. 

Bureau of Lighthouses was “a light station where a 

resident keeper(s) is employed.”34 The lighthouse 

dictated the daily lives of the Keepers, who had to 

work in all weather conditions, especially during 

hurricanes and gales when passing ships were in 

the greatest danger. The success of the station 

as the principal warning to ships at sea was fully 

dependent on the consistent and dependable 

tending of the light. Changing technologies had 

great impact on their work. 

In 1852, the newly-formed Light-House Board 

took quick action to establish uniformity and 

accountability in the government’s fl awed 

lighthouse program. The Board put into place a 

system of stringent regulations and inspections, 

reporting, “Inspectors and light-keepers should 

be provided with printed instructions, in the form 

of manuals of instruction to guide them in the 

policing of the establishments.” The position of 

District Lighthouse Inspector was created and the 

regulations were codifi ed in the Instructions to 

Light-Keepers. According to the 1852 Report of 

the Light-House Board,

Frequent visitation and minute examinations by 

competent inspectors would insure vigilance, 

economy, and order on the part of the keepers. 

The inspectors should be men thoroughly 

acquainted with all details of light-house 

management and superintendency, with the 

manner of adjusting the lamps and refl ectors, 

and for keeping them in order.35

Each Keeper and all assistants received a copy of 

the manual and were evaluated by their careful 

adherence to procedure. This manual prescribed 

a strict daily regime of maintaining the light, 

cleaning, maintenance, and record keeping. The 

manual was revised and updated as technology 

changed the operation of lighthouses; for each 

station the Board determined the number of 

keepers necessary and the duties of each.36

The size of the new 1872 tower at Bodie Island 

and the complexity of the Fresnel lens required 

several keepers to operate the light. Initially, a 

Principle Keeper and three assistants were assigned 

to the Bodie Island station. After two years, two 

34. Jones, Encyclopedia, p. 105.

35. Inspector Correspondence (1903-1912). 

36. Cape Lookout Lighthouse HSR.

assistants worked at the station and this number 

remained constant until the mid-1920s. Assistants 

were identifi ed by the status of position, with 

1st Assistant Keeper the highest followed by 2nd

Assistant Keeper and so on. The keepers worked 

on a schedule of two weeks on duty and one week 

off . The work was strenuous, particularly the night 

duty requiring a constant watch over the light. The 

keepers split the nights, with one working from 

dusk to midnight and the other working from 

midnight to dawn. The work started before dark, 

when the keeper drew and fi ltered the oil, carried 

it up the spiral stairs of the lighthouse, and lit the 

lamp. At sunset he opened the curtains covering 

the glass storm panes of the tower’s lantern level 

to send the light out to sea. He then spent the 

long hours in the watch room, one level below the 

lantern, to assure the temperature remained high 

and the light remained lit.37 

Figure 11, Watch room for keepers with Fresnel lens above.

An 1881 Circular issued by the Light-House 

Board prescribed the quantity of oil needed for 

the diff erent lamps in use at that time. The Board 

instructed that the table “should be posted on one 

of the blank leaves of the book of Instructions to 

37. John Gaskill interview, and Gaskill, p. 32.
16 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Keepers, at each light-station.”38 The table was 

accompanied by the admonition, 

The foregoing are the largest quantities of 

oil that the respective lamps can consume 

when they are clean, properly and constantly 

attended, and their fl ames kept during the 

entire time at the prescribed heights. With 

lower fl ames and bad attendance, much less oil 

will be consumed, and consequently inferior 

lights produced. 

Those keepers who come nearest to the actual 

consumption of the largest quantity of oil that 

the lamps can consume, will, as a rule, be found 

to keep the best lights; while those who report 

a larger quantity than the lamps are capable of 

consuming, must either waste or dispose of the 

excess; and those who do not consume nearly 

the maximum quantity, must necessarily bad 

lights.

Figure 12, Light-House Board circular regarding oil consumption, 1881.

Ever Cleaning 

For the early lighthouse keepers, cleaning the 

lens and lantern house was a constant and critical 

chore. Fuels changed and many kinds of burners 

and wicks were used, but all produced soot or 

smoke. James Clafl in, in The Lighthouse Digest, 

describes the work:

38. “Circular. Consumption of Oil and Luminous Intensities 

of lamps in the Light-house Service,” November 7, 1881.

Cleaning was a constant job at the lighthouse. 

Keepers were required to keep everything 

polished and clean at all times, while still 

maintaining their uniforms clean as well. For 

this reason, the Service provided cleaning coats 

or aprons to protect their uniforms.

The “1902 Instructions to Lightkeepers” 

noted that, “When the light is extinguished 

in the morning, the keeper must hang the 

lantern curtains and immediately begin to put 

the apparatus in order for relighting. While 

doing this, the linen aprons provided for the 

keeper’s use must be worn, that the lens may 

not suff er from contact with the wearing 

apparel.” The lens glass was extremely delicate 

and daily cleaning was required. However, 

it was important that it be done in just the 

right manner. Indeed, even wiping the dust 

improperly could scratch the lens. The 

regulations continued: “Before beginning to 

clean the lens, it must be brushed with the 

feather brush to remove all dust. It must then 

be wiped with a soft linen cloth, and fi nally 

polished with a buff -skin. If there is oil or 

grease on any part, it must be taken off with a 

linen cloth, moistened with spirits of wine, and 

then polished off with a buff -skin. Under no 

circumstances must a skin which has been wet 

or damp be used, as this will scratch the lens.”39

Cleaning aprons and coats were among the 

supplies distributed by the Lighthouse Service. 

The coats were of tight-weave linen, long enough 

to protect against a buckle or button underneath. 

The circular logo of the Lighthouse Service was 

stamped on the coats as were all objects supplied 

by the service. The “soft linen cloth” mentioned 

in the Instructions was another item issued by 

the Light House Establishment, the number 

determined by the size or order of light: fi rst order 

lights were issued 24 towels; second order, 20 

towels; third order, 18; and so on. Even these were 

marked with the LHE’s circular stamp, “to ensure 

that they were not removed and used for other 

purposes.”40

More than a Lighthouse

The duties of the lighthouse keeper went beyond 

the lighthouse itself. Days were spent doing the 

work necessary to keep the complex operating. 

It was the keeper’s job to keep the whole of the 

light station in order, to clean, paint, and repair 

all buildings on the station; clean chimneys of the 

keepers’ dwelling; keep privy clean and apply lime; 

39. Lighthouse Digest, April 2006. www.lighthousedepot.

com/lite_digest.asp?action=get_article&sk=

02440&bhcd2=1248574720.

40. Ibid.
National Park Service 17

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

stack wood properly in woodshed; maintain all 

mechanical equipment; maintain a log book and 

record all daily light station activities; take weather 

readings every day; weed the walkways and 

maintain the light station grounds; keep inventories 

of all equipment and fuel; provide visitors with 

tours of the station; and plant and tend a personal 

garden as needed.41

Each aspect of a keeper’s task was addressed by the

Lighthouse Service. James Clafl in describes the 

rules regarding paint.

During most of the history of the U.S. 

Lighthouse Establishment and Service, paints 

and colors were mixed by hand by the keeper as 

he prepared for his day’s work. Colors were not 

by choice, but rather were strictly dictated by 

regulation. The 1871 regulations are typical of 

the detailed instruction provided, with in excess 

of fi ve pages included on the subject. 

Whitewash was also a common item used for 

most towers and dwellings of the time. The 

recipe for whitewashing had been found by 

experience and served well on wood, brick and 

stone and was less expensive than paint as well. 

To make whitewash, half a bushel of unslaked 

lime was slaked with boiling water, keeping it 

41. http://www.ponceinlet.org/PDF/Keepers_Duties.pdf.

covered. It was then strained and a peck of salt, 

dissolved in warm water was added. Three 

pounds of ground rice was put into boiling 

water and boiled to a thin paste; half a pound 

of Spanish whiting, and a pound of clear glue, 

dissolved in warm water. This mixture was 

mixed well, and allowed to stand for several 

days. When used, this whitewash mixture was 

heated in a kettle and put on as hot as possible, 

using painters’ or whitewash brushes.42

By 1902, the same materials and instructions 

continued to be used by the keepers, with 

more detailed instructions provided as to color 

selection.

The keeper was expected to perform other duties 

as well. He watched for and reported on all wrecks 

in his vicinity and if he could lend any assistance 

to the wreck, was instructed to do so. By 1902, 

the keepers were also acting as conservation 

wardens charged with the task of preventing 

trees from being cut on Federal lands and 

assuring compliance with state game laws. More 

specifi cally, regarding birds, 

It is most desirable that not only the game 

animals of the country but that song birds 

and birds of all kinds should be protected and 

42. Lighthouse Digest, October 2006. 72.45.162.158/Digest/

StoryPage.cfm?StoryKey=2550.

Figure 13, Bodie Island Light Station, 1893. (H. Bamber, photographer)
18 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

encouraged to occupy their abodes in their 

natural habitats and the Light-House Board 

directs that all persons in the service not only 

exercise this spirit of protection but encourage 

others to do likewise.43

Supplies and Demands

Figure 13

Many reports and letters between keepers and the 

district offi ces deal with supplies and equipment. 

The Light-House Board provided all supplies for 

the light, the station, and the keepers, especially 

where lighthouses were located in isolated areas 

with limited access to food, such as at Bodie Island. 

Provisions were delivered by lighthouse tenders, 

ships that served a vital role; they “tended” to the 

needs of others. The crews on the tenders brought 

fuel, food, news, mail, supplies and maintenance 

crews to help with major repair work. Specifi cally 

designed to support lighthouses and light vessels, 

the tenders had shallow drafts suitable for coastal 

waters.44

Figure 14, The Lighthouse Tender Geranium. (1865-1910) 

(www.history.navy.mil.)

Because they were posted at isolated stations, 

the keepers at Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras, 

and Hatteras Inlet were entitled to provisions. 

According to a letter dated April 24, 1907, each 

keeper was entitled to $40.88 in provisions per 

year. In 1907, Messrs Claridge & Woodall of 

Baltimore received the contract for providing 

provisions. In May 1908, legislation changed the 

rate of provisions to 30 cents a day. On June 6, 

1908, the Naval Secretary wrote the Inspector, ‘At 

stations where rations cannot be obtained easily on 

the local market, inspectors have the authority to 

43. Instruction to Light-Keepers, 1902 edition. pp. 8, 12.

44. Lighthouse Service Commissioner George R. Putnam 

noted in his book Lighthouses and Lightships of the United 

States. [Cambridge, MA. 1933 2nd. ed.]

continue rations to prevent hardship, rather than 

paying the 30-cent daily allowance”. On July 24, 

1908, the Inspector wrote the Keepers, “During the 

four winter months rations will be issued to your 

station. The allowance is $36.30 for each keeper. 

Price list from Claridge & Woodall enclosed.”45

In a letter dated May 24, 1909, a 14-page list of 

supplies was sent to fi fth district light stations. An 

undated letter entitled “Schedule of Deliveries of 

Fuel from Washington Depot, NC” instructed that 

coal, hard wood, and pine wood be sent to Bodie 

Island, Cape Hatteras, Ocracoke, Hatteras Inlet, 

and other stations in the District. 46

Figure 15, USLHS Tool box. (Courtesy of Clafl in Antiques)

On November 2, 1908, Ephraim Meekins, Jr., 

Principal Keeper of Bodie Island, wrote the 

Inspector: “Your letter of Oct 29th last rec’d today, 

and I hasten to send list of provisions needed in 

accordance with your instructions. The Keeper of 

Cape Hatteras told me he received a list to select 

from, but I did not. Consequently I did not know 

what to do, but wait instructions from you. The 

enclosed list calls for (approximately) what has 

been provided heretofore.

1 Barrel Flour

1 “ Beef

1 “ Potatoes

45. Inspector Correspondence Overview, p. 5.

46. Inspector Correspondence (1903-1912). 
National Park Service 19

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

1 “ Pork

1 Bushel Onions

1 “ Beans

10 lbs Coff ee

75 “ Sugar

15 “ Rice

4 Galls Vinegar”47

In addition to food, coal, wood, tool chest, and 

other daily supplies, the Lighthouse Service 

supplied furniture and basic needs for a residence. 

The interior of the Keeper’s quarters was simple. 

The house was neither electrifi ed nor plumbed 

while it served as a residence. Lighting was by 

kerosene lamp, heat was by fi replaces, and the 

privies were outside. A wood stove served the 

kitchen, and behind the sink a hand pump between 

the windows supplied water.48

Figure 16, USLHS cup, banjo clock, and seal on blanket. 

(Courtesy of Clafl in Antiques)

Tenders brought supplies both large and small. 

The Quarters were furnished a medicine chest, 

blankets, china, and a banjo clock and barometer 

to mount on the hall wall. Also in the hall was 

a portable library supplied by the Light-House 

Establishment. Despite their many duties, keepers 

often had a great deal of time on their hands; 

reading was a common pastime. In 1876 the LightHouse Establishment began to provide portable 

libraries to light vessels and isolated light stations 

with a selection of reading materials. These were 

47. Ibid. 

48. Gaskill interview and Gaskill Remembers, p. 38.

distributed with other supplies by the tender ships. 

Early “traveling libraries” were contained in a 

portable wooden case, each with a printed listing 

of the contents posted inside the door. Later 

the libraries were rolling bookcases to be placed 

against the wall of the keeper’s residence. These 

libraries were exchanged at six-month intervals, 

sent to another lighthouse and replaced by a 

diff erent set of books. A typical library consisted 

of about fi fty books, largely fi ction with a mix of 

history, poetry, scientifi c works, and always a Bible. 

Each was marked in the front with the offi cial 

Light-House Establishment bookplate.49 

Figure 17, USLHS portable library, closed box (top), open 

box (bottom). (Courtesy of Clafl in Antiques)

49. Gaskill interview; clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/lhkeep1.

htm; http://www.michiganlights.com/lhlibrary.htm.
20 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

The Hardships of Proximity & 

Isolation: Appointments and 

Transfers

The Double Keepers’ Quarters remained the only 

living accommodations for crew at the Bodie Island 

Light Station. The daily intimacy of proximity 

could be one concern for crew working and living 

so close together. But the isolation from others 

was hard too. Even though family members 

were allowed to live at the Cape Hatteras and 

Bodie Island Light Stations, the isolated locations 

discouraged the inclusion of families, especially 

ones with young children. As noted in 1905 by 

Keeper Gallop, there were no children of school 

age at that station, the nearest common school was 

seven miles away, and the only means of reaching it 

was by boat.50

Whether it was the isolation, the demands 

of the job, the rigor of the inspections, or the 

salary, Keepers and especially Assistant Keepers 

transferred to and from light stations frequently. 

Keepers at isolated stations often sought better 

positions for themselves or assignments closer 

to their families. Keepers generally started their 

careers as 2nd or 3rd Assistant Keepers and were 

gradually promoted as Principal Keepers at the less 

attractive stations. Onshore stations near towns 

were generally considered more desirable and were 

awarded to keepers with seniority.

Records of the Lighthouse Inspector reveal 

numerous requests for transfers, leaves, and 

replacements, sometimes to trade positions with 

another keeper. Keepers also made many requests 

for leaves of absence to visit their families who 

lived onshore or to tend to personal business. On 

July 21, 1905, Assistant Keeper Simpson requested 

a transfer to station near Manteo. He writes, “My 

reasons for wanting thie [sic] Position is Because 

my home is in Manteo, & it would make it quite 

handy for me. I had to move my family from this 

station a year ago in order to the my Children to 

School, & it is about 12 miles from here to Manteo 

and in winter it is quite a Bad Rout in open Boat.” 51

The distance from schools was an ongoing 

diffi culty. On July 22, 1911, Bodie Island 2nd

Assistant Keeper B.F. Peel wrote the Inspector:

50. Inspector Correspondence, 1905.

51. Cape Lookout HSR; Inspector Correspondence (1903-

1912). 

“As I understand that ther is to be some Beacon 

Light Built in Hatteras Inlet Chanley and if such 

Be the cse I Respctfully ask to Be transferred 

to them as my home is in Hatteras an if the are 

Built whear I have Ben inform thear my House 

id the nearest pleas for I can see them at any 

time Seated in my home an I have a power Boat 

in which I will use free of charge an I will Build 

a House at my own expence to keep oil in an 

other supplies. My reason is for wanting them 

is I am 60 miles from my home an I cant keep 

family hear on the cont of my children cant git 

schooling.”

Another diffi culty was driving in the sand, whether 

by wagon or automobile. Keepers kept a horse 

and cart to haul supplies delivered by the tenders 

and often had trouble in the sandy ground. When 

the small tires of early cars sank into the sand, air 

was let out of the tires to gain wider traction. Trips 

were planned at low tide in order to drive on the 

hard sand along the water line, but even then the 

route to and from the light station was risky.52

Figure 18, Vehicle stuck in the beach sand, 1937. (CAHA 

collection)

Letters indicate that friendships developed among 

keepers of diff erent stations. For example, on 

August 6, 1908, Second Assistant J.T. Twiford wrote 

the Inspector: “I beg leave to state that I most 

earnestly desire and respectfully ask to exchange 

positions with Mr. Barnie F. Geel, Asst Long Shoal 

Lt Sta, NC. My reason for desiring this is that my 

family is sickly at this Station and I desire to try a 

change. Long Shoal is near my home and much 

better for me in all respects. For this reason I 

respectfully ask that Mr. Geel’s and my application 

receive due consideration as we are anxious to 

make this change.”

52. Inspector Correspondence, Meekins to Inspector, May 3, 

1909; Gaskill interview. 
National Park Service 21

 Part I.A - Historical Background and Context

Keepers were also given leave to visit or be assigned 

to national expositions, popular at the time. The 

expositions often included lighthouse exhibits.53 

In December 1906, Keeper Ephraim Meekins at 

Bodie Island wrote Admiral B.P. Lamberton of the 

USLHB, requesting “to do a month as keeper of the 

Light-house Exhibit at the Jamestown Centennial 

next summer.” In the fall of the following year, 

he requested “10 days leave (to commence about 

the 22nd inst.) to visit the Jamestown Exposition 

with my family. I will faithfully comply with all 

requirements.” A week later, the inspector off ered 

“Keeper Simpson of Cape Hatteras [to be] at 

the Jamestown Tricentennial Exposition on Oct 

16.” and informed Meekins that this travel and 

other expenses would be paid by the government 

representative at the Jamestown Exposition, with 

per diem at $2.50 per day. A substitute at Bodie 

Island was also to be paid by the government. 

Meekins found a competent substitute in William 

E. Daniels, left the 1st Assistant Keeper in charge, 

and was detailed to the exhibition.54

Meekins’ tour of duty at the Jamestown Exposition 

was extended, as was the term of William Daniels 

as temporary substitute Assistant at the station. 

Daniels was considered a day laborer “at the rate 

of the Second Assistant Keeper” $450 per annum 

from October 13 to Dec 3 (inclusive).” At the same 

time and during Keeper Meekins’ absence, John 

W. Twiford was transferred to Bodie Island from 

Long Shoal Light Station to become 2nd Assistant 

Keeper.55

We do not know when Meekins returned to duty at 

Bodie Island although in a letter dated February 18, 

1908, the Naval Secretary inquired as to what date 

Keeper Meekins had returned from the Jamestown 

Exposition. No response was recorded.56

The Last Keeper and the Longest 

Service

Vernon Gaskill began his long tenure as Principal 

Keeper in 1919 when his children were young. The 

family lived at the lighthouse for a year, but because 

the only transportation was by boat, Gaskill’s wife 

53. Inspector Correspondence (1903-1912). 

54. Ibid.

55. Ibid. 

56. Ibid. 

and children lived in Wanchese during the winters 

so the children could attend school, and moved 

to the lighthouse during holidays and summer 

vacations. The keeper and his family lived in 

the south end of the house; the assistant keepers 

shared the north end.57

Gaskill’s duties changed signifi cantly in his fi rst 

years at Bodie. Night watch duties, requiring a 

keeper to stay in the tower overnight to monitor 

temperature of the light, became easier in 1922 

when a thermostat was installed over the lamp and 

wired to a battery-powered bell in the keeper’s 

quarters. A reduction in temperature triggered 

the bell to alert the keeper, now sleeping in his 

quarters rather than in the watch room. The watch 

room instead was now monitored by a clock that 

recorded the temperature and the times the light 

was lit and extinguished each day by the keepers. 

This record was sent monthly to the lighthouse 

district offi ce.58

Figure 19, Vernon Gaskill (Principal Keeper 1919-1940) on 

porch of Double Keepers’ Quarters. (CAHA collection)

57. Before transferring to Bodie Island, Gaskill served at 

three water light stations and two land stations in South 

Carolina, North Carolina, and Maryland. After leaving 

Bodie Island in 1940, he transferred to Coinjock.

58. John Gaskill interview, and Gaskill, p. 32-33.
22 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

The clock and bell system eliminated the need for a 

night watch in the tower. Accordingly, in 1922 the 

Light-House Board abolished the position of 2nd

Assistant Keeper at Bodie. Not only was the third 

keeper no longer needed, but with night duty in the 

watch room no longer necessary, only one keeper 

was needed at the station at any one time. This 

allowed a work schedule of one week on and one 

week off , far easier for keepers with families.59

Although technological improvements had 

been made to the lighthouse, the needs of the 

station had not changed. The Lighthouse Service 

recognized that the reduced work force could not 

do the work of three. The Lighthouse Service 

therefore no longer required the keepers to paint 

the tower; instead, painters were sent at four-year 

intervals with work crews brought by the tenders. 

Responsibility for painting the Keeper’s Quarters 

and other buildings remained with the keepers, 

with most work done in the summer.60

In contrast, Keeper Gaskill described his early 

responsibilities in a log report:

(1) As keeper in charge of this station, I 

am responsible for the for the [sic] proper 

execution of the duties whether performed 

by myself or Asst. I light lamp in tower every 

othe [sic] evening and raise curtains so light 

will be visible to passing ships. Asst. Keeper 

performs the same duty the following evening. 

I watch the light intervals until sunrise when I 

extinguish light and refi ll tanks with kerosene 

so it will be ready for lighting in the evening. 

Also I clean lens and watch room before coming 

down to dwelling. I am on duty about twelve 

hours in this instance. (2) I have one Asst. and 

I superintend and assist in painting, cleaning 

paint on outhouses and dwellings, clean iron 

work by chipping ruse [sic] from same when 

needed. Also keep grass cut on lawn, make 

minor repairs to sta. such as replaceing [sic] 

lantern glass when broken, repairing doors, 

replaceing [sic] hinges when broken, painting 

motor boat and skiff , keep engine repaired so 

it can be used at any time for getting supplies 

and mail from nearest store and post Offi ce 

seven miles across the sound. I put in about fi ve 

hours per day at this work. (3) In addition to the 

above duties I must make a weekly inspection 

of Sta. Including assistant’s quarters and 

record made of conditions of Sta. log. Make 

monthly report of condition of Sta. to district 

Supt. at Baltimore. Take annual inventory and 

list all articles worn out have them surveyed 

and condemed [sic] when Supt visits sta. on 

inspection. Also I superintend and assist in the 

painting of tower outside, steps inside, and 

whitewash once every fi ve years. I attend to all 

correspondence from sta. with supt. relative to 

59. Ibid, p. 32.

60. Ibid.

general repairs to station. I average about two 

hours per day on this work.61

With elimination of the need for a daily light keeper, so 

ended a colorful chapter in American maritime history. 

The lighthouses, the keepers’ quarters and the host of 

ancillary buildings that together were essential to the 

successful operation of a light station are the tangible 

evidence that remains from this important epoch.

61. Bodie Island Lighthouse Historic Structure Report, 13. 

www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/caha/caha_

Bodie_hsr.pdf.
National Park Service 23 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

B. Chronology of Development 

and Use

Historical documentation of light stations is 

appropriately focused on the lighthouses and their 

operation, while accounts of their accompanying 

buildings tend to be scant in comparison. Yet 

the records of the Bodie Island Light Station tell 

the story of the complex as a whole. The Double 

Keepers’ Quarters there and its complement 

of outbuildings were recognized as necessary 

to the success of the lighthouse in protecting 

mariners from the shoals of the Outer Banks. 

Available records and previous research provide 

a comprehensive description of the building’s 

development and use from its 1870s construction 

as a residence, through its conversion in the 1950s 

as a nature museum, and to its current use as a 

comprehensive Visitor Center. 

Post-war Recovery

National and international shipping returned to 

the war-torn parts of the south after the Civil War 

and with it an increase in shipwrecks. In 1867, 

the District Engineer of the Lighthouse Board 

sought funding for the reconstruction of the Bodie 

Island Light Station. Initial plans to place the Light 

Station on the same ground occupied by the earlier 

two were stymied by the encroaching Oregon Inlet 

as it advanced to within 400 yards of the earlier site. 

The District Engineer proposed instead a site on 

the north side of the inlet on a plot of land owned 

by John B. Etheridge, who had been Keeper of the 

fi rst Bodie Island Lighthouse. The 15 acres of land 

that Etheridge and his wife agreed to sell to the 

Board were conveyed on June 13, 1871, for $150. 

The Double Keepers’ Quarters was not among the 

fi rst buildings at the site. Even before the tower 

was begun, structures were built to house workers 

and materials. Work started on the support 

buildings in the middle of June, 1871, when the 

Lighthouse Engineer for the Fifth District, Captain 

Peter C. Hains, dispatched a working party to the 

new Bodie site under the supervision of Dexter 

Stetson.1

 As superintendent of construction, 

Stetson engaged his own work crew with the 

Engineer’s approval. 

Figure 1, Plot of Etheridge land purchased in 1871. (CAHA 

collection)

Workers began immediately erecting temporary 

storage buildings, workmen’s quarters, and 

1. Dexter Stetson also supervised construction of the 

lighthouses at Cape Hatteras (1870) and Currituck Beach 

(1875). He trained as a carpenter, fi rst building summer 

cottages in Massachusetts, then moving to New Orleans 

where he built large government storehouses. He later 

transferred to the Atlantic coast where he built lighthouses 

from Florida to North Carolina. Cutter, William Richard, 

Genealogical and Personal Memoirs relating to the Families 

of Boston and Massachusetts, New York: Lewis Historical 

Publishing Co., 1908, p. 1701.
24 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

a wharf. Construction of the Cape Hatteras 

lighthouse was wrapping up, and materials from 

temporary structures used during construction 

there were sent to Bodie Island; even Hatteras’ 

tramway was moved to Bodie to carry the brick 

and stone from the wharf to the building site.2 

In early August, Captain Hains reported to the 

U.S. Lighthouse Board (USLHB) the temporary 

buildings that had been constructed, including

a blacksmiths’ shop, a store house for cement, 

engine room, stable and carpenters shop. A 

temporary building for an offi ce and quarters 

is nearly completed. Two scows for landing 

supplies have been commenced and nearly 

fi nished. An embankment on which to lay the 

railroad track where it crosses the marsh has 

been thrown up. The most of the material used 

in these temporary structures is that taken from 

Cape Hatteras...3

When the support buildings were fi nished, Stetson 

stayed on to supervise lighthouse construction. 

The Lighthouse Service decided against 

contracting the construction of the permanent 

buildings to a private fi rm, although contracts were 

awarded for materials, including brick, granite, 

and iron. By September a pier was built to hold a 

derrick for off -loading ships, and brick shipments 

began after November. Some of that brick, 

supplied by Nicholas M. Smith of Baltimore, may 

have been used for the Keepers’ Quarters.4

Progress on the tower and dwelling was 

reported regularly to the Lighthouse Board by 

the District Engineer. Initial decisions on the 

Keepers’ Quarters were made only shortly before 

construction began. An early reference to the 

house was one of practicality. On March 11, 1872, 

Hains wrote Major George H. Elliott, Engineering 

Secretary of the USLHB: 

Have you any particular plans for keepers 

dwelling at Body’s Island, NC? I would suggest 

that as it is extremely expensive to make repairs 

in this locality, it would be advisable to build 

the dwelling of permanent material—as brick. 

This would aff ord additional safely against fi re. 

I am having a tracing made of keepers dwelling 

for First Order Light-houses from Plate 85-V,VI 

and VII-Volume ?? of Drawings published by 

Light-House Board.5 

2. Engineering letters Feb –Sept 1871; Engineer’s annual 

report 1871.

3. Engineering letters, Hains to Shubrick, August 1, 1871, 

monthly progress report.

4. Stick, NC Lighthouses, pp. 64, 67; Holland p. 39-41; 5th 

District Engineer’s Letter Press, April-September 1871, and 

Engineer’s 1871 Annual Report.

5. Engineering letters, Hains to Elliott, March 11, 1872.

The keepers at Bodie Island might have lived in 

more stylish accommodations had it not been for 

Captain Hains’s letter of April 4:

I have to return herewith, tracings of Lightkeepers Dwelling, from L. H. Board, as suitable 

for Body’s Island Light-Station, which seem 

to me to be more elaborate and costly than 

would be necessary at that Station. I submit 

also tracings prepared in this Offi ce from old 

drawings furnished by the L.H. Board and 

would propose that the latter, which will answer 

every purpose, at a much less cost, be used 

instead of the former.

Hains compared costs for the LHB plans and his 

plans, the former costing $9,868.69, the latter 

$6,037.20.6

Two weeks later, Hains pressed the board for a 

decision in order to begin the work. It apparently 

was approved before “[the] foundation of the 

dwelling was commenced on the 2nd inst. [May].” 

Walter Frazier joined the work crew in March as a 

well-paid bricklayer, and it is likely that he worked 

on the Keepers’ Quarters when construction 

began. If so, his fi rst stint there was brief, as 

work on the house was suspended in late June to 

allow the crew to concentrate on completing the 

lighthouse tower.7 Even so, by July 1, over 26,000 

bricks had been laid on the dwelling with 68 casks 

of cement used. “The twelve upper window 

frames have been made and set in dwelling and the 

upper and lower fl ooring joists and lower partition 

studding have been put in. The dwelling has been 

built up 10 feet, and the walls are now leveled up 

ready to receive the wall plates.”8

By mid August, Hains reported “the tower and 

keepers’ dwelling are now well advanced toward 

completion.” 

Apparently feeling a need to justify the cost, Hains 

emphasized that the lighthouse would “supply a 

want long felt by the commerce of the country, as 

may be readily seen from the number of wrecks 

that have been strewn along the beach from time 

to time for twenty miles to the south and the same 

6. Hains lists 18 windows for the proposed house. The DKQ 

has 6 bays totaling 20 windows, while the 1872 keeper’s 

house at Cape Lookout had 5 bays, totaling 18 windows. 

Perhaps at that time Hains was considering the same plan as 

the CALO plan.

7. Holland p. 41. Letters & Letter Press Nov 1871 to June, 

1872. Frazier was paid 40 cents an hour when fi rst-rate 

laborers received 221⁄2 cents an hour.

8. Engineering letters, Hains to Professor Henry, July 1, 1872. 
National Park Service 25 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

distance north of the lighthouse.” Hains went 

so far as to list vessels that had gone ashore since 

construction had begun, pointing out that in 

vessels and cargo alone, the loss was “more than 

enough to build the lighthouse.”9

By late September, Hains reported “the entire work 

is now about fi nished.” 10 A more detailed report 

was submitted for the November monthly report: 

[Carpenters] have been engaged in getting 

out material for and completing back piazza 

of the keeper’s dwelling; making and putting 

down main steps and three pairs of end steps 

to piazza; laying two wooden walks, leading 

from the dwelling to wood-house and privies; 

building a double privy; reboarding and fi tting 

up the carpenter shop for use as a wood house; 

making a . . .[illeg.] and hanging two gates; 

[illeg.] putting various fastenings on dwelling 

house, sheds, etc. 

 The blacksmith has been employed in putting 

fl ashing on piazzas; setting holes in dwelling 

walls for piazza ceiling strips; building two 

wooden platforms as cisterns;...putting 

ladder rods under piazza, and assisting in 

whitewashing fence, taking down cement 

shed ... . 

Materials were once again recycled as Hains 

recommended the considerable excess of brick 

be loaded onto the barge and transferred to 

Cape Lookout for use in construction of the 

keeper’s quarters there.11 The third Bodie Island 

Lighthouse was completed. Its success depends on 

the keepers.

Plans of 1872

Plans for “Double Dwelling for Keepers of Bodys 

Island L.H.” are dated Jan. 31, 1872, drawn 

in Baltimore and “Transmitted with Letter of 

this date to L.H.B., [signed] P.C. Hains, Major 

Engineers I/S/A/, Engineer 5th L.H. District.” 

The sheet of drawings includes front elevation, 

section, framing plans for fi rst & second fl oor, 

and “Section through Veranda.” The front and 

back of the house had been determined in early 

May when work on the house began and District 

Engineer Hains instructed the Superintendent of 

Construction Dexter Stetson to have the building 

face the lighthouse. His one-sentence letter was to 

the point: “Sir: You are hereby directed to have the 

Keepers dwelling for Body’s Island Light Station 

9. Engineering letters, Aug. 21, 1872.

10. Engineering letters, Hains to Elliot, Dec. 1, 1872.

11. Engineering letters, found in Holland, p. 42.

face towards the light-house. Very respectfully, 

Peter C. Hains, Capt Eng.”12 

At that time there was no road near the house; 

access was solely by boat until the 1920s when 

a bridge to the island was built. Later residents 

considered the west, or “back” to be the front, 

which was the sensible arrangement after the road 

appeared. It is presented as such today.

Figure 2, Peter Hains’s 1872 instruction for dwelling to face 

lighthouse. (CAHA collection)

The plans show the body of the house as it is 

today, a two-story, side-gabled brick house with 

six bays of six-over-six windows on the upper 

story, and a corresponding six bays on the lower 

level with the two center bays used as entrances. 

A full-front porch rests on piers, and four interior 

end chimneys pierce the roof. Front stairs are the 

width of the two interior hallways. Front and back 

elevations appear identical with the exception 

of porch steps. At the back, two narrower sets 

of steps are centered not on the entrance doors, 

but roughly on the inner kitchen window of each 

apartment. Lattice screening was to span the 

spaces between the porch’s foundation piers. 

Inside, the two living quarters are shown of equal 

size with a through-hall and two side rooms on 

both levels, each heated by a fi replace. The halls 

are unheated, as are the small rooms found at the 

end of each second-fl oor hall. A small room was 

located at the front of the hall on the second fl oor 

of each apartment. Keeper Vernon Gaskill kept his 

12. Hains to Dexter Stetson, May 3 & June 25, 1872.
26 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

keeper’s logs and medicine chest on a shelf in the 

room; it served no other use while he was Keeper.13 

 

Exterior Design vs. Construction

A closer examination reveals notable diff erences 

between these 1872 plans and later documents. In 

the summer of 1893, Herbert Bamber, Lighthouse 

District Superintendent of Construction, surveyed 

the Light Station and produced a detailed site plan 

and a series of photographs.14 His site plan notes

“Double dwelling, brick, shingle roof. Height 

of fl oor 8.9’.” Measurements of the house are 

recorded as 48.8’ x 28.8’. 

Figure 3, Plans for “Double Dwelling for Keepers of Bodys Island L.H.” are dated Jan 31, 1872, drawn in Baltimore and 

“Transmitted with Letter of this date to L.H.B.” (CAHA collection)

Of particular interest are Bamber’s photographs 

of the Keepers’ Quarters, the earliest known 

images of the site. They suggest that elements of 

the 1872 plans may have been changed in the fi rst 

two decades, or more likely were omitted before 

construction. Whereas the 1872 drawings show 

the six fenestration bays evenly spaced, the 1893 

photographs show the arrangement as found today, 

with the two central bays closer together. Certainly

13. John Gaskill Interview.

14. Photographs by Herbert Bamber, June 9, 1893. Bamber 

was the Lighthouse District Superintendent of Construction. 

During construction of the 1887 Ponce de Leon Inlet 

Lighthouse in Florida, he developed an adjustable 

construction platform for masonry lighthouses. Eshelman, 

Ralph. National Historic Landmark Study, Ponce de Leon 

Inlet Light Station, 1998.

the building was built with the current spacing. 

The 1872 drawings themselves might indicate 

that the changes were considered before actual 

construction; the elevation shows the even spacing, 

but the fl oor plans show the arrangement as built.15 

A closer look reveals that the spacing of the 

doorways is diff erent on the two elevations. The 

doorways of the east elevation, towards the 

lighthouse, are closer together than those on the 

west façade. The reason for this is not known. A 

letter of May 5, 1872, might address one or both of 

these issues. District Engineer Hains wrote to Mr. 

Dexter Stetson, “Sir: your suggestion relative to 

changing the positions of the doors and windows 

in the keepers dwelling is approved, and you are 

authorized to make them.”

Figure 3

Other elements of the 1872 plans may never have 

been built. The plans show a paneled frieze across 

the front of the building with sixteen rectangular 

panels, although photographs taken in 1893, 1933, 

and the early 1950s show no shadow or other 

indication of such a frieze. The next available 

elevation, drawn in 1954, shows a plain fascia 

board similar to the existing. 

Similarly, a scroll-sawn corner bracket on the main 

roof of the drawing was not built. Again, there 

15. Center bays are spaced differently on the two 

elevations.
National Park Service 27 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

is a discrepancy even during the design phase, as 

the brackets are not shown in the front elevation 

on the same 1872 sheet. They are clearly absent 

in the 1893 and later photographs and in the 1954 

drawings.

The 1872 design of the porch also diff ers from the 

1893 photographs. The original design depicts 

the house with the nine bays of porch delineated 

by square 4" x 4" posts with simple square 6" x 

6" bases and capitals. The nine bays are evenly 

spaced, but show no correlation with the six bays 

of the house. The porch is topped by a shed roof. 

A side view of the back porch suggests a similar 

design.

The photographs show major diff erences. Both 

porches are covered by hipped roofs rather than 

the shed roof shown in the 1872 plans; the porches 

are divided into six bays rather than nine; and 

both porches have an X-braced railing while the 

1872 plans show none. Also of interest are the 

paired posts on the 1893 photograph of the back 

porch rather than the single posts shown in 1872 

plans. Detail of the front posts is unclear in the 

photographs.

Figure 4, Herbert Bamber’s photograph of Bodie Island 

Light Station, 1893. (CAHA collection)

Even the porch steps appear to have been changed. 

According to the 1872 plans, front steps were to be 

wide and centered at the entrance bays, but two 

narrower sets of steps were planned at the back. 

Again the 1893 photographs show diff erences. The 

front stair appears the same as the 1872 plan. The 

back steps, however, show the same wide center 

stair as the front rather than the two smaller sets of 

steps, though this detail is somewhat obscured by a 

fence in the photograph. A 1933 photograph also 

shows a single set of back steps, wide and centered. 

Despite both drawn and photographic evidence 

of the back stairs, a fl oor plan drawn by the Coast 

Guard in 1945 shows the same two sets of back 

steps as shown in the 1872 drawing, perhaps 

suggesting that the draftsman in Norfolk based 

portions of his plan on earlier drawings rather than 

on-site evidence.

Figure 5, Colored photograph; possibly a 1920s 

reproduction of one of Bamber’s 1893 photographs. (CAHA 

collection)

The porch’s side steps also may have changed 

during construction. In the 1872 plans, no side 

steps were present, yet District Engineer Hains’ 

letter of August, 1872 reports “putting down main 

steps and three pairs of end steps to the piazza.” 

The fourth set apparently was added before 1909 

when a site plan for the proposed new keepers’ 

house shows side steps on both porches extending 

to narrower walkways to existing outbuildings. 

The plan shows the desired layout of the new 

house and several new outbuildings, as well as 

identifying “new brick walks” and specifying the 

locations of two buildings to be moved. These may 

have replaced the wooden walkways represented in 

1872, or supplemented them. 

Interior Design vs. Construction

Changes are also evident in interior plans. The 

1872 drawings show, for each apartment, a door 

from hall to kitchen and another from hall to living 

room, positioned close together near the center of 

the hall wall. Doors to the second-fl oor bedrooms 

are similarly positioned. The 1945 plans, on the 

other hand, show the fi rst-fl oor doors farther 

apart, closer to the outside walls of the house. On 

the second fl oor, the 1945 plans show the bedroom 

doors still close together and near the center. 
28 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Figure 6, Section from 1872 sheet of drawings showing 

placement of interior doors. (CAHA collection)

Another interior change, again in doorways, is 

the lack of any opening between living room 

and kitchen in the 1872 plan. This seems an 

uncomfortable arrangement, leaving access only 

through the unheated hall. By 1945, plans show a 

more practical doorway between the two rooms. 

John Gaskill, who grew up in the house when his 

father was keeper, remembers all doors in the later 

confi gurations shown on the 1945 plan prior to his 

departure in the early 1930s.

Figure 7, First fl oor plan, 1945. (CAHA collection)

A minor change from 1872 is also shown in the 

1945 plans. In both plans, the downstairs rooms 

appear to have cabinets in the spaces adjacent to 

fi replaces. In 1872, they are shown only on the 

interior side of both fi replaces; by 1945, they are on 

both sides of the fi replace in the kitchen, and on 

the west side of each living room fi replace.

Figure 8, Second Floor Plan, 1945. (CAHA Collection)

1900: A Busy Year

Extensive repairs were made to the Keepers’ 

Quarters and other buildings at the Light Station in 

1900. Supplies may have been readied as early as 

November, 1886, when a purchase order was m ade 

to buy Georgia pine for repairs to walks, cistern, 

and piazza of dwelling. The next year, chestnut 

posts and fence boards were purchased, and in 

1888, repairs to the inside of the dwelling were 

authorized.16 The Engineer’s monthly report for 

May reported, “Some of the plaster on the inside of 

the dwelling has been repaired.”17

In April, 1899, the District Engineer submitted 

an estimate to the Lighthouse Board: “For new 

fences, new roofs on keepers’ dwelling, offi ce and 

old oil house; new cistern, and repairs to window 

frames and plastering in dwelling $1,800.00,” and 

two months later reported that “there are leaks 

arund [sic] the chimneys in the principal and 

assistant keepers’ dwellings. The porch is rotten.” 

He repeated an earlier request for wood and coal 

sheds to “be supplied.”

16. District Engineer’s correspondence, November, 1886.

17. J.C. Mallery to Chairman, USLHB, monthly report June 

6, 1888.
National Park Service 29 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

Much more work was actually undertaken. The 

shingle roofs of the Quarters, including the porch 

roofs, were “renewed,” screening replaced at 

doors and windows, and plaster cracks pointed in 

six rooms and the halls. “The brickwork and the 

woodwork, generally, of the various buildings were 

put in order.”

The work is explained in summary detail in 

monthly reports made to the Lighthouse Board 

by W.A. Jones, Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers 

and Light-house Engineer. The fi rst Report of 

Operations was sent April, 2, 1900, and reported,

The old shingles have been taken off from the 

roof of keeper’s dwelling, 37' by 53', and new 

shingles and saddle boards put on. The old 

shingles have been taken off from the roofs 

of the front and rear porches, 8' by 29' each, 

and replaced by new shingles. New fl ashings 

have been put on the roofs of the two porches 

and around four chimneys of dwelling, and 

the jambs of the porches and the joints of the 

chimneys pointed with cement mortar. An 

excavation has been made for a new cistern, a 

wooden foundation laid, and the brick walls 

built 8' by 9'-6" in plan, 5'-8" high and 14" 

thick. Twenty pair Venetion [sic] blinds have 

been fi tted, painted, hung and fastenings 

put on. The old netting has been taken off 

from two door and six window screens of 

keeper’s dwelling and new netting put on. The 

plastering in two rooms and one hall, which 

had fallen, has been repaired, and the cracks in 

plastering of four rooms and halls of assistant 

keeper’s dwelling have been pointed....18 [A 

June 30 report updated this to six rooms and 

halls.]

The Report of Operations described much 

additional work completed in April.19

The two chimneys of the dwelling have been 

repaired and the joints pointed with cement 

mortar. The front and inside doors and blinds 

have been eased where necessary, new hooks 

put on the blinds, one new lock put on door 

and the old locks repaired. A new window sill 

and beading have been put in, new sash cords 

supplied, and one door jamb and trimmings 

pieced out where rotten. The brick hearths in

principal keeper’s side [south] of the dwelling 

have been taken up and relaid in cement 

mortar.

A new rail and post have been put in for front 

porch, and new front sills and fascias put in 

front and rear porches. The rotten window sills 

have been taken out, new main and sub-sills put 

in and the sides of the window frames pieced. 

A portion of the ceilings of two rooms and two 

halls has been relathed and plastered, and the 

cracks in the walls and joints around the doors 

and windows pointed, and new sash cords 

supplied.

18. Engineering letters, Report of Operations, April 2, 1900.

19. The work on outbuildings described by Jones is found in 

the outbuildings subsection of this report.

The brick hearths in assistant keeper’s side 

[north] of the dwelling have been taken up and 

relaid in cement mortar. A new fl oor has been 

laid in the kitchen, strips put around the base 

boards and a new closet constructed. The door 

and window screens have been recovered with 

wire cloth, the jambs of one door repaired and 

new hinges and lock put on, doors and sashes 

cased where necessary, new locks put on closet 

and storeroom doors and new sash cords 

supplied. New fascias and 4" x 10" sills have 

been put in for front and rear porches. The 

rotten window sills have been taken out and 

new main and sub-sills put in.... All new work 

has been painted.20

Photographs and physical evidence suggest that the 

“Venetion” blinds and new hooks on the blinds 

refer to exterior shutters.

(Unfulfi lled) Hopes for a Principal 

Keeper’s House

Keepers at this isolated station not only worked 

side by side but lived close together in the Double 

Quarters; appeals for additional housing became 

frequent. As the century ended, the Lighthouse 

Board agreed a new house was needed, and in 1899 

requested an appropriation for a second keeper’s 

quarters at Bodie Island, explaining,

The present dwelling at the station is too small 

for the accommodation of the keeper and two 

assistants, and it is impossible for the keepers to 

have their families reside at the station for the 

lack of proper and suffi cient accommodations; 

this does not tend to make the keepers 

contented, and to take the interest in the Station 

necessary to maintain it in the best condition.21

Engineer Jones continued to lobby for the house.22 

In his annual report of June 1900 summarizing the 

extensive and costly repairs that had only recently 

been completed on the existing Quarters, Jones 

once again addressed the need for the additional 

house. He expanded his argument to include a 

cost estimate, reporting “[a]n additional dwelling 

with cisterns and the necessary outhouses can be 

built for $7,500, and it is recommended that an 

appropriation of this amount be asked of Congress 

for the purpose specifi ed.”

The request failed, was renewed in succeeding 

years, and in about 1907 Bodie Island received the 

appropriation. By that time, the Lighthouse Board 

had in hand a standardized design for keepers’ 

20. Engineering letters, Report of Operations, May 1, 1900.

21. Engineering letters.

22. Engineering Letters Research Guide, p. 40.
30 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

dwellings. By 1904, plans had been prepared for 

identical buildings at Bodie Island and at Cape 

Lookout.23 In late 1906 plans were labeled for 

Bodie Island’s “proposed” dwelling, but two 

sheets of elevations and plans dated 1907 suggest 

there may have been questions about funding. 

One is labeled for the keeper’s dwelling at Bodie 

Island Light Station. The other is labeled for Cape 

Lookout, but the name was scratched out and 

“Bodie Island” written in its place. 

Figure 9, Plans for proposed Principal Keeper’s dwelling 

at Bodie Island Light Station, December 30, 1906. (CAHA 

collection)

Figure 10, 1907 drawings for proposed keeper’s dwelling 

with label revised for Bodie Island. (CALO HSR)

23. Jones, Cape Lookout 1907 Keeper’s Dwelling HSR, p. 

25-31.

By this time Gallop had left and Ephraim Meekins 

had been appointed Principal Keeper. Despite 

the appropriation for the additional dwelling, 

rising construction costs apparently exceeded the 

earlier estimate, and the project at Bodie Island was 

dropped. At Cape Lookout, however, the house 

was built in 1907.

For reasons that are not clear, work on the Bodie 

Island proposal continued, and as late as 1909 

a site plan was developed showing the group 

of proposed buildings. In the end, the Board 

was unable to meet the budget and the project 

disappeared from later records.24 

A Visit from the National 

Geographic

Two photographs taken in 1933 show changes 

 made to the Light Station

after 1893. The December 

1933 issue of The National 

Geographic Magazine 

included a photograph of the 

back (west) of the Keepers’ 

Quarters showing

its setting among the 

lighthouse and four 

outbuildings. Most elements 

of the back elevation are 

consistent with the 1893 photographs. The porch 

is hipped with six bays delineated by paired posts, 

and the X-braced railings are on the two outer bays 

on each side. The back steps are centered, and 

side steps lead to the porches. There is no lattice 

between the porch’s foundation piers. The fence 

has been changed to post and wire.25 

The photograph shows the addition of shutters on 

both fi rst and second fl oor. These are probably the 

“Venetion [sic] blinds” and “new hooks put on the 

blinds” reported in April 1900. The “twenty pair” 

indicates shutters were hung on all windows of 

both elevations. A photograph of a similar double

24. Holland, p. 47. W.A. Jones to Lighthouse Board Sept. 27, 

Oct. 24, 1899, 5th District Engineer’s Letter Press April 1899 

to Jan 1900, Lighthouse Board Annual Reports 1900-1908. 

Drawings, 1909.

25. “A Bit of Elizabethan England in America,” National 

Geographic Magazine, December 1933, p. 730.
National Park Service 31 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

keepers’ quarters, built in 1873 at Cape Lookout 

Lighthouse, shows that by 1907 that house had 

shutters as well. At the Bodie Island quarters, 

screens were added in 1934 to the west porch, 

possibly to both porches.26

1939: The Coast Guard

In 1939, the Lighthouse Board was incorporated 

into the Coast Guard, which assumed responsibility 

for the operation of the Lighthouse. The next 

year, the Bodie Island Light Station became an 

unmanned light, lit by an electric generator 

operated by timer. With on-site operation no 

longer needed, the Coast Guard transferred the 

Principal and Assistant keepers from Bodie Island, 

and the Nags Head Lifeboat Station was given 

oversight of the light. Bodie Island’s Principal 

Keeper Vernon Gaskill, Sr. and Assistant Keeper 

Julian Austin, Sr., were two of the last keepers of 

the U. S. Lighthouse Service. Gaskill transferred to 

26. A pre-construction survey of the house in 1989 noted 

the evidence of shutters. Cape Lookout photograph from 

CALO Keepers’ Dwelling HSR, p. 31. 1934 porch screening 

plan.

the lighthouse depot in Coinjock, and the Keepers’ 

Quarters, once so crowded with people, was left 

unused. A 1944 siteplan included the note: “No 

Resident Keeper. Attended by personnel from 

Nags Head Lifeboat Station.” 

A “Plot Plan” drawn June 1, 1940, by the Coast 

Guard’s Civil Engineering Offi ce shows the 

location of the newly-subdivided land, labeled 

“Lot B.” 

Figure 11

Figure 12, U.S. Coast Guard Plot Plan, June 1, 1940. (CAHA 

collection)

Figure 11, National Geographic Magazine photograph of Bodie Island Light Station, 1933.
32 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Of importance to the Coast Guard was the 

property remaining under its jurisdiction, situated 

within Lot B and labeled “Lot A,” a 10,000 

square-foot parcel containing the lighthouse and 

its connected oil house. A sheet metal oil house 

built in 1896 (by then converted to the generator 

building) and all other buildings were outside 

the lot. Of equal importance to the Coast Guard 

was the ten-foot right-of-way leading from the 

western edge of Lot B northeasterly towards the 

lighthouse, passing immediately adjacent to the 

two north cisterns before turning at a precise right 

angle to continue in front of the house to its center 

line. The right-of-way then turns, again at a right 

angle, and follows the existing brick walkway to the 

southwest border of Lot A.

During World War II, the Lighthouse became a 

lookout tower for the Navy. German submarines 

sank so many tankers and cargo ships that these 

waters earned a second epithet, Torpedo Junction.

 

In 1945, the Bodie Island Light Station site 

increased from 15 acres to a little over 56 acres.27 

The Coast Guard is believed to have used the 

Quarters for exhibits during this period; however, 

a 1945 fl oor plan of the Keepers’ Quarters drawn 

by the Coast Guard is labeled “Public Quarters,” 

probably referring to a Coast Guard program to 

house employees on duty, but no record has been 

found to indicate whether the house was used 

during the war or in the decade that followed.

A clear view of the house is seen in a photograph 

taken in the early 1950s before the renovations of 

1954. The appearance of the house, with plywood 

covering the windows, suggests it may not have 

been in use at the time. The view shows the west 

elevation, which by that time had been used as the 

front of the house for several decades. Shutters 

are gone from the windows. The porch retains the 

paired posts seen in all earlier photographs, as well 

as an X-braced railing. The screening supports 

installed in 1934 are also visible. At the front are 

concrete gate posts and a metal gate. Of particular 

interest are the front doors, which appear to be 

painted with contrasting colors in the panels.28

27. Lighthouse HSR.

28. 1950s photograph from Gaskill Remembers, p. 36. A 

color slide in the NPS etic collection also shows paired posts.

Figure 13, Double Keepers’ Quarters, early 1950s. (Gaskill 

Remembers, p. 36).

1953: The Park Service Takes Over

Congress had authorized Cape Hatteras as the 

fi rst National Seashore in 1937, but it was another 

sixteen years before the park was offi cially 

established in January of 1953. That was a busy 

year for the Light Station. The tower was cleaned 

and painted, and on October 9, the lighthouse’s 

electrical source was converted from generator to 

commercial power, leaving the existing generator 

for emergency power only. Six days later on 

October 15, the 56-acre Bodie Island Light Station 

property was declared surplus by the Coast Guard 

and transferred to the National Park Service as part 

of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation 

Area. Excluded was a small square plot of land, 

100' on a side, on which the Lighthouse stands.29 

The Park Service acquired the Keepers’ Quarters 

and its outbuildings with the rest of the land, and 

alterations to the house started soon after. Both 

the house and its function were to change as the 

residence was converted to exhibit space for the 

large number of visitors expected to come to the 

lighthouse. Exhibits were to focus on the natural 

environment.

In January 1955, park naturalist Verde Watson 

arrived from Yellowstone and assumed 

responsibility for completing the Natural History 

Museum at the Bodie Island Lighthouse and 

29. Bodie Island Lighthouse HSR.
National Park Service 33 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

developing a natural history interpretive program 

at Cape Hatteras. Watson was an avid amateur 

photographer whose work contributed to the 

exhibits.30

Architectural plans for the project, titled “Museum 

of Natural History,” are dated December 21, 1954, 

and were updated with freehand additions, then 

hand-labeled as the “As-Built” plans. According 

to the masthead, the plans were prepared for the 

Operations Division by the Region 1 offi ce. The 

architect was Lawrence B. Coryell, called “Bur,” 

who had been with the National Park Service 

in regional offi ces in Richmond, Philadelphia, 

Washington, and Denver. He also was architect for 

the 1954 reconstruction of buildings at the nearby 

Wright Brothers Memorial.31

Plans of 1954

The 1954-1955 Double Keepers’ Quarters 

project was comprehensive. Although signifi cant 

alterations were made to the interior, the only 

signifi cant exterior changes were to the porches. 

The drawings called for single posts to replace the 

existing paired posts, yet there is contradiction 

30. Cape Hatteras National Seashore Administrative History, 

p. 145. “Park Service plans Outlay of $214,280,” Coastland 

Times, January 28, 1955, newspaper clipping collection, 

CAHA archives. 

31. Coryell retired in 1978 from the Mid-Atlantic Offi ce. 

“The Arrowhead,” NPS employee newsletter, summer 2008, 

p. 9. Peterson, “Restoring Wright Brothers’ Camp of 1903,” 

in Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, Vol. 13, 

No. 3 (Oct., 1954), p. 28-29.

in the plans. The 1954 elevation calls for 6" x 6" 

posts, but the section drawing on the same page 

shows 4" x 6" posts; the plan also shows 4" x 6" 

posts. Whether the single posts proposed in 1954 

were an attempt to imitate the 4" x 4" posts on the 

1872 plans is not known. Capitals and bases on 

the 1954 plans do not match the 1872 design. The 

1954 plans also proposed new 3" x 4" pilasters near 

the outer ends of both porches. 

It remains unknown whether the 4" by 4" posts 

were built in 1872, and it is clear from the Bamber 

photographs that paired posts were in place by 

1893. New single posts were installed during the 

1954-1955 project. A photograph taken in the late 

1950s shows the Quarters, labeled “temporary 

visitor center,” with single posts. In a 1974 color 

slide, the posts appear to be 6" x 6".

Figure 14

The 1954 plans show that the four exterior doors 

were to be rehung and a screen door installed at 

each. Screens and screen supports on the west 

porch, added in 1934 and evident in the early 1950s 

photograph, were to be removed. A freehand 

addition to the plans shows an elevation of one bay 

of the porch railing, repeating a simple X-braced 

railing not unlike the 1893 design; however, no 

railing was in place in 1967 when NPS historian 

Russell Holland photographed the station nor in 

a photograph of 1974. The drawing also shows 

new lattice between the foundation piers of the 

porch, although these also are not evident in the 

photographs. New gutters were to be added “as 

required,” certain downspouts replaced, and new 

Figure 14, Elevation and section, “Museum of Natural History, Keepers Dwelling - Bodie Island,” December 21, 1954. (CAHA 

collection)
34 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

splash blocks set below downspouts. The front, 

back, and four sets of side steps were to remain.

First Floor Exhibit Spaces

The bulk of the proposed work was to the interior. 

Major alterations were made to the fl oor plan, 

woodwork, fi replaces and surface fi nishes. The 

fi rst fl oor of each residence was converted to an 

exhibit room occupying the entire space previously

used as kitchen and living room, with the dividing 

partition removed and resulting damage repaired. 

New 6” x 10” beams were added beneath the 

second fl oor to provide the support necessitated by

removal of the interior bearing walls. 

 In both residences, new 3’-6” wide cased openings 

were to be built at locations of either narrow 

existing doorways or where there had been no 

passageway. Interior doors on existing fi rst-fl oor 

doorways were removed. Plans note that

new construction should “match existing,” and 

doorways constructed in 1954 are close matches in 

appearance to the original. Floors were patched in 

three places.

The halls of the two residences were treated 

diff erently. At each end, near the east and west 

entrances, the dividing partition was removed 

to form a double-width entrance hall. The 

central portion of the north hall was blocked by 

information counters added adjacent to the stairs. 

The counter enclosure ended well back of the stair 

newel post, leaving the hall spaces open at east and 

west entrance areas. A proposed railing and gate 

near the counter was eliminated from the plans 

before construction. 

The south residence saw much greater change. 

In addition to removal of the partition between 

the former kitchen and living room, the hall was 

eliminated. The stairs were removed, leaving 

Figure 15, First fl oor plan, “Museum of Natural History, Keepers Dwelling - Bodie Island,” December 21, 1954. (CAHA 

collection)
National Park Service 35 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

only one stair in the former duplex, and the space 

formerly used as hall and stairway became tilefl oored men’s and women’s bathrooms. Here 

too, the hall spaces near the entrance doors were 

left open and undivided. The walnut newel post, 

balusters, and handrail of the south stair were 

salvaged and reused in the 1879 Bodie Island LifeSaving Station in 1955.32 

In a concern for safety, all fi replaces were 

closed. The mantelpieces in the living rooms 

were removed; their fate is unknown. Those in 

the kitchens were treated diff erently, with the 

mantel shelves chopped off fl ush but the rest of 

the mantelpiece retained. All fi replace openings, 

as well as the remaining kitchen mantelpieces, 

were covered with new wall surface and the 

trim repaired. Baseboards were removed with 

instructions to “check for termites, repair framing 

and treat as required.” 

The plans show existing cabinets on each side of 

the kitchen fi replaces but none in the living rooms. 

This was a change from the 1945 plans that show 

those cabinets as well as cabinets on the west side 

of the living room fi replaces. The 1954 plans called 

for the cabinets to be removed from both sides. 

The area between the two chimneys on the north 

side of the house, where the Assistant Keepers 

lived, was enclosed to create a chase for heating 

ducts. 

HVAC and electrical systems were fi nally added 

to the building, which had not been electrifi ed 

when Vernon Gaskill left in 1940.33 All mechanical 

systems were new to the building and required 

penetration of interior and exterior surfaces. The 

new oil hot-air heater was placed in the attic with 

vent fans leading from the ceilings of the fi rst-fl oor 

hall, and 2" x 6" diagonal braces were suspended 

from each rafter to help support the second-fl oor 

ceiling. A plumbing vent was run through an 

unused chimney fl ue.

Second Floor Spaces

Considerable change was made to the second fl oor 

for use as lecture, work, and storage rooms. The 

north residence retained its stairs and east-west 

hall as well as the partition between the hall and 

the two former bedrooms. It also retained the two 

doorways off the hall to the two former bedrooms. 

32. George Perrot interview.

33. The Coast Guard’s 1945 “Public Quarters” plans do not 

indicate proposed work.

The partition that formed the small room at the 

east end of the hall was removed. At each end of 

the center wall that divided the two residences was 

cut a 3'-6" x 6'-1⁄2" cased doorway to provide two 

passages between the sides of the house and access 

to the sole remaining stair. 

The partition wall dividing the bedrooms is shown 

to be retained on the plan as printed. Later handdrawn X marks indicate that it was to be removed. 

Two closets on the north wall are also marked 

through to be demolished. Both closets were 

added after 1945 when Coast Guard plans showed 

no closets. A 1968 fl oor plan shows the closets and 

dividing wall between former bedrooms as having 

been removed.

The northwest room was designated for storage, 

the only change being removal of the closet and its 

west wall. In the northeast room, designated as a 

Work Room, a partition was added in the southeast 

corner of the room to create a rectangular “Dark 

Room” along the hall wall. Although a sink was 

to be installed on the north perimeter wall of 

the work room, there is no indication of a water 

supply in the darkroom. The small closet was to be 

removed from this room as well.

Again on this level, the south half of the house 

received the greatest change as it became one 

uninterrupted space. Both mantelpieces were 

removed and their fi replace openings covered 

with new “blue board,” a wallboard with plaster 

veneer. The partition between the two bedrooms 

was removed, the stairs and the stair hall’s south 

partition wall were removed and new infi ll sections 

of joists and fl oors “to match” were installed to 

cover the stair opening. The partitions creating 

the small east room where Keeper Gaskill kept 

his log book and medicine cabinet was removed. 

This newly created large space became the Lecture 

Room with a new tile fl oor. 

In 1968 a storage room was built at the east end 

of the surviving stair hall, spanning the full width 

of the former north residence hall and extending 

west to encroach on the stair opening. It was at 

this time that a large section of the original handrail 

and balusters were lost. The 1968 walls creating 

this hallway storage room were removed and the 

missing staircase elements reproduced during the 

1990-92 work. 

General Notes on the plans called for sanding 

all fl oors, treating for powder post beetles, and 

fi nishing with 2 coats of “penetrating fl oor seal.” 

References in the plans to existing wallboard on 
36 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

ceilings and walls implies that plaster surfaces had 

been covered, and perhaps some removed, before 

1954. All new trim wood was to be treated with 

a 5% solution of pentachlorophenol, a synthetic 

insecticide and fungicide fi rst produced in the 

1930s and used as a wood preservative. Known as 

PCP, it has been off the market since the 1980s. 

The chimneys may have been painted white during 

the 1954 work. The early 1950s photograph and 

all others taken before the changes of 1954 show 

an absence of paint, but by 1961, a postcard 

photograph shows that the chimneys had been 

painted white.

Figure 15 

As part of the work on the grounds, the Park 

Service in 1954 planted pine trees lining the 

entrance road and west side of the parking lot. 

These have grown to be tall pines. 

After the 1950s

Figure 16, Double Keepers’ Quarters, 1967. (Russell Holland 

photograph, CAHA collection)

It seems that few changes were made to the 

Quarters after the 1954-1955 project. In 1967, 

Russell Holland wrote a history of the Bodie Island 

Light Station for the Park Service. He reported at 

that time that the Quarters was in use as a visitor 

center and small natural history museum. His 

photographs show no noticeable change to the 

exterior of the building. Photographs taken by 

the State Historic Preservation Offi ce in 1974 

and 1981 also show no signifi cant changes. Both 

photographs show white chimneys and white 

cisterns. 

According to a Feature Inventory prepared by NPS 

in 1989, the roof was replaced in 1975, though no 

details are given. The roof of the storehouse was 

replaced with wood shingles the same year.

Figure 17, Double Keepers’ Quarters, 1974. (NC State 

Historic Preservation Offi ce)

1990-1992 Work

A second major project began in 1989 with the 

work carried out from February of 1990 to May of 

1992. The project addressed the station as a whole 

including not only the house, but the cisterns, 

grounds, walks and the extant storehouse. 

The poor condition of the porch had been 

recognized for some time. In November, 1984, 

during a Park Service inspection of the Keepers’ 

Quarters, the porches were labeled “Extreme 

Caution Areas.” The porch sills had failed, 

foundation piers were broken and listing, steps 

were rotten, and termites and spiders had taken 

over. Recommendations were made to install 

immediate temporary supports for the porches and 

remove the steps from the ends of both porches.

Termites had caused damage under the house as 

well, and it was discovered that all inner brick 

foundation walls, including the main center 

bearing wall, had been cut and weakened during 

installation of an earlier air/heat ducting system. 

Overloading was also a concern and a safe was 

removed from the second-fl oor Ranger Offi ce 

(northeast room). The safe as well as the furnace 

in the attic were placing stress on the building 

and contributing to deterioration of structural 

members. 

Documents produced in the years before 

construction work began give information on the 
National Park Service 37 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

confi guration of the Quarters. Floor plans 

of 1989, identifi ed as existing condition, show 

the dwelling before the 1990 project began. The 

fi rst fl oor is much as proposed in 1954, with each 

side of the fi rst fl oor taken up by an exhibit room. 

The northern staircase remains in place with a 

janitor’s closet beneath. The adjoining hallway is 

uninterrupted; the information counter proposed 

for the north hall is not evident in this plan. The 

center section of the former south hall is taken up 

by the two bathrooms installed in 1954 after the 

south stair had been removed.

On the second fl oor, the north hall had been 

partitioned into two storage rooms the width of the 

hall and stair, one opening into the south room, the 

other to the north. Only the area around the stair 

landing at the west end of the hall remained open. 

The north room, originally two rooms, had become 

one large offi ce with no center partition. The 

rectangular Dark Room added in 1954 remained, 

now used for storage. Because the darkroom when 

built was wider than shown on the 1954 plans, 

the partition was off set to avoid overlapping the 

window. The south side of the house showed the 

changes made in 1954 when it was converted into 

a large uninterrupted room used as projection 

and lecture room; the only variation was the north 

doorway near the room’s east wall which now 

opened into one of the new storage rooms.

Phased Work

Work on the Double Keepers’ Quarters was 

completed in three phases. Phase I addressed 

the poor structural integrity of the building and 

its systems. Phase II consisted of designing and 

installing new structural, utility, and mechanical 

systems, and altering spaces to accommodate the 

new uses. Phase III addressed the exterior of 

the Quarters and the surrounding buildings and 

grounds. Eff orts to retain historic fabric and the 

overall historic integrity of the house are evident 

throughout, and an archaeologist was on-site 

for work in the crawl space and elsewhere. The 

extensive NPS documentation of the work is in the 

collection of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 

The location of parking, access from the 

parking area to the Quarters, and access for the 

handicapped were considered within the landscape 

of the Light Station. The yard around the Quarters 

was graded to better simulate the original open 

appearance. The west walkway was removed. In 

its stead, access was provided by creation of a 

gradual rise in the land with a new wide wheelchair 

accessible boardwalk ascending to the porch. 

Beneath the new board walkway, a newly created 

scale addressed a long-persistent problem of site 

drainage. 

Exterior

The porches were of primary concern. Temporary 

supports had already been built to stabilize the 

failing framing and structural elements. During the 

project, cinder block infi ll was added to the west 

porch foundation and major repairs were made to 

all elements of the porches. Portions of the roof 

and ceiling framing had deteriorated and were 

replaced and new roof shingles were installed. 

Most of the porch rafters were replaced, as well 

as associated trim. The deck framing at both 

porches was removed and replaced, and the west 

deck was replaced. The four sets of side steps were 

extensively rebuilt. 

The porch posts are 1990 replacements as well. 

The porches were supported by paired posts 

from as early as 1893 when Henry Bamber took 

his photographs, and possibly as early as initial 

construction. Documentation also confi rms that 

paired posts were on the building just before 

1954 when the house was modifi ed for use as a 

natural history museum. The 1954 plans called 

for single posts. A series of photographs taken 

in the late 1950s, 1967, 1974, and 1981 confi rm 

that single posts were in place. New paired posts 

were installed in 1990-91 to match those shown in 

earlier photographs. The X-braced railing was also 

reproduced and installed. 

Elements of the main roof were also replaced. 

After repair of underlying damage, the existing 

wood shingles were removed; new western red 

cedar shingles were installed over an open woodlath system, itself over an existing solid wood 

deck attached to the rafters. A new gutter and 

downspout system was designed with gutters 

leading into the cisterns, but emptying through 

outlet pipes in side walls to an exterior rock 

drainage bed.

The chimneys were repaired and new copper 

fl ashing installed. The chimneys had been painted 

white for the fi rst time either during or shortly after 

the 1954 modifi cations, and were painted again 

during the 1990-92 project. According to George 

Perrot, because the windborn weathering removes 

the paint so rapidly, the National Park Service 
38 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

no longer paints them and will allow the paint to 

weather naturally.

The brick walls needed only minor work. Paint 

was removed and small areas of the brick were 

repointed. The brick was painted as well as all 

exterior wood trim, including porches, soffi ts, 

fascia boards, and eaves. The wood decks of the 

porches were oiled.

The four exterior doors are original to the house 

and were retained; modern mortise locks were 

installed. “Coach light” sconces were installed 

on either side of the paired doors at both east and 

west facades. All of the building’s windows were 

retained and repaired, then covered with wood 

storm windows designed for the house.

All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems 

were replaced and underground networks 

installed. New electrical service was brought 

underground to the Storage Shed from where it 

services the Quarters and the Public Restroom 

Building. At the Quarters, two heat pumps were 

installed to provide heating and cooling on both 

fl oors with one unit serving each. The heat pumps 

are located in a new structure built at the southwest 

corner of the building and designed with similar 

footprint as the existing cisterns, set on a low brick 

wall with high louvered walls and an open top. All 

three cisterns and this structure are painted white.

General Interior Treatments

With the exception of one wall, all walls were 

covered with blue board plaster board with a 

veneer coat of fi nish plaster. When built in 1872, 

walls were plaster-on-lath, but most had been 

covered with drywall and other board coverings 

before, during, and after the 1954 work. Because 

of this, the current depth of wall coverings varies. 

The exception is the two levels of the south stair 

wall, the only wall in the Quarters that has not been 

covered with plaster board. Instead, the plaster 

was repaired and left exposed after graffi ti from an 

early workman was discovered. (His grandson was 

on the 1990-92 crew working on the Quarters.)

All ceilings were covered with the same blue board 

and plaster veneer. In many areas of the house, 

original baseboards were salvaged and reused. 

A reproduction Victorian-style picture molding 

was installed in all rooms except the remaining 

hall, Staff Restroom, and Mechanical Rooms. 

Reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xtures were 

installed throughout the interior.

First Floor Exhibit Spaces

Only minor modifi cations were made to the fi rstfl oor plan, which had been drastically altered in 

1954. The south side of the Quarters, originally 

a stair, hall, living room, and kitchen, had been 

converted to a large exhibit room and two 

restrooms after removal of interior partitions. The 

north side retained its staircase and hall, but the 

partition between Living Room and Kitchen had 

been removed. In 1990-92, wing wall partitions 

were installed in both sides of the house at the 

locations of the original partitions to give a visual 

impression of the walls of the original living 

room and kitchen. The south side, which was 

the Principal Keeper’s residence, is used as a 

Bookstore. The north side where the Assistant 

Keepers lived is an Exhibit Room. 

When the south staircase and hall were removed 

in 1954, two restrooms were put in their place. 

In 1990-92, the west restroom was removed 

and replaced by a Mechanical Room. The east 

restroom was replaced by a new Staff Restroom. 

Both the Mechanical Room and Staff Restroom 

are therefore in the original location of the south 

stair and hall. The closet under the north staircase 

remains; its door is one of the two original interior 

doors remaining in the Quarters.

During the 1954 modifi cations, the Living Room 

mantelpieces were removed and the Kitchen 

mantels altered and covered. In 1992, new 

mantelpieces were installed in the Living Rooms 

with their design based on drawings of the more 

decorative mantelpieces in the St. Augustine 

Lighthouse in Florida, built the same year as the 

Bodie Island Quarters. The replacements designed 

for Bodie Island were “without as much detail, 

since the St. Augustine house has more detail 

throughout,” according to NPS correspondence 

from Todd Hart in February, 1992. The Kitchen 

mantelpieces were uncovered, their Dutchman 

repairs added to the shelves and to the trim. 

New cabinets were added in the Kitchens, fl anking 

the fi replaces. Their design was based in part on 

the ghost marks of the earlier kitchen cabinets, 

evident in the series of early plans of the house. 

The keeper’s quarters in St. Augustine again 
National Park Service 39 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

provided the model. 

It was revealed during the 1990-92 work that 

Southern yellow pine tongue-and-groove fl ooring 

had been placed over the original 1872 heart pine 

fl ooring before the 1954 project. In 1954, the fl oors 

were damaged by the removal of partition walls, 

patched, and carpeted. Many additional layers of 

carpeting were installed in the years following. In 

1990-92, all carpeting was removed and the three 

1954 infi ll patches were replaced by new fl ooring to 

match the pre-1954 yellow pine boards.

The absence of the south staircase was addressed 

by the National Park Service in determining how 

to demonstrate the original confi guration of the 

double quarters. Exhibits were designed for 

fabrication by the National Park Service’s Harpers 

Ferry Center. An eff ective interpretation for the 

missing staircase was devised by erecting a lifesize photograph of the south stair at its original 

location, and in front of it a careful reproduction of 

the walnut newel post and the lower portion of the 

balustrade.

Figure 18, Photo-exhibit of north stair, 2009.

Second Floor Spaces

More modifi cations were made to the second-fl oor 

plan than to the fi rst, although the second fl oor had 

also been drastically altered in 1954 when the south 

staircase and hall had been removed. The bedroom 

partition on that side of the Quarters was removed 

to create an uninterrupted space for use as a lecture 

room. In 1990-92, partitions were added to create 

three spaces. One wing wall partition was placed at 

the north end of the location of the 1872 bedroom 

partition, a wider section at the south which with a 

third new partition created the Book Store Offi ce. 

The Staff Offi ce was created in the new east room, 

which encompassed the space of the former east 

bedroom and a portion of the former stair and 

hall. The Bookstore Storage Room was created 

in the northwest portion of the south quarters, 

and a small Bookstore Offi ce was created in the 

southwest corner. 

The north side of the second fl oor retained its 

staircase and hall during the 1954 work, but the 

partition between the two bedrooms had been 

removed. (A series of working plans from 1990 

show various proposals for placing partitions in 

the upstairs rooms. Although some show interior 

partitions as though existing, most evidence, 

including penciled changes to the 1954 plans 

and the as-found 1989 plans, show that the 

partition was removed in 1954.) In 1990-92, a new 

partition was built in the location of the original 

partition and a doorway was cut between the 

rooms. The door at that location is one of the two 

original interior doors that remain in the house. 

The fi replaces in both rooms were framed and 

enclosed, and the darkroom that had been created 

in the east room in 1954 was removed. The east 

room is the Lead Ranger’s offi ce and the smaller 

west room is a Conference Room. 

In the north hall, the two storage rooms that 

had been added after 1954 were removed. This 

exposed a large section of the stair balustrade 

that had been removed when the two rooms were 

created. The missing handrail and balusters were 

reproduced and the full length of the balustrade 

was restored. The Mechanical Room was built in 

the east part of the hall behind the stair opening. 

Doors from the room open to both the north and 

south adjoining rooms and a door on the west wall 

leads to the hall. 

On the second fl oor as on the fi rst, Southern yellow 

pine tongue-and-groove fl ooring had been placed 

over the original 1872 heart pine fl ooring. In 1990-

92, multiple layers of carpeting were removed from 

the second fl oor and all rooms were re-carpeted. 

The edges of the 1872 fl oor, as well as a second 

pine fl oor on top, are visible at the stair opening.
40 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

not depicted. East of the house is a “driven well.” 

(This was a small iron pipe with a strainer on the 

end and a hand pump attached to the top. The 

pipe, perhaps only two or three inches wide, was 

driven into the ground twenty feet or less until it 

reached fresh water.) Photographs from the same 

year show the wood fence around the lighthouse 

and other structures; the two privies are shown, 

one each on north and south sides just outside the 

edge of the fence with the front wall and doorway 

at the fence line.34

Outbuildings were necessary to the operation 

of the lighthouse. A number of site plans, 

photographs and letters give an idea of the 

outbuildings at the Bodie Island Station. 

Upgraded technology and a new fuel in the 

lighthouse brought about the construction in 1896 

of a sheet metal oil house to contain mineral oil 

(kerosene). The next outbuilding we know of 

was needed to haul supplies. Keepers often kept 

a horse and cart for bringing supplies from the 

tenders, so it was not unusual for a light station to 

have one or more stables. Four years after Bamber 

drew his site survey, Keeper Gallop requested 

permission to build a stable and a fence around the 

lighthouse and submitted a sketch of the station 

to show the proposed location for the stable. His 

sketch shows the Dwelling with walks from front 

and back door. On each side of the dwelling is a 

wood walk extending from the side of the front 

porch, a storehouse, and a water closet. No 

woodshed is shown, although on Bamber’s plan 

just a few years earlier the woodshed was close 

to Gallop’s stable site. A fence surrounds the full 

lighthouse station with gates indicated at the end 

of the west walk, on the north side of the yard 

behind (west of) the house, and three at the east 

end opening into three large rectangular gardens. 

The area east of the garden plots is labeled “Bogs.” 

34. “Buildings Surveyed 1893 by H. Bamber,” Offi ce of the 

Light-House Board, 1906; and Gaskill, p. 15.

Figure 19, Bodie Island Light Station showing fence, porch posts, and outbuildings in 1893. (Herbert Bamber photograph, 

CAHA collection)

Outbuildings

In 1893 when Herbert Bamber visited Bodie 

Island Light Station, he surveyed the site and took 

a series of photographs. Bamber was Lighthouse 

District Superintendent of Construction. His 1893 

survey of buildings on the station includes two 

storehouses, one woodshed, two privies, and two 

cisterns, “all frame with shingle roofs and wood 

foundations.” 

Figure 19

Figure 20, 1893 site survey by Herbert Bamber, printed in 

1906. (CAHA collection)

Brick walkways lead from the front and back 

doors. A fence surrounds the station but gates are 
National Park Service 41 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

Gallop proposed to build the stable outside the 

fence line behind the south privy.35 

On August 30, 1897, the Engineer wrote Light 

House Board with Gallop’s request, adding, “He 

promises to build a neat structure and keep it 

whitewashed. He also asks permission to use a 

few feet of lumber for this purpose which were left 

over from the recent repairs at the station.” The 

engineer recommended the stable be approved, 

adding that the keeper would “remove the building 

at his own expense” if it proved objectionable.

Figure 21, 1897 sketch by Keeper Peter Gallop. (CAHA 

collection)

The same year Gallop requested his stable, 

walkways to all outbuildings were built or 

improved. The Lighthouse Board authorized 

360 square feet of old walkways to be relaid and 

2,200 square feet of new wood walkways.36 A year 

later on an inspection trip, the District Engineer 

found one of the two cisterns in poor condition 

and recommended building a new one as soon as 

possible.37

Records indicate permission was given for Gallop’s 

stable in 1897; however, again in 1902 a stable was 

requested (as well as a henhouse) and by 1909 a 

stable had been built.38 The 1902 request was made 

by 2nd Assistant Keeper F.E. Simpson. Because the 

35. Gallop’s 1897 sketch. 

36. Lighthouse Board Annual Report 1897, p. 99, found in 

Holland, p. 46.

37. 5th District Engineer Letter, Feb. 7, 1898.

38. 1909 “Description of Buildings, Premises, Equipment, at 

Bodie Island Light-Station, Seacoast of North Carolina.” 

Principal Keeper’s request had been approved, 

perhaps an earlier stable had been built and 

assigned to the Principal Keeper, or if not, Simpson 

may have renewed Gallop’s request.39

In 1898 a telephone was installed in the 

Keepers’ Quarters, with national defense used 

as justifi cation. For many years the various Life 

Saving Stations on the Outer Banks had been 

connected by telephone lines fed to a central 

telegraph station. The War Department broadened 

their coverage by tying fi ve lighthouses on the 

coasts of Virginia and North Carolina to the central 

telephone station, instructing keepers to report 

irregular activity off the coast. At Bodie Island, the 

telephone was in the Principal keeper’s end of the 

house, hung on the hall wall with the barometer 

above it. 40 

A decade later, the value of the telephones may 

have been in question when the Inspector asked 

whether the telephone connection was of any use 

to the Life-Saving Service. Meekins replied that it 

was a “decided benefi t to the Life Saving Service 

because we are sometimes called on by telephone 

to notice the movements of vessels during bad 

weather, and by using glasses from the balcony 

of the Tower, we can get a much better view and 

report back by telephone to the Life Savers.” In 

July 1910, the phone lines were either improved or 

removed; the Inspector instructed Meekins “to act 

as auctioneer in selling at public auction the poles 

and wire of the old telephone line connecting Your 

Station with the Life-Saving Station.”41

On May 1, 1900, the lighthouse engineer reported 

that “About 1200 lineal feet of new fence has been 

built: containing 152 posts, 7200 feet of rails and 

caps and 160 battens on the posts. Three new gates 

have been made and two old gates fi tted, hung and 

fastenings put on, and the fence whitewashed.”

Also reported in 1900 were monthly descriptions 

of work associated with a new cistern, pump, and 

gutter system. The work was begun in March, 

according to an April 2 report made by the 

Lighthouse Engineer. An excavation was dug for 

a new cistern, a wooden foundation laid, and its 

brick walls were built 8'-0" x 9'-6" in plan, 5'-8" 

high and 14" thick. In April, he reported that the 

inside of the cistern has been plastered, sills and 

39 Simpson was appointed 2nd Assistant Keeper on Dec. 12, 

1899.

40. Holland p. 47. Lighthouse Board Annual Report, 1898, 

p. 108. Gaskill Remembers.

41. Inspector Correspondence, Meekins to Inspector, April 

30, 1910, and Inspector to Meekins July 24, 1910.
42 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

joists laid and a covering of tongued and grooved 

lumber put on. A new pump had been set with 

a wooden base and a trough for carrying off the 

waste water, an overfl ow pipe had been put in and 

holes cut for ventilating the cistern. 

The gutter system that supplied water to the cistern 

had also been improved: “New galvanized gutters 

[were] put on the porches, new spouting put up 

for conducting the water from the dwelling to the 

cistern, and brick gutters laid for carrying the water 

from the spouting on porches.”42

The privies were also improved in 1900. Engineer 

Jones wrote, “The fronts of the water closets have 

been repaired, new base boards put on, and fl aps 

made, fi tted and hinged on the outsides of the 

buildings.” (Hinged fl ap-doors were put on the 

back of privies for cleaning out the deep pits with 

long-handled shovels.)

Figure 22, South privy (left) shown in 1954 photograph. 

(Holland’s History, CAHA collection)

The new cistern mentioned in the 1900 report was 

included in a written “Description of Buildings, 

Premises, Equipment, at Bodie Island LightStation, Seacoast of North Carolina,” prepared in 

1909. No site plan is known to have accompanied 

the Description. It listed “two storerooms, 

constructed by keeper, one used by the keeper, 

sixty feet west [south] of the dwelling; the other by 

assistants, sixty feet east [north] of the dwelling, 

42. April 2, 1900, and May 1, 1900 reports from Lighthouse 

Engineer to Lighthouse Board.

two water closets [privies], three cisterns, one 

stable, one chicken house, a one-acre garden noted 

as “unprofi table” because of poor soil, and the 

wood fence. The ground is described as “marsh 

and sand.”43 

Despite the addition of the third cistern, Meekins 

wrote to the Inspector in July, 1911, that, [because] 

of the continued dry weather the water supply at 

this station is getting very low and poor quality, and 

I respectfully ask permission to purchase a pump to 

drive on the premises.”44

The next month, the Inspector reported that rotten 

boards had been cut out of the walks in front of 

the Keeper’s and Assistant Keeper’s cisterns and 

replaced with Georgia pine. Downspouts and the 

cutoff s leading to the Assistant Keeper’s cistern 

(north] were taken down, and new downspouts 

installed, described as “put up new 32 ft. of 3" 

downspout, with two 3" cutoff s, two 3" elbows, 

four 3" spout heads, and two 3" shoes; put in 5 

bulb wire strainers.”45

The former Storage Shed that remains at the 

Station is said to have been built in 1920. 

According to John Gaskill, son of the last keeper, 

tools and maintenance equipment were stored 

there, as well the tackle, paints and equipment to 

paint the tower.46 The 1920 date is reported in the 

National Register nomination and other secondary 

sources, but the evidence for that date is not clear. 

The last two privies were built in 1921 and, because 

the house did not have plumbing, remained in use 

throughout the Gaskill family’s occupancy.47 

In 1925, a more practical wire and concrete 

post fence was erected to enclose the station, 

presumably replacing the board fence. The 

fence and a metal gate are visible in the early 

1950s photograph of the house. A woodshed 

was built in 1930 with its east side left open for 

easy access. Knowing the power of ocean winds, 

Keeper Gaskill advised against the open side. His 

advice not heeded, a major hurricane destroyed 

the building in 1933, leaving only the concrete 

foundation still present today.48

43. Lighthouse Engineer to Keeper Gallop, Sept. 7, 1897, in 

fi les at CAHA archives; “Description of Buildings..,” March 

1909; both found in National Register nomination, p. 14. 

44. Inspector Correspondence, July 7, 1911.

45. Inspector’s Monthly Report of Operations, August 24, 

1911.

46. Gaskill interview; National Register nomination, p. 12.

47. National Register nomination.

48. Gaskill interview, and Gaskill Remembers, p. 31.
National Park Service 43 

 Part I.B - Chronology of Development and Use

Figure 23, Concrete posts, wire fence and metal gate in 

front of Quarters, early 1950s. (Gaskill Remembers, p. 36)

As lighthouse technology changed, in 1932 Bodie’s 

lighting apparatus was converted to electricity, and 

the 1896 sheet metal oil house was converted to 

become the generator building. 

A “Plot Plan” drawn in 1940 by the Coast Guard 

shows several outbuildings. North of the house are 

a privy (placed just outside the fence with its front 

wall on the fence line), garage, shed, and 2 cisterns. 

South of the house are a cistern, woodshed (though 

this may have been only its concrete foundation), 

garage, and privy. This southern privy is now 

inside the fence with its back wall at the fence line. 

The plan also shows the ten-foot right-of-way 

bordering the north cisterns, then turning south to 

the front brick walkway and to the new lighthouse 

lot. South of this lot are two outbuildings, one still 

labeled “oil house” despite its use as a generator 

house. The lighthouse, Keepers’ Quarters, and 

outbuildings are surrounded by a fence that 

extends a few feet beyond the lighthouse lot line. 

A report of 1949 gives an updated list of 

outbuildings at the station. Present were a 1930 

woodshed on 16' x 28' concrete fl oor (yet see 

description below) and two 1-story frame 

garages 12' x 20', perhaps the older buildings. 

The report makes reference to buildings used as 

World War II barracks, and stated that due to a 

lack of maintenance, all buildings were obsolete & 

deteriorated, citing in particular the woodshed “all 

torn down” except the concrete fl oor. The report 

included a recommendation that the Keepers’ 

House be retained, but that all frame buildings be 

demolished. 

In the 1950s after the National Park Service had 

converted the Keepers’ Quarters to a visitor center, 

the generator building was no longer needed. The 

two storehouses listed on the 1909 Description 

were later turned into garages and after the war 

were sold, moved, and made into cottages.49

49. National Register nomination, p. 14.

Today, three brick cisterns with concrete slab 

covers fl ank the house, two on the north side of 

the house opposite the corners, and one on the 

south side, opposite the southeast corner. Two 

of these remain visually connected to the gutter 

system, although water is actually carried through 

to the outside. Records indicate that two of the 

cisterns date from initial construction of the house; 

the third was built in 1900. The National Register 

nomination lists 1912 as the date of a new cistern, 

but the source of that date is not given.

A fourth structure, housing heat pumps, was built 

during the 1990s work, designed and located near 

the southwest corner of the house to appear similar 

to the cisterns, but with higher louvered sides and 

open top. Hand pumps raised on pedestals remain 

but are inoperable, no longer connected to the 

cisterns. 

The brick walk connecting the Keepers’ Quarters 

to the Oil House is said to be laid with brick 

left over from the original tower construction. 

Although the good condition of the brick suggests 

a later date, a brick walkway of this confi guration is 

shown in this location on plats of 1890, 1893, and 

1909, and there are several references to walkway 

improvements in early documents, but no mention 

of replacements to this walkway. 

In 1990-92, the Storage Shed was repaired and 

the interior modifi ed to serve as the electrical hub 

for the Light Station complex. The small building 

was raised about a foot and set on eight brick piers 

on concrete pads. The fl oor joists were sistered, 

a section of sill was replaced, and minor fl oor 

repair was completed. Window sash was replaced 

with four-light fi xed sashes, the double doors and 

board-and-batten siding repaired. 

The building is believed to be the ca. 1920 

storehouse, later labeled as a garage. Because its 

former uses are not clear, it has been identifi ed by 

a variety of names, including pump house, garage, 

and pony barn.

In 1992 a new outbuilding was constructed to serve 

as a public restroom facility and to avoid installing 

restrooms in the Keepers’ Quarters. A gableroofed board-and-batten structure, the building’s 

design is compatible with the existing and former 

architecture of the Light Station. The addition of 

this compatible second outbuilding is appropriate 

in a landscape once home to many outbuildings.
44 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Figure 24, 1969 Aerial photograph showing brick walkway 

and pine trees planted in 1954. (National Register 

nomination)

In July 2003, the Coast Guard announced its 

intentions to remove the Fresnel lens from the 

tower. This news was not well received by the 

public, nor by Jeff rey Crow, head of the North 

Carolina Historic Preservation Offi ce, who 

declared that removing the lens would have an 

adverse eff ect upon the historic property.” The 

Coast Guard was fl exible, and a plan was worked 

out whereby the park service would assume 

responsibility for the aid to navigation after it was 

converted from a federal aid to navigation to a 

private aid to navigation. The lens was offi cially 

transferred at a ceremony held at the lighthouse on 

April 25, 2005.

Figure 25, 2008 aerial photograph from the east, Doug 

Stover, photographer, 2008. (CAHA collection)
National Park Service 45 

Timeline

Timeline

1837 Congressional study of southern coasts and light placements recommended Bodie 

Island area.

1838 Congress appropriated funds for lighthouse on either Pea Island or Bodie Island, 

leaving choice to the Lighthouse Auditor.

1848 Completion of the fi rst Bodie Island Lighthouse.

March 3, 1851 Congressional study of lighthouses.

1852 Lighthouse system placed under newly-established U.S. Light-House Board 

(USLHB); District Inspectors appointed. 

1859 Completion of the second Bodie Island Lighthouse. First lighthouse subsequently 

razed.

April, 1861 Start of the Civil War; Confederate Lighthouse Service seized lighthouses.

May 20, 1861 North Carolina joined Confederacy, extinguished lighthouse lamps.

November, 1861 Confederates removed lens from Lighthouse, blowing it up before abandoning it 

to prevent Union use as a lookout 

June 13, 1871 Government purchased land from John B. Etheridge and his wife for the location 

of a new Bodie Island Lighthouse on new location across Oregon Inlet from site 

of two former lighthouses.

Mid-June, 1871 Work started on support buildings, including storage buildings, workmen’s 

quarters, wharf, and tramway to building site. Materials from temporary 

structures used during construction of Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Contracts 

awarded for brick, granite, and iron for lighthouse construction; brick presumably 

for Keepers’ Quarters as well.

September, 1871 Pier built to hold a derrick for off -loading ships.

after Nov., 1871 Brick shipments began.

Jan. 31, 1872 Plans for “Double Dwelling for Keepers of Bodys Island L.H.”

March, 1872 Walter Frazier joined the work crew as a bricklayer.

Early May, 1872 Work began on the Keepers’ Quarters; District Engineer instructed that the 

building face the lighthouse.
46 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Late June, 1872 Work on Keepers’ Quarters suspended so crew could concentrate on completing 

lighthouse tower. Resumed soon after.

Late Sept., 1872 District Engineer reported the Keepers’ Quarters almost fi nished, recommended 

the excess brick be used to build the Keepers’ Quarters at Cape Lookout.

October 1, 1872 Light of third Bodie Island Lighthouse fi rst lit. Original fuel was lard oil.

October 29, 1872 William F. Hatsel employed as fi rst Principal Keeper.

October, 1872 Flock of geese damaged the new light.

Spring 1873 “Body’s Island lighthouse is now painted black and white horizontal bands.” 

April 28, 1873 Keeper William Hatsel given permission to build a garden fence. 

1874 Light-House Board abolished the position of 3rd Assistant Keeper.

July 1878 Hatsel transferred; Peter G. Gallop becomes Keeper. 

1884 Lighthouse beacon modernized: original lard oil lantern was removed and 

replaced by mineral oil (kerosene) lamps; reduced Keeper workload. New 

lightning protection installed. 

June 9, 1893 Herbert Bamber, Lighthouse District Superintendent of Construction, produced 

a detailed site plan and series of photographs showing Keepers’ Quarters, 

outbuildings, walks, fence, and well.

1896 Sheet iron oil house erected southeast of the tower.

1897 Board authorized 2,200 square feet of new wooden walks.

1897 Keeper requested permission to build stable just outside south fenceline, 

enclosing sketch of Station showing outbuildings, fence, and gates.

1898 District Engineer reported one of the two cisterns in poor condition and 

recommended building a new one.

1898 Telephone service installed at lighthouse station connecting it to central telegraph 

station.

September 21, 1899 Additional house for Principal Keeper requested by District Engineer.

December 12, 1899 F. E. Simpson appointed 2nd Assistant Keeper.

1900 Extensive repairs made to Keepers’ Quarters and outbuildings. New cistern, 

pump, & gutter system. New wood fence with gates. Privies improved.

1905 Keeper reported there were no children of school age at that station

1906 Ephraim Meekins, Jr., replaced Peter G. Gallop as Keeper.
National Park Service 47 

Timeline

1904-9 Proposals continued for construction of a Principal Keeper’s house; plans & 

elevations from several years. Funding provided in 1907. Proposals continue, but 

funds proved inadequate. House never built. 

1909 Written “Description of Buildings, Premises, and Equipment” listed outbuildings, 

garden, and fence; no sketch or plan.

1909 Bodie Island Hunt Club started.

August 1909 Keeper Meekins & two assistants painted tower.

1909 Series of Inspector Correspondence regarding painting tower and buildings.

1910 Keeper directed to sell at public auction the poles and wires of earlier telephone 

lines from lighthouse to life-saving station.

1910 U.S. Bureau of Lighthouses replaced Light-House Board; commonly known as the 

Lighthouse Service.

July 1911 Water pump requested due to low water supply.

December 1911 Wood walks in front of Keeper’s and Assistant Keeper’s cisterns replaced with 

Georgia pine. New downspouts installed.

1912 Lighthouse upgraded; incandescent vapor oil lamp installed. 

1919 Lloyd Vernon Gaskill replaced Ephraim Meekins, Jr., as Keeper. He was to be the 

last keeper of the Bodie Island Light Station.

1920 Traditional date for construction of extant storehouse.

1921 Last set of privies built.

1922 Bell line was run from tower lantern to Keepers’ Quarters, reducing watch duty. 

Light-House Board abolished position of 2nd Assistant Keeper.

1925 Wire fence with concrete posts built to enclose Station.

1930 Woodshed constructed with open front. 

September 19, 1932 Lighthouse beacon converted to electricity. 1896 sheet metal oil house converted 

to generator building. Keeper workload reduced.

1933 1930 woodshed destroyed by hurricane leaving concrete slab foundation.

December 1933 National Geographic Magazine included a photograph showing the Keepers’ 

Quarters, the lighthouse, and four outbuildings.

1934 Tower scraped and painted.

September 1934 Screening plan for doors, windows, and porch(es).
48 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

1936 Several aerial photographs show the complex.

August 17, 1937 Cape Hatteras National Seashore authorized by Congress (but not established 

until 1953).

July 1, 1939 Lighthouse Board incorporated into the Coast Guard, which assumed 

responsibility for operation of the Lighthouse.

1940 Coast Guard assumed control of lighthouse. 

May 1940 Bodie Island Light Station became an unmanned light, operated by timer. Vernon 

Gaskill, last Lightkeeper at Bodie Island Light Station, transferred to Coinjock 

Buoy Tending Depot. Keepers’ Quarters no longer used as keepers’ residence. 

Nags Head Lifeboat Station was given oversight of the light.

June 1, 1940 Coast Guard “Plot Plan” shows subdivision of lighthouse lot. 

During WWII Lighthouse used as lookout tower for the Navy

1945 Light Station increased from 15 acres to a little over 56 acres.

1945 Floor plans labeled “Public Quarters” drawn by US Coast Guard. 

1949 Report listed outbuildings, referenced WWII barracks. Recommended Keepers’ 

Quarters be retained but all others demolished.

Post-WWII Two storehouses listed in the 1909 Description, & later used as garages, were sold, 

moved off -site, and converted to cottages.

Early 1950s Photograph shows Keepers’ Quarters before 1954 work began. Windows 

boarded.

1950s (?) NPS color slide shows Quarters & outbuildings.

January 12, 1953 Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreation Area, authorized in 1937, 

established. 

October 9, 1953 Electrical source for lighthouse converted from generator to commercial power. 

Existing generator for emergency power only.

October 15, 1953 Bodie Island Light Station property declared surplus by Coast Guard and 

transferred to the National Park Service. Excluded was small square plot of land, 

100’ on a side, containing the lighthouse.

December 21, 1954 Plans for “Museum of Natural History” in Keepers’ Quarters.

Jan., 1955 Park naturalist Verde Watson came from Yellowstone to develop natural history 

interpretive program.

1954-1955 Extensive remodeling project. Signifi cant alterations to porches and interior.

August 5, 1958 Photograph shows two frame outbuildings. 
National Park Service 49 

Timeline

1960s Postcard shows chimneys painted white.

1967 Series of photographs by NPS historian Russ Holland for his history of the Bodie 

Island Light Station. Keepers’ Quarters was operating as visitor center and small 

natural history museum. Tower was locked.

1974 Photographs taken by State Historic Preservation Offi ce (NC Division of Archives 

& History).

1975 Roof replaced.

1981 Photographs taken by State Historic Preservation Offi ce (NC Division of Archives 

& History).

May 1983 NPS began historical programs in oil house & lowest level of tower. 

May 1984 Coast Guard installed chain-link security fence around base of the tower staircase.

1987-89 Structural investigation of Keepers’ Quarters and NPS Inventory and Condition 

Assessment (ICAP).

1990-92 Extensive work to create Visitor Center, bookstore, offi ces.

1990 Architectural artifacts from house tagged & stored.

1994 Outer Banks Lighthouse Society founded.

July 13, 2000 Bodie Island Lighthouse transferred from the Coast Guard to NPS. Coast Guard 

retained ownership of the Fresnel lens.

2000 National Register documentation.

2002 HABS documentation.

2002 Historic Structure Report of lighthouse and oil house.

April 25, 2005 Ownership of the Fresnel lens transferred from the Coast Guard to NPS at a 

ceremony at the lighthouse.

2009 Historic Structure Report of Double Keepers’ Quarters.
50 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service 51

 Part I.C - Physical Description

I.C Physical Description

General Description

Site

The 1872 Light Station is located on Bodie Island 

of the North Carolina Outer Banks. The station 

is set back about eight-tenths of a mile from the 

Atlantic Ocean to the east and one hundred yards 

or so from the marshy Roanoke Sound to the west. 

The soil is sandy and the water table is high, typically just a few feet below grade. Site elevation is 

low, just three feet above sea level. 

Figure 1, Map of lighthouses along the North Carolina 

Outer Banks, c. 1990.

Between the shoreline and the lighthouse is State 

Highway 12 , connecting the communities of Nags 

Head about 11 miles to the north and Hatteras 

about 50 miles to the south. Virtually all people 

arrive at the Light Station via this highway and 

then the Park Service road that branches off just to 

the north of the station and circles west and then 

southward to paved parking areas on the west side 

of the station.

The fi fteen-acre station, then as now, is dominated 

by the 164-foot brick lighthouse with its bands of 

black and white and its attached brick oil house. 

Facing it is the Keepers’ Quarters. The complex 

was once surrounded by a wide vista of fl at sand 

bordered by ocean and sound. Today the station 

is separated from the ocean by barrier dunes built 

in the 1930s. Tall pines planted in 1954 line the 

road and rise behind a parking lot. The immediate 

grounds of the Light Station are mowed grass, surrounded on three sides by the pines and to the east 

by a pond, called a bog in early records, extending from the station to the main beach road. The 

isolated setting retains an undeveloped, naturalistic 

appearance with few modifi cations.

Origin and Date of Design

A standardized design for lighthouse crew quarters, 

the architectural plans are titled “Double Dwelling 

for Keepers of Bodys Island L.H.” The available 

drawings contained one sheet issued on January 

31, 1872, and are identifi ed as having been transmitted to Bodie Lighthouse by P.C. Hains, Major 

Engineers I/S/A Engineers 5th Lighthouse District. 

These Quarters for the operating crew were built 

concurrent with the construction of the lighthouse, 

coal house and ancillary structures.

Interior Organization

The design was for a duplex, two separate living 

quarters in one building. Two stories in height, the 

organizational arrangement was, for each unit, a 

side hall with two adjoining rooms at each level. 

The stairs connecting fi rst and second levels were 

contained within the hall. At the fi rst fl oor, the 

forward, or east side room was the Living Room 

and the following, or west side room the Kitchen. 

At the second fl oor, the two rooms served as 

Bedrooms. A third ancillary room was at the end 

of the hall opposite the stair landing. At each level, 

room circulation was off the hallway. There was no 

designed interconnection between the rooms.

The fl oor plans for the two living quarters were 

arranged symmetrically so that the hallways were 

side-by-side at the center of the building and 

extended east-west. Thereby, the Living Room and 

Kitchen at fi rst fl oor and Bedrooms immediately 
52 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

above were placed at the north and south ends of 

the building. Two wood-burning chimneys serving both fl oor levels, were located at the north and 

south end walls. Combined, the two quarters make 

for a building rectangular in footprint measuring 

approximately 28'-2" by 48'-10".

Figure 2, Original Design - First-fl oor Plan, 1872.

While the perimeter walls of the building are 

masonry, the interior walls, even the dividing wall 

between the two quarters, are wood stud walls 

covered with plaster or plaster board. Floor systems are likewise sawn-wood framing with tongueand-groove, pine, board fl ooring. Ceilings, at both 

levels, were originally plaster on wood lath, and 

now replaced with plaster board.

Figure 3, Original Design - Second-fl oor Plan, 1872.

Exterior

The two-story Quarters is constructed of brick laid 

in a 1:6 common bond pattern. The smaller, north 

and south building elevations match one another. 

Both are gable-end walls devoid of any fenestration 

or distinctive features. 

Figure 4, Southwest oblique, 2005.

The longer east and west elevations are close 

matches of one another. On each elevation, the 

fenestration is arranged symmetrically from a vertical center line. At fi rst-fl oor level, there are two 

central doorways, one for each quarter, fl anked 

by two matching, six-over-six light, double-hung 

sash windows. At second-fl oor level, there are 

six identical window units, each directly over a 

window or door at fi rst fl oor. Each at second level 

is a six-over-six light, double-hung sash window of 

equal width, but slightly shorter than the windows 

of the lower level.

Curiously, the pattern of fenestration is not evenly 

spaced as indicated on the original 1872 architectural plans. Instead, the two central openings of 

both elevations are closer together than the spacing 

between the fl anking windows. And even more curious, the doorway openings of the west elevation 

are closer together than those of the east elevation.

 Along both the east and west elevations of the 

Quarters is an open, fi rst-fl oor porch spanning 

the full distance of the building elevation. Wood 

shingles cover the hip roof of each porch.

The house has a gable roof covered with wood 

shingles. At each gable end, there is a pair of inwall, brick chimneys, all four of which are identical.

Location Within the Light Station

The Quarters is located to the west of the lighthouse and coal house, connected by a walkway 

that park folklore says was built from brick left 

over from construction of the lighthouse and other 

buildings. The east elevation of the Quarters was
National Park Service 53

 Part I.C - Physical Description

considered the “front,” the lighthouse being the 

focus of the daily crew activities.

As the Quarters’ interior was organized symmetrically to contain the two households, so too was the 

surrounding site and the outbuildings associated 

with the Quarters. A storage barn and privy for 

each quarter were placed symmetrically opposite 

each other, at a distance, to the north and south 

respectively. Of these early outbuildings, none 

survive. 

Figure 5, Bodie Island Light Station Site Survey, 1893.

Early on, according to original constrution records 

and an 1893 site plan, there were two cisterns. One 

on the north side, close to the west elevation, for 

the north quarters and the other on the south side, 

close to the east building elevation, for the south 

quarters. Two cisterns of approximately the indicated sizes and confi gurations are in those locations now, though apparently with some physical 

modifi cations. There now is a third cistern off the 

north side of the building, near the east elevation, 

added in 1900. Off the south side, at the previously open west corner, a brick and wood louvered 

enclosure was built in 1990-92 to conceal the two 

heat pumps.

About 25 feet back from the south wall of the 

Quarters is a poured concrete slab. This was the 

fl oor for the Wood Shed constructed in 1930 and 

destroyed by a hurricane in 1933. Imprints created while the cement was still wet indicate interior 

spaces were formed by stud wall enclosures.

About one hundred feet north of the Quarters is a 

one-story, wood-frame building with board-andbatten siding and a wood-shingled gable roof. In 

recent years it has been known primarily as the 

Storage Shed. Since 1992 it has also served as the 

central distribution facility for electrical power to 

the station. According to the National Register 

Form, it was built in 1920 as a storehouse located 

between the original North Quarters’ Storage Shed 

and its Privy. It fi rst appears in a 1933 photograph. 

It is identifi ed in the 1940 site survey as garage.

To the north, at a distance of about 100 feet past 

the Storage Shed, a frame board-and-batten-sided 

public restroom facility was constructed in 1990-

92. The design of the building and the choice of 

building materials were modelled on the Storage 

Shed.

 

Figure 6, Northwest oblique view of Light Station.

Interconnection of Building and Site

The fi rst-fl oor level is slightly less than 3 feet above 

grade. Today, the building is typically approached 

from the west via a modern board ramp that terminates at porch’s edge in front of the double doorway. Though originally and through much of its 

history this side was thought of as “the back of the 

building,” it is now considered “the front.” Parking 

areas and service drive are now located to the west 

and this west elevation is the principal approach for 

visitors. On the east side, the original “front” but 

now the rear, there is a central set of board steps as 
54 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

originally designed. At the north and south ends of 

each porch, connecting porch to grade, is a set of 

wood steps, probably original features, though not 

shown on the 1872 plans.

On each porch, a wood door threshold two boards 

deep is set about two inches above porch level and 

at a height even with the interior fl ooring. 

Construction Characteristics

All photographs were taken in 2009 by author unless otherwise noted.

Structural Systems

Foundations 

For the building proper, the original architectural plans indicate a continuous brick perimeter 

foundation wall and a central east-west cross wall. 

Below the framing of the fi rst-level fl oor, this 

perimeter masonry is 2'-0" thick and extends about 

2'-6" below ground level, the last 12 inches being a 

spread footing 2'-6" wide. 

Above the fi rst level fl oor framing, the brick perimeter wall decreases 10" in thickness. The internal 

cross wall provides support for a system of wood 

framing within the building that begins at the fi rst 

fl oor. This cross wall is 1'-0" wide and according to the 1872 plans extends about 1'-6" below 

grade and does not have a spread footing. The 

actual constructed characteristics below grade of 

the perimeter walls and cross wall have not been 

established.

Brick piers measuring 1'-0" by 1'-0" were added 

in 1990-92 to provide additional support for the 

wood fl oor framing.

Exterior Walls 

The perimeter walls at all four elevations are 

constructed of brick, laid in a six-to-one common 

bond. Three wythe deep, these walls measure 

1'-2" at both fi rst and second fl oors. 

At the exterior face of the east and west walls, the 

brickwork corbels outward another 3 inches to 

accept the ends of the joists for the open porches. 

On the interior face of all four perimeter walls, the 

masonry corbels inward 9 inches to support the 

fi rst-fl oor framing.

Fenestration, both window openings and doorways, have brick jack arch lintels. The sills of both 

types of openings are made of wood.

With multiple layers of fi nishes on the exterior 

faces of the masonry, the current mortar joint profi le appears to be slightly concave. An unmodifi edoriginal mortar joint has not been identifi ed.

Interior Walls 

The interior walls that originally subdivided the 

building into its two living quarters and those quarters into rooms are made of frame construction. 

Originally, these frame walls were covered with 

plaster on wood lath. During the repair campaign of 1990-92, some plaster surfaces could be 

patched and left exposed. Other damaged plaster 

walls were retained, re-secured and covered with a 

plaster board (blue board). Thus, the wall depth of 

these interior walls varies from about 71⁄4 inches to 

8 inches.

Flooring Systems

The original 1872 plans call for fi rst-level fl oor 

joists to span from north and south end-walls to 

the masonry cross wall support at the center of the 

house, a distance of approximately 24'-0". Though 

the dimensions are not labeled on these plans, it 

is assumed that the fi rst-fl oor joists are 10 inches 

deep as are the second level fl oor joists. And also, 

presumably, the joists of both fi rst and second level 

fl oor are 3 inches wide, consistent with the attic 

fl oor joists. Joists abutting each side wall of the 

chimneys are paired. At mid-span in the Kitchens and Living Rooms, a pair of sistered joists of 

presumably the same size are under the joists to 

provide support.

Roofi ng Systems 

The original wall plates atop the east and west 

walls measure 4" by 10", according to the 1872 

plans. Located at the outside face of the perimeter 

masonry wall, these plates could not be accessed to 

confi rm their actual size. 

Original pine rafters, each cut on all four sides with 

a circular saw and measuring 3" by 6", are set in 

pairs 22" on center to form the gable roof. At the 

roof ridge, rafters (the originals) are teo-nailed 

together. There is no ridge board. At the base of 

each rafter pair, a second-fl oor ceiling joist spans 

the full distance from east to west walls. 
National Park Service 55

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Figure 7, Roof overhang.

The rafters continue beyond the exterior masonry 

walls of the east and west elevations to support 

overhanging roof deck, fascia and gutter. The pine 

joists are original, measure 2" by 93⁄4" and are cut 

by circular saw on all four sides. 

Figure 8, Diagonal bracing added in 1954 in attic to help 

support new oil heater.

In 1954, pine planks measuring 11⁄2" by 31⁄8" were 

nailed in place as a diagonal connection between 

rafters and joist. This was done to provide additional support for the joists as heating units were 

placed in the attic. The deck boards, which appear 

to date from diff erent installation periods, measure 

51⁄2" in width. 

Also at some point, perhaps in 1954, a modern, 

15⁄8" by 51⁄2" pine board was added as a vertical 

brace at the connection of each rafter pair and 

joist. Though not on the 1954 as-built plans these 

vertical boards were already installed by commencement of the 1990 repairs. 

Figure 9, Vertical brace added at unknown date to apparently help support the 1954 oil heater.

Porch Piers & Framing 

There are two rows of apparently original, low 

brick piers, aligned north-south, one parallel to 

the east exterior wall of the dwelling and the other 

row parallel to the west wall. Each row supports 

a system of wood framing for an open porch. The 

two end-piers of each group measure 1'-1" by 2'-1" 

in plan. The brick piers between the two end-piers 

are square in plan measuring 1'-1" by 1'-1".

Figure 10, East Porch.
56 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Utility Systems

Mechanical System 

Two heat pumps installed in the 1990-92 phase of 

repair provide central heating and cooling to this 

building. One unit serves the fi rst fl oor and the 

other the second fl oor. These heat pumps are just 

outside the building to the southwest in an enclosure, built at the time of installation, designed to 

hide the mechanical units from view. The enclosure sits on a low, brick perimeter wall and has four 

sides of wooden horizontal louvers and an open 

top. 

Figure 11, Typical, 1990s era, 10-inch, metal ceiling register.

Inside the house, there is a mechanical room for an 

air handler at each fl oor level. The fi rst-fl oor air 

handler has a trunk line contained in a chase that 

runs along the ceilings of what originally was the 

Stair Hall for the South Keepers’ Quarters. Off this 

trunk line ducts run north-south between ceiling joists to factory-painted, adjustable, 10 inch 

metal, ceiling-supply registers. A factory-painted, 

fi xed-louvered, return-air register measuring 1'-10" 

by 1'-10" is in the wall between Room 104, the 

Mechanical Room, and Room 105, the Bookstore - 

West Room.

The second-fl oor air handler uses the attic for its 

ducting. A galvanized metal trunk line runs eastwest above the original Stair Hall for the North 

Keepers’ Quarters. Off this trunk line, fl ex ducts 

runs north-south above the ceiling joists to ceiling 

registers matching those of the fi rst fl oor. There 

are two return-air registers matching the one on 

the fi rst fl oor. One extends through the north wall 

and the second through the south wall of Room 

206, the Mechanical Room.

Figure 12, Typical, 1990s, 1'-10" by 1'-10" metal return grill.

Electrical System 

Electrical service is provided by Dominion Energy 

and comes to the site underground off State Highway 12. A transformer feeds directly to the Storage 

Shed. A second feed bypasses the Storage Shed 

and goes directly to the lighthouse.

Figure 13, Typical, 1990s, plastic plate cover.

Distribution panels in the Storage Shed feed 

110/220 service underground to the Public Re-
National Park Service 57

 Part I.C - Physical Description

strooms Building to the north and to the Double 

Keepers’ Quarters to the south. In the Quarters, 

there are two electrical panels in the fi rst-fl oor 

Mechanical Room.

Figure 14, Typical, Interior 12-inch diameter, reproduction 

“schoolhouse” ceiling light.

The Keepers’ Quarters were completely rewired 

in the 1990-92 phase of repair. Ivory-colored 

plastic plates were the typical covers for switches 

and outlets. Reproduction “school house” ceiling 

fi xtures were installed throughout the interior. On 

the exterior, a “coach light” sconce was installed on 

each side of the paired doors at both the east and 

west porches.

Figure 15, Typical, 12-inch tall, exterior, reproduction-”coach 

light” sconce.

Plumbing System 

The Staff Restroom, Room 107, with a single toilet 

and a lavatory, was installed in 1990-92. The water 

source is the City of Nags Head.

Exterior Features

Roofs & Rainwater Collection/Dispersal 

The current, sawn-shingle roofi ng was installed in 

1990-92. According to the specifi cations contained 

in the corresponding ICAP report, the shingles are 

#1 Blue Label Western Red Shingles. They are set 

on nailers which are atop a pine board deck attached directly to the roof rafters. The shingles are 

random widths with a 5-inch exposure.

Figure 16, East-side, roof, rainwater collection.

The main section of the Quarters has a gable roof. 

The two porches have hip roofs.

Painted, half-round, galvanized-steel gutters collect 

water from the upper roof and both porches. A 

round, 3-inch downspout carries the water from 

the east half of the upper roof and connects with 

same from the east-side porch roof into one 3- 

inch downspout that enters the southeast cistern; 

the downspout does not deposit the rainwater in 
58 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

the cistern but carries it through to the far south 

side where the water is dumped onto the ground. 

Downspouts on the west side are confi gured in 

the same fashion and pass through the northwest 

cistern.

 

There are three brick cisterns. Two are on the 

north side of the Keepers’ Quarters, opposite the 

northeast and northwest corners, and one is on the 

south side, opposite the southeast corner. Each 

cistern has a concrete-slab cover.

Figure 17, Paired chimneys at north gable.

Chimneys 

There are four matching chimneys, a pair at each 

gable-end wall. All four chimneys are made of 

brick and measure about 3'-2" by 1'-9" in horizontal section above roof line. Beginning at the top of 

each chimney, the third and fourth rows of brick 

corbel out about 2 inches to create a two-brick 

deep banding, decoration for the culmination of 

the chimney stack. These chimneys are believed 

to be unmodifi ed original features. There is visual 

evidence of well-weathered fi nish coatings on the 

exterior surfaces of the brickwork. Each chimney 

is subdivided into two fl ues, connecting to a fi rstand a second-fl oor fi replace immediately below. 

For fear of uncontained fi re, use of the fi replace 

is not permitted. At fi rst fl oor, the fi reboxes are 

exposed. At second fl oor, all four fi replaces are 

covered with a stud and blue board enclosure. 

Also, to minimize rain water intrusion at the top of 

the chimneys and to maximize ventilation in the 

chimney stacks, a vented cover was installed atop 

each chimney.

Open Porches 

At fi rst fl oor, a one-story open porch spans the entire east elevation and a matching porch spans the 

west elevation. They measure approximately 6'-8" 

deep by 48'-10" long. Both porches are original features. However, both porches have had extensive 

repairs over time, especially in 1990-92 when there 

was extensive replacement of the porch-deck framing, columns, roof framing and associated trim. 

Figure 18, Replacement fl oor joists at West Porch.

The porch-deck framing at both porches is treated 

11⁄2" by 71⁄2" joists installed in 1990-92. A painted, 

1" by 101⁄2" skirt board conceals the porch deck 

framing. 

Both porch decks consist of unpainted but regularly oiled (linseed oil), tongue-and-groove, pine 

boards measuring 5/4” by 21⁄4”, 21⁄2” or 3”. Those 

boards in better condition from both porches were 

salvaged in 1990-92 and reinstalled on the East 

Porch. The deck boards on the West Porch match 

those on the East Porch in appearance but they are 

replacements dating to the 1990-92 repairs. The 

top of the porch deck of both porches are approximately 2’-8” above grade.
National Park Service 59

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Figure 19, Looking north from East Porch.

The seven pairs of coupled posts and four sets of 

X-braced railings per porch are an unusual feature 

fi rst documented in 1893 photographs. These 

confi gurations are probably original features given 

the early documentation of their existence, even 

though the 1872 plans call for ten solitary posts. 

Figure 20, Side steps.

According to photographs, the paired posts and 

X-braced porch railings continued until 1954 when 

they were replaced by single posts without porch 

railings similar to the 1872 plans. The single posts 

were replaced with paired posts and X-braced rails 

which were in place in 1990. However, because 

insect damage was so severe, George Perrot, who 

supervised the NPS repair eff ort in 1990-92, 

reports that all posts and rails had to be replaced. 

The posts measure 2" by 4". The top rail measures 

1" by 5", the bottom rail 1" by 6", and the cross rail 

1" by 4".

The porch posts support 2" by 6" joists and 3" by 

6" rafters as in the 1990 plans.

Figure 21, Plank-board ramp leading to West Porch.

Stairs & Ramps 

Centered on the east elevation of the dwelling 

is a wide set of three steps. These painted steps 

measure 15'-5" in width. The risers are 8" high. 

Each tread board is 1" thick by 1'-0" deep with bull 

nose detail along the three exposed edges. The 

stringers measure 3'-0” by 8" with a 1⁄2" edge bead 

on the exposed bottom corner. Though an original 

design feature, the steps were extensively rebuilt in 

1990-92.

Figure 22, West Porch entrances.

A wooden ramp installed in 1990-92 is centered 

on the west elevation, the façade to which the arriving public approaches upon arrival by vehicle. 
60 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

At the porch, the ramp is 16'-0" wide. From this 

point, the west edge of the porch, the ramp slowly 

descends and tapers in width for nearly twenty feet 

of run until it reaches a width of 5'-11", a width 

it retains until it ends at the vehicular drive. The 

treated plank boards of the ramp deck are unpainted but oiled (linseed oil) periodically. The plank 

boards of the walkway measure 1" by 53⁄4". Railings 

matching those of the open porches fl ank the sides 

of the ramp at the east end.

Figure 23, North elevation of West Porch ramp.

At the north and south ends of the two open 

porches, there are matching steps, an early if not 

original design feature. Each group consists of 

three steps and measures 5'-1" in width. The 

full-length treads measure 111⁄4" deep by 5/4" 

thick with a bull nose profi le on the three exposed 

sides. The riser measures 8" in height. There are 

three stringers. Each measures 3" by 8", has been 

squared up with circular saw and cut to accommodate treads and risers. This framing is without 

decorative embellishment. All four of these sets of 

steps were extensively rebuilt in 1990-92.

Figure 24, Early brick walkway and rebuilt steps leading to 

East Porch entrances.

Windows 

The windows appear along the east and west walls, 

the long elevations of the Quarters. At both the 

fi rst and second levels, the window units are the 

original, wood, double-hung sash, in a six-over-six 

light design. At fi rst fl oor, the window units measure 2'-8" wide by 5'-2" tall. At second fl oor, the 

window units are 2'-8" wide by 4'-10" tall.

Each window opening has an exterior sash window 

consisting of a wood sash of full-opening dimensions with thermal glass. Two metal receivers at the 

top rail of each sash attach to matching hooks on 

the window header. The thermal windows were 

added during the 1990-92 repair campaign.

Figure 25, Typical fi rst-fl oor window.

Also at each window are scars at the jambs from 

butt hinges for shutters. Shutters are shown on the 

building in a 1933 photograph. No evidence was 

observed of other shutter hardware such as plate or 

driven pintles, other jamb hinges, hooks, holdbacks 

or latches.

Doors 

There are four exterior doorways, all at fi rst fl oor. 

Two are centrally placed on the east elevation and 

two on the west, one on each elevation for each of 
National Park Service 61

 Part I.C - Physical Description

the two living quarters. All four doors are identical 

and appear to be original. The four-panel doors 

measure 15⁄8" by 3'-0" by 7'-0". 

Figure 26, Typical door lock, exterior face of exterior door.

Each door has a modern mortise lock with brass 

pull handle and thumb latch on the exterior face. 

A turn is on the interior side. All four doors have a 

door closer. The two west doors each have three, 

stainless-steel, 4 inch hinges. The two doors on the 

east elevation each have three early brass 4-inch 

ball-pin hinges which are possibly the original. 

Figure 27, Early brass door hinge, East Porch.

Each doorway has a three-light transom sash, also 

original. The transom bar has been modifi ed at the 

exterior face of each doorway; a replacement piece 

of trim has been added at some unknown point.

Each doorway has a well-worn, perhaps original, 

threshold comprised of two boards side-by-side 

that spans the width of the masonry opening and 

measures 14" in total depth. Each doorway also 

has a modern 31⁄2" wide oak threshold added on 

top of the early threshold.

Figure 28, West Porch reducer.

All four doorways have remnants of an added 

exterior door stop measuring 1⁄2" by 13⁄8". Associated with that stop are scars for small hinges and 

a latch for a light-weight outer door, presumably 

the screen doors that were installed in 1954 and 

removed in 1990-92.

Interior Features

Common 1872 Design Elements

The two living quarters were constructed to be 

mirror images of one another. In the original 1872 

design, architectural features were frequently repeated. And there was an hierarchy of sophistication in the features; the more sophisticated designs 

were placed in the more-public, fi rst-fl oor areas.

An example of the heirarchical diff erence in treatment is found with the windows. Though the 

beveled window casings are the same at both fl oor 

levels, the window aprons at fi rst fl oor diff er from 

those at second fl oor. At fi rst fl oor the aprons are 

beveled to align with the bevels of the casing above. 

At second fl oor, the apron is a simple plank board 

without bevels.
62 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Some of the repeated original design elements 

found on both levels of the Quarters interior include: 

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall, beveled baseboard is found in virtually every room.

Figure 29, Section through baseboard.

Figure 30, Typical baseboard.

Window Casing 

Throughout the Quarters, all window casing is 5 

inches wide, beveled along two edges. 

Figure 31, Typical window casing.

Window and Transom Sash 

The sash and muntin are trimmed identically for all 

units. All sash and transoms appear to be original.

Figure 32, Typical window muntin.

Door Casing 

Similar to the window casings, the door casings 

have the double-bevel. In addition, the casing has a 

bead at the interior edge creating a full width of 55⁄8 

inches.

Figure 33, Typical door casing
National Park Service 63

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Exterior Doors 

Found only at fi rst fl oor, the 4 doors are identical.

Interior Doors 

Only two of the early interior doors have survived 

but this four-panel design was probably the typical 

door type. The two early doors are at the doorway 

to the closet off Room 102 North Front Entry Hall 

and between Room 201 Conference Room and 207 

Lead Ranger’s Offi ce.

Later Design Elements

Later repair and remodeling campaigns in 1954 

and especially in 1990-92 retained and reused the 

original 1872 elements in the same places of origin. 

Sections or whole units of damaged or missing elements were replicated. 

Figure 34, Reproduction ball-pin door hinge.

Figure 35, Reproduction rimlock.

When new room confi gurations were created, the 

component architectural elements were chosen 

to match in appearance the designs of the original 

1872 elements. Examples include baseboards, 

door casings, and doors. Close inspection reveals 

small diff erences between the 1872 design and 

the replacement copy. As example, the 1990-92 

replacement doors look very similar to the 1872 

doors. However, the methods of construction vary 

and the diff erences facilitate identifi cation of the 

respective construction periods. (See Drawing B-3: 

Interior Door - Original and Drawing B-4: Interior 

Door - 1992.)

If the evidence were inconclusive, other plausible 

late-nineteenth-century designs were selected. 

Examples include door and window hardware, 

doorstops, and picture molding. 

Figure 36, Typical sash latch.

Figure 37, Typical sash lift.

Figure 38, Typical picture molding.
64 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Figure 39, Reproduction door stop.

Description by Room

Room 101 - Exhibit Room-West

This room was originally the Kitchen for the North 

Keepers’ Quarters. However, with the majority of 

its east wall removed, this room is now functionally 

part of one large exhibit space along with Room 

110, the original Living Room. Rectilinear in plan, 

this room measures about 11'-0 1⁄2" by 15'-6". 

Figure 40, Northwest oblique of Room 101.

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2" in width. Installed before 1954, it is laid northsouth. The varnish fi nish is well worn from visitor 

foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The west and south walls 

are original and their baseboards likely date to that 

1872 period. The wing-wall sections of the east 

wall were reconstructed in 1990-92 and their baseboards likely date to that period. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the west and south walls. The 

sections of the east wall now present were reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood studs and plaster 

board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board plaster veneer system was 

installed. No plaster or wood lath remains.

Figure 41, Southwest oblique of Room 101.
National Park Service 65

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Doorways 

A single doorway is on the south wall and leads to 

Room 102 Front Entry Hall – North. The missing 

door which measured 2’-10” by 6’-8” was probably 

a four-panel door as found elsewhere in the Quarters’ interior rooms. No elements of the missing 

door hardware remains. The door casing appears 

to be original.

A large passageway is present at the east wall. This 

entire wall was removed in 1954 to create one large 

exhibit space. The current sections were then 

reconstructed in 1990-92. 

Windows 

There are two window units on the west wall. Both 

are original and intact. The window sash are sixover-six light, double-hung. 

The window casing and apron are the typical type 

found throughout the fi rst fl oor and probably date 

to 1872.

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and built-in cabinets are 

coated with a polyurethane varnish applied in 

1990-92, as per Perrot. The door and window 

casings, window sash, picture molding, plaster or 

plaster board walls and ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990-92-era ceiling supply registers of typical design (described in section Utility Systems 

– Mechanical System above) are located close to 

the west wall. In addition, a typical return register 

(described in same referenced section) is located in 

the south wall.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical, 1990-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xtures of typical 

design installed in 1990-92. 

Fireplace 

On the north wall is the exposed-brick fi replace for 

the original Kitchen. The early if not original fi rebox is intact. The opening measures 3'-3" across 

at the front face and 1'-1" deep, the beveled cheek 

walls forming a 2'-4" wide back wall. Many of the 

brick along the back of the fi rebox have heat fractures and spalled exposed surfaces. A metal strap 

supports the fl at arch of the hearth. In 1990-92 a 

new brick hearth measuring 4'-3" wide and 2'-1" 

deep was laid. Also during those repairs, a Dutchman repair was made to the front of the mantel 

shelf. In 1954, the front of the shelf was hacked off 

to enclose the fi replace with a stud wall. 

Figure 42, Fireplace of Room 101.

Figure 43, Dutchman repair (1990s) to mantel shelf, Room 

101.

Figure 44, Fireplace hearth, Room 101.
66 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Built-in Cabinets 

On each side of the fi replace, new built-in oak cabinets were constructed in and installed in 1990-92. 

The designs are based in part on ghost marks found 

only in the two Kitchens, according to Perrot, and 

in part on the cabinets still surviving in the Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters in St. Augustine, Florida.

Room 102 - Front Entry Hall-North

This west sector of the Stair Hall for the North 

Quarters was originally the living unit’s back 

passageway. Even before the building’s function 

changed in 1954 to receive large numbers of visitors, this area had come to be thought of as a front 

entrance. It measures 6'-8" wide with a depth arbitrarily set for the purposes of this report at about 

11'-0", the location of the dividing wall that divides 

the adjoining spaces, fi rst fl oor and immediately 

above at second fl oor, into east and rooms.

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2 inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is 

laid north-south. A 10 inch wide patch of fl ooring was installed in 1954 where the south wall was 

removed for a wide passageway. The current patch 

of matching fl ooring was installed in 1990-92 to demarcate where the original wall was located. The 

varnish fi nish throughout is well worn from visitor 

foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and west 

walls are original and intact. Part of the south 

wall retains its original confi guration as well. All 

four walls may retain their 1872 baseboards. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the north and west walls. The 

sections of the south wall now present were reconstructed of wood studs and plaster board in 1990-

92 to demarcate the location of the original wall. 

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Figure 45, West entrances at Room 103 and 102.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 the blue board veneer plaster system 

was installed. No plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

There are three doorways in this room. One doorway is on the north wall and leads into Room 101 

Exhibit Room – West. This doorway is described 

in the Room 101 section above. 

A second doorway on the east wall opens into 

a small closet beneath the stairs. At this second 

doorway, an original 1872 feature, the original fourpanel door remains and measures 2'-4" wide by 6'-

4" tall. However, the early hardware is not present. 

The doorway now has a metal-plate reproduction 

rim lock and two reproduction ball-pin hinges, all 

installed in 1990-92. 

On the west elevation is a third doorway. This 

doorway, which connects with the exterior, was 

originally the back doorway of the North Quarters. 

The original, four-panel exterior door remains. 

This doorway is described in the section Exterior 

Features above. 

The door casing on all three doorways is original, 

the typical design found throughout the building. 
National Park Service 67

 Part I.C - Physical Description

There is also a passageway at the south wall that 

connects with Room 103 Front Entry Hall - South. 

Originally a frame and plaster wall that separated 

the two living quarters, this wall was removed in 

1954 when the building use changed. The current 

sections of wall were reconstructed in 1990-92 to 

better demarcate the location of the original 1872 

wall.

Windows 

There are no windows in this room. There is a 

three-light transom above the doorway, however. 

The transom sash has the same construction features as the window sash throughout the building. 

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and closet door are coated 

with a polyurethane varnish applied in 1990-92, 

as per Perrot. The exterior door, the door casings, 

transom sash, picture molding, plaster or plaster 

board walls and ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

No elements of the mechanical system are exposed 

in this room.

Figure 46, Understair Closet in Room 102.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

installed in 1990-92. 

Security System 

A motion detector is located in the northwest corner of the room.

Closet 

Beneath the Stairs is an original service room or 

Closet. Entered through a low door, this Closet 

measures just 2’-6” wide by 6’-10” deep. 

Room 103 - Front Entry Hall-South

This space was originally the west sector of the 

Stair Hall for the South Quarters and contained 

this living unit’s back entrance. Even before the 

building’s function had changed in 1954 to receive 

large numbers of visitors, this area came to be 

thought of as a front entrance. It measures 6'-8" 

wide and 6'-5" deep.

Figure 47, Southeast oblique view of Room 103.

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2 inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is laid 

north-south. A 10-inch wide patch of fl ooring was 

installed in 1954 where the original north wall was 

removed. The current patch of matching fl oor-
68 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

ing was installed in 1990-92 to demarcate where 

the original wall was located. The varnish fi nish 

throughout this space is well worn from visitor foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The south and west walls 

and part of the north are in their original locations 

and may retain their 1872 baseboards. The east 

wall was rebuilt in 1991-1992 and its baseboards 

likely date to that period. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was applied 

in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on lath at 

the west and south walls. The sections of the north 

wall now present and the east wall were reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood studs and plaster 

board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1991-1992. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 blue board plaster board was installed. 

No plaster or wood lath remains. A chase for 

HVAC ductwork was installed running east-west 

along the south wall at ceiling height. The chase 

measures 1'-2" wide by 1'-1" deep and is made of 

1⁄4" fi nish-grade plywood.

Doorways 

A doorway on the east wall opens from Room 104 

Mechanical Room. This doorway and door were 

reconstructed in 1990-92 and are close matches 

in appearance to original interior doorways and 

doors elsewhere in the building. 

A second doorway on the south wall leads into 

room 105 Bookstore – West Room. It is an original 

doorway, though its door and hardware are now 

missing. This door measured 2'-10" by 6'-8" and 

probably was the typical four-panel interior door 

found elsewhere in this building. 

On the west elevation is a third doorway. This 

doorway, which connects with the exterior, was 

originally the back doorway of the South Quarters. 

The original, four-panel exterior door remains. 

This doorway and door are described in the section Exterior Features above. 

The door casing on this and the south doorway 

are original, a typical design found throughout the 

building. 

There is also a passageway at the north wall that 

connects with Room 102 Front Entry Hall - North. 

Originally a frame and plaster wall that separated 

the two living quarters, this wall was removed in 

1954 when the building use changed. The current 

sections of wall were reconstructed in 1990-92.

Windows 

There are no windows in this room. There is a 

three-light transom above the west doorway to the 

exterior, however. The transom sash has the same 

construction features as the window sash throughout the building. 

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and built-in cabinets are 

coated with a polyurethane varnish, applied in 

1990-92, according to Perrot. The door and window casings, window sash, picture molding, plaster 

or plaster board walls and ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

A chase for HVAC ductwork was installed in 1990-

92 running east-west along the south wall at ceiling 

height. The chase measures 1'-2" wide by 1'-1" 

deep and is made of 1⁄4" fi nish-grade plywood.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

installed in 1990-92. 

Room 104 - Mechanical Room

This room was originally a closet beneath the Stair 

Hall for the South Quarters. As the building’s 

function changed to receive large numbers of visitors in 1954, the stairs for this section was removed 

and this space became part of the newly installed 

women’s restroom. In 1990-92, when the central 

heating/cooling system was installed, the space was 

converted to the Mechanical Room for the fi rstfl oor rooms. It measures 6'-8" wide and 3'-11" 

deep.

Flooring 

The sheet vinyl fl oor covering was installed in 

1990-92.
National Park Service 69

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north and west walls 

are original dating to 1872. The baseboards may 

date to 1872 vintage or to the 1954 remodel. The 

east and west walls were constructed in 1990-92 

and the baseboards likely date to that period. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath of the original north and south 

walls. The east and west walls were constructed in 

1990-92 using wood studs and plaster board.

Picture Molding 

There is no picture molding in this room.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No plaster or wood lath remains. 

Doorways 

The one doorway, located on the west wall, is 

described above in the section on Room 103- Front 

Entrance South.

Windows 

There are no windows in this small interior room.

Mechanical System 

This room contains the HVAC air handler for the 

fi rst-fl oor rooms of the building. The HVAC system was installed in 1990-92.

Electrical System 

Two circuit panels, installed when the building was 

rewired in 1990-92, are located on the north wall.

Room 105 - Bookstore-West Room

This space was originally the Kitchen for the South 

Keepers’ Quarters. With the majority of the dividing wall removed, this room is now part of one 

large Bookstore along with Room 106. Rectilinear 

in plan, the room measures about 11'-21⁄2" by 15'-

51⁄2". 

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 21⁄2 

inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is laid 

north-south. The varnish fi nish is well worn from 

visitor foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboards of typical beveled 

design were salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north and west 

walls are in their original locations and may retain 

their original 1872 baseboards. The wing-wall sections of the east wall sections were reconstructed 

in 1990-92 and their baseboards likely date to that 

period. 

Figure 48, South elevation of Room 105.

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on lath at the north and west walls. The wing 

wall sections of the east wall were constructed in 

1990-92 using wood studs and plaster board.

Figure 49, North elevation of Room 105.
70 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 the blue board veneer plaster system 

was installed. No plaster or wood lath remains. 

Doorways 

A single doorway is on the north wall and leads to 

Room 103 Front Entry Hall – South. This doorway 

is discussed in the section on Room 103.

A large passageway is located in the east wall. The 

original 1872 wall was removed in 1954 to create 

one large exhibit space from the previous Kitchen 

and Living Room. The current wing walls were 

constructed in 1990-92 to better demarcate the 

location of the original wall.

Windows 

There are two window units on the west wall. Both 

are original and intact. The window sash are sixover-six light, double-hung. 

Figure 50, West elevation of Room 105.

The window casing and apron are the typical type 

found throughout the fi rst fl oor and probably dates 

to 1872.

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and built-in cabinets were 

coated with a polyurethane-based varnish in 1990-

92. The door and window casings, window sash, 

picture molding, plaster or plaster board walls and 

ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990s-era ceiling supply registers of typical design (described in section Utility Systems 

– Mechanical System above) are located close to 

the west wall. In addition, a typical return register 

(described in same referenced section) is located in 

the north wall.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there are two, reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xtures of typical 

design installed in 1990-92. 

Fireplace 

On the south wall is the exposed-brick fi replace for 

the original Kitchen. The early if not original fi rebox is intact. The opening measures 3'-3" across at 

the front face and 1'-10" deep, the beveled cheek 

walls forming a 2'-4" wide back wall. Many of 

the bricks along the back of the fi rebox have heat 

fractures and spalled exposed surfaces. A metal 

lintel, imbedded in the mortar joint of the cheek 

walls, provides additional support to the fl at arch 

at the top of the fi rebox. In 1990-92 a new brick 

hearth measuring 4'-2 1⁄2" wide and 2'-4" deep was 

laid. Also during those repairs, a Dutchman repair 

was made to the front of the mantel shelf. In 1954, 

the front of the shelf was hacked off to enclose the 

fi replace with a stud wall.

Built-in Cabinets 

On each side of the fi replace, new built-in oak 

cabinets were constructed and installed in 1990-92. 

The designs are based in part on ghost marks found 

only in the two Kitchens, according to Perrot, and 

the cabinets still surviving in the Keepers’ Quarters 

in St. Augustine, Florida.

Room 106 - Bookstore-East Room

This space was originally the Living Room for the 

South Keepers’ Quarters. With the majority of the 

dividing wall removed, this room is now part of 

one large Bookstore along with Room 105. Rectilinear in plan, the room measures about 13'-101⁄2" 

by 15'-51⁄2". 

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2 inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is laid 

north-south. The varnish fi nish is well worn from 

visitor foot traffi c.
National Park Service 71

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location 

during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and 

south walls appear to be intact and may retain their 

1872 baseboards. The wing-wall sections of the 

west wall were constructed in 1990-92 and their 

baseboards likely date to that period. 

Figure 51, Southwest oblique of Room 106 and 105.

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on lath at the north, east and south walls. The 

wing-wall sections of the west wall now in place 

were reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood studs 

and plaster board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 the blue board veneer plaster system 

was installed. No plaster or wood lath remains. 

Doorways 

A passageway is on the north wall connecting with 

Room 108 Back Entry Hall – South. This passageway was constructed in 1954 and is in the approximate location of an original doorway. In 1954 the 

doorway was widened and the current cased opening was created. The casing matches in appearance 

the original door casing found elsewhere in the 

building, but it dates to 1954.

The large passageway of the west wall is discussed 

in the section on Room 105.

Figure 52, Northeast oblique of Room 106.

Windows 

There are two window units on the east wall. Both 

are original and intact. The window sash are sixover-six light, double-hung. 

The window casing and apron are the typical type 

found throughout the fi rst fl oor and probably dates 

to 1872. 

Figure 53, South elevation with fi replace, Room 106.

Finishes 

The fl oors and baseboards are coated with a polyurethane-based varnish applied in 1990-92. The 

door and window casings, window sash, picture 

molding, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings 

are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990-92-era ceiling supply registers of typical design (described in section Utility Systems – 

Mechanical System above) are located close to the 

east wall. 
72 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xtures of typical 

design installed in 1990-92. 

Fireplace 

On the north wall is the parged-brick fi replace for 

the original Living Room. The early if not original 

fi rebox is largely intact. The opening measures 

2'-10" across at the front face and 1'-6" deep. The 

cheek walls are angled and the back wall measures 

2'-1" in width. Some of the bricks along the back 

of the fi rebox have heat fractures and spalled 

exposed surfaces. In 1990-92 it was reconstructed 

using the fi replace mantelpieces at the St. Augustine, FL, Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters as a model, 

in combination with features and details found in 

this building and the nearby Oil House. Also in 

1990-92, a new brick hearth measuring 4'-1" wide 

and 2'-1" deep was laid.

Room 107 - Staff Restroom 

This room occupies space that was originally part 

of the stairs and Stair Hall for the South Quarters. 

As the building’s function changed to receive large 

numbers of visitors in 1954, the stairs for this section were removed and this space became part of 

a new Men’s Restroom. In 1990-92, when the fi rst 

central heating/cooling system was installed, the 

space was converted to its present use as the Staff 

Restroom. It measures 6'-8" wide and 4'-10" deep. 

Flooring 

The sheet vinyl fl oor covering was installed in 

1990-92.

Baseboards 

 The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north and south walls 

appear to be intact and may retain their original 

1872 baseboards. The east and west walls were 

constructed in 1990-92 and their baseboards likely 

date to that period. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on lath at the north and south walls. The east 

and west walls were constructed in 1990-92 using 

wood studs and plaster board.

Figure 54, Northwest oblique of Room 107.

Picture Molding 

There is no picture molding in this room.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No plaster or wood lath remains. 

Doorways 

The one doorway, located on the east wall, leads to 

Room 108 – Back Entry Hall South. This doorway 

and door were constructed in 1990-92 and are 

close matches in appearance to original interior 

doorways and doors elsewhere in the building. 

Windows 

There are no windows in this small interior room.

Mechanical System 

A chase for HVAC ductwork was installed in 1990-

92 running east-west along the south wall at ceiling 

height. The chase measures 1'-2" wide by 1'-1" 

deep and is made of 1⁄4" fi nish-grade plywood. A 

small metal register is located at the west side of 

this chase.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivory-colored plastic plate covers, there is a modern ceiling 
National Park Service 73

 Part I.C - Physical Description

light installed in 1990-92.

Plumbing 

A new plumbing system was installed in 1990-92 

along with the current bathroom fi xtures of toilet 

and lavatory.

Room 108 - Back Entry Hall-South 

This space was originally the east sector of the Stair 

Hall for the South Quarters and contained this 

living unit’s front entrance. Even before the building’s function changed to receive large numbers of 

visitors in 1954, this area became thought of as the 

foyer for a rear entrance. The space was further 

modifi ed in 1990-92. It now measures 6'-8 1⁄2" 

wide and 9'-6" deep.

Figure 55, Northwest oblique, Room 108.

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2 inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is 

laid north-south. A 1'-5" wide patch of fl ooring was installed in 1954 when the original north 

wall was removed. The current patch of matching 

fl oor boards was installed in 1990-92 to demarcate 

where the original wall was located. The varnish 

fi nish throughout this space is well worn from visitor foot traffi c.

Figure 56, Floor patch at original dividing wall between 

Room 109 (foreground) and Room 108.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboards of typical beveled design were salvaged and reused in the same location 

during the 1990-92 work. The east and remaining 

parts of the north and south walls appear to be 

intact and may retain their 1872 baseboards. The 

west wall was constructed in 1990-92. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the east and south walls. The west 

wall was constructed anew and the current wing 

walls of the north wall were constructed during the 

campaign of 1990-92. These walls are constructed 

of wood studs and plaster board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. (See Image ........)

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board plaster veneer plaster was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains. 

A chase for HVAC ductwork was installed running 

east-west along the south wall at ceiling height. 

The chase measures 1'-2" wide by 1'-1" deep and is 

made of 1⁄4" fi nish-grade plywood.

Doorways 

On the east elevation is an original doorway, initially designated as the front doorway of the South 

Quarters. The original, four-panel exterior door 

remains. This doorway and door are described in 
74 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

the section on Exterior Features above. The interior door casing appears to be original.

A second doorway, on the west wall, leads to Room 

107 Staff Restroom. This doorway and door were 

constructed in 1990-92 when the Restroom was 

installed and are close matches in appearance to 

original interior doorways and doors located elsewhere in the building. This door measures 2'-8" by 

6'-8" by 13⁄8". 

There is a passageway at the north wall that connects to Room 109 Back Entry Hall - North. The 

frame and plaster wall that originally separated the 

two living quarters was removed in 1954 when the 

building use changed. In 1990-92 wing walls were 

constructed to better demarcate the location of the 

original wall. 

A second passageway is at the south wall and is 

discussed in the section on Room 106 Bookstore - 

East Room.

Windows 

There are no windows in this room. There is a 

three-light transom above the east wall doorway 

to the exterior, however. The transom sash has 

the same construction features as the window sash 

throughout the building. 

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and doors are coated with 

a polyurethane-based varnish applied in 1990-92. 

The door casings, transom sash, picture molding, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings are 

painted.

Mechanical System 

A chase for HVAC ductwork was installed in 1990 

running east-west along the south wall at ceiling 

height. The chase measures 1'-2" wide by 1'-1" 

deep and is made of 1⁄4" fi nish-grade plywood.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture installed in 1990-92. 

Staircase 

The staircase for the South Quarters was removed 

in 1954. When this area was remodeled in 1990-92 

to accommodate a staff restroom, the fi rst-fl oor 

newel post was reproduced using as the model the 

surviving newel post for the North Quarters. It was 

installed in front of a large photo-image perspective of the missing staircase that was attached to 

the west wall where the staircase once stood.

Figure 57, Original 1872 staircase, Room 109, looking west.

Room 109 - Back Entry Hall-North

This space was originally the east sector of the Stair 

Hall for the North Quarters and contained this 

living unit’s front entrance. Even before the building’s function changed to receive large numbers of 

visitors in 1954, this area became thought of as the 

foyer for a rear entrance. It measures 6'-8" wide 

with a depth arbitrarily set for the purposes of this 

report at about 14'-0", the location of the dividing 

wall that divides the adjoining spaces, fi rst fl oor 

and immediately above at second fl oor, into east 

and west rooms.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.
National Park Service 75

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Figure 58, Doorways to East Porch.

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2" in width. Installed before 1954 , it is laid 

north-south. A 1'-5" wide patch of fl ooring was installed in 1954 when the original wall was removed. 

The current patch of matching fl oor boards was 

installed in 1990-92 to demarcate where the original wall was located. The varnish fi nish throughout 

this space is well worn from visitor foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboards of typical beveled 

design were salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and 

part of the south walls appear to be intact and may 

retain their original 1872 baseboards. 

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the north and east walls. The sections of the south wall that frame the passageway 

to Room 108 Back Entry Hall - South were reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood studs and plaster 

board. The plaster of the south wall adjoining the 

staircase was repaired in place, in part because of 

the discovery of a workman’s graffi ti.

Doorways 

On the east elevation is an original doorway, initially thought of as the front doorway of the North 

Quarters. The original, four-panel exterior door 

remains. This doorway and door are described in 

the section on Exterior Features above. The interior door casing appears to be original.

Figure 59, Looking east, Room 109.

A second doorway, on the north wall, leads into 

Room 110 Exhibit Room East. This is an original 

doorway. The missing door which measured 2'-10" 

by 6'-8” was probably a four-panel door as found 

elsewhere in the Quarters’ interior rooms. No elements of the missing door hardware remains. The 

door casing is original.

There is a passageway at the south wall that connects with Room 108 Back Entry Hall - South and 

is discussed in that section of the report.

Windows 

There are no windows in this room. There is a 

three-light transom above the east wall doorway 

to the exterior, however. The transom sash has 

the same construction features as the window sash 

throughout the building. 

Finishes 

The fl oors, baseboards and staircase are coated 

with a polyurethane-based varnish. The door 

casings, transom sash, picture molding, plaster or 

plaster board walls and ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

No portion of the HVAC system is visible in this 

room.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivory-
76 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

colored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture installed in 1990-92. 

Figure 60, Newel post.

Staircase 

The original staircase remains intact at this level. 

The turned newel post is cut from a single piece of 

wood. It measures 53⁄4" by 53⁄4" by 3’-6 5/8". The 

handrail is an oval in section measuring 23⁄4" across. 

The turned balusters, two per stair tread, are slender with delicate features. 

Figure 61, Northeast oblique of Room 110.

Room 110 - Exhibit Room-East

This room was originally the Living Room for 

the North Keepers’ Quarters. However, with the 

majority of its west wall removed, this room is now 

part of one large exhibit area along with Room 101 

Exhibit Room - West. Rectilinear in plan, the room 

measures about 14’-01⁄2” by 15’-6”. 

Flooring 

The pine, tongue-and-groove fl ooring measures 

21⁄2 inches in width. Installed before 1954, it is laid 

north-south. The varnish fi nish is well worn from 

visitor foot traffi c.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and south 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 1872 

baseboards. The wing-wall sections of the west 

wall were reconstructed in 1990-92 and their baseboards likely date to that period.

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the north, east and south walls. 

The sections of the west wall present were reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood framing and 

plaster board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

A single doorway on the south wall opens from 

Room 109 Back Entry Hall – North and is discussed in that section of this report.

A passageway is at the west wall connecting with 

Room 101 Exhibit Room - West and is discussed in 

that section.

Windows 

There are two window units on the east wall. Both 

are original and intact. The window sash are sixover-six light, double-hung. 
National Park Service 77

 Part I.C - Physical Description

The window casing and apron are the typical type 

found throughout the fi rst fl oor and probably dates 

to 1872. 

Finishes 

The fl oors and baseboards are coated with a polyurethane-based varnish applied in 1990-92. The 

door and window casings, window sash, picture 

molding, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings 

are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990s-era ceiling supply registers of typical 

design (described in section Utility Systems – Mechanical System above) are located close to the east 

wall. 

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xtures of typical 

design also installed in 1990-92. 

Figure 62, Fireplace and 1992 replacement mantel of Room 

110.

Fireplace 

On the north wall is the parged-brick fi replace for 

the original Living Room. The early if not original 

fi rebox is largely intact. The opening measures 

2’-10” across at the front face and 1’-6” deep, the 

beveled cheek walls forming a 2’-1” wide back wall. 

Some of the brick along the back of the fi rebox 

have heat fractures and spalled exposed surfaces. 

In 1990-92 it was reconstructed using the fi replace 

mantelpieces at the St. Augustine, FL, Lighthouse 

Keepers’ Quarters as a model in combination with 

features and details found in this building and the 

nearby Oil House. Also in 1990-92, a new brick 

hearth measuring 4’-1” wide and 2’-1” deep was 

laid.

Room 201 - Conference Room 

This room was originally a Bedroom for the North 

Keepers’ Quarters. Since 1954 when NPS began 

occupation of the building, it has served as a conference area. It measures 11'-4" by 8'-11".

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92. 

Figure 63, North elevation, Room 201.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The west and south walls 

appear to be intact and may retain their original 

1872 baseboards. Part of the north wall was modi-
78 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

fi ed in 1954 and again in 1990-92; part of the baseboard may be original or date to 1954 or the 1990s. 

The east wall was reconstructed 1990-92 and its 

baseboards likely date to that period. 

A reproduction Victorian-style door stop for the 

door connecting with Room 207 is mounted on the 

baseboard of the south wall.

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system reportedly was applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the north, west and south walls. 

The north wall also had 1954 stud and dry wall 

construction that may have been incorporated 

into the 1990-92 construction. The east wall was 

reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood studs and 

plaster board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Figure 64, Southeast oblique of Room 201.

Doorways 

This room has two doorways, one on the south 

wall and one on the east wall. The south wall doorway and door are discussed in the section on Room 

202 Stair Hall.

The second doorway, on the east wall, opens from 

Room 207 Lead Ranger’s Offi ce. The wall originally in this location was removed in 1954. The 1872 

plans show this wall without a doorway. However, 

a 1945 set of plans show a doorway near the south 

terminus. And the 1954 as-built plans, which recorded the demolition of this wall, show a doorway 

near the center of the wall. A 1989 plan confi rms 

the demolition. The wall was reconstructed in 

1990-92 with the doorway placed conveniently 

near the room’s south wall. The door casing is the 

typical design found throughout the building and 

dates to 1990-92. The door, measuring 2'-8" by 

6'-8", appears to be original. Its specifi c location of 

origin is not known, however. It retains none of its 

original or early hardware. It now has reproduction hardware installed in 1990-92, including two 

ball-pin hinges and a metal-plate rim lock.

Windows 

There are two window units on the west wall. Both 

are original and intact. Each window has six-oversix light sash, double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide and beveled 

on the two exposed edges as is typical of original 

window as well as door casings throughout the 

building. Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but 

not the fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is 

fl ush not beveled. 

Finishes

The doors are varnished. The door and window 

casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings 

are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990s-era ceiling supply registers of typical 

design (described in section Utility Systems – 

Mechanical System above) are located close to the 

west wall. 

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

installed in 1990-92. 

Room 202 - Stair Hall

This room was originally the second-fl oor stair hall 

for the North Quarters. As the building’s function 

in 1954 changed to receive large numbers of visitors and house staff offi ces, the stairs for the south 

unit were removed and the north stairs became the 

sole connection between fi rst and second-fl oor 

rooms. The stairs measure 6'-8" wide and 15'-4" 

deep.
National Park Service 79

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92. As seen at 

the staircase, the original fl ooring of 1-inch pine remains in place. On top is another pine board fl ooring of 5/4 inch thickness. The carpet appears to be 

applied directly to this second layer of fl ooring.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled 

design was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, west 

and south walls appear to be intact and may retain 

their original 1872 baseboards. The east wall was 

reconstructed in 1990-92 and its baseboards likely 

date to that period.

Figure 65, Southwest oblique of Room 202.

Walls 

The blue board veneer plaster system reportedly was applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated 

plaster on lath at the 1872-era north and west walls. 

The east wall was reconstructed in 1990-92 using 

wood studs and plaster board. The plaster of the 

south wall was repaired in place, in part because of 

the discovery of a workman’s graffi ti at the fi rstfl oor level of this wall. 

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has four doorways. Two are on the 

north wall, one on the east wall, and one on the 

west. The two doorways on the north wall appear 

to be original. Although the 1872 initial construction plans show these doorways to be closer 

together, the 1945 and 1953 plans show the current 

confi guration, suggesting these are the locations 

where initially installed. In addition, both appear 

to retain original door casings. However, both 

doors are reproductions, very similar to the original four-panel interior doors found elsewhere in 

the building. These two doors date to 1990-92 and 

measure 2'-8" by 6'-8". 

The entire east wall, including doorway, were 

reconstructed in 1990-92. The door is a reproduction and measures 2'-6" by 6'-8". The door casing 

is the typical design found throughout the building. 

Figure 66, Northeast oblique of Room 202.
80 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

None of these doorways retain early hardware. 

All three have reproduction hardware installed in 

1990-92 which includes two ball-pin hinges and a 

plate-metal rim lock. 

The fourth doorway is on the south wall and opens 

into Room 203 Bookstore Storage. Originally a 

frame and plaster wall that separated the two living 

quarters, a 3'-6" wide cased opening was created to 

accommodate new functions according to the 1954 

construction plans. The cased opening was rebuilt 

in 1990-92 as a reproduction doorway with door 

to match the original designs found elsewhere in 

the building. This doorway has the 1990s-vintage 

reproduction ball-pin hinges found on the other 

three doors of this room, but it also has a modern 

mortise lock with copper fi nish that replaced the 

reproduction rimlock at some point after 1992. 

Windows 

There is one window unit on the west wall. It is 

original and intact. The window has six-over-six 

light sash, double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cut, not beveled. 

Finishes 

The doors, stair baluster and handrail are varnished. The door and window casings, window 

sash, picture molding, baseboards, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

One 1990s-era ceiling supply register of typical 

design (described in section Utility Systems – Mechanical System above) is located close to the west 

wall. 

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture installed in 1990-92. 

Staircase 

The original 1872 staircase is partially intact at this 

level. A large section of the original handrail and 

balusters were apparently lost when part of the hall 

was made a storage area post-1954 and pre-1989. 

The storage room was removed and the missing 

staircase elements reproduced for reconstruction 

of the hall during the 1990-92 campaign. 

Figure 67, Staircase at second level.

Room 203 - Bookstore Storage 

This room includes what originally was the west 

part of the Stair Hall and north part of the West 

Bedroom for the South Keepers’ Quarters. The 

current confi guration was created in 1990-92 and 

measures 11"-2" by 8'-7".

Figure 68, Southwest oblique of Room 203.

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92. 

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location 

during the 1991-1992 work. The north and west 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 1872 
National Park Service 81

 Part I.C - Physical Description

baseboards. The east and south walls were reconstructed in 1990-92 and the baseboards likely date 

to that period. 

Walls 

A blue board veneer plaster system reportedly was 

applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on 

lath at the original 1872 north and west walls. The 

sections of the east wall now present were reconstructed with wood framing and plaster board in 

1990-92. The south wall is a new design element 

constructed of wood framing and plaster board in 

1990-92 to create an offi ce for the new book store 

operation.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has two doorways, one on the north 

wall and one on the south. There is also a large 

passageway at the east wall.

The doorway on the north wall is discussed in the 

section on Room 202 Stair Hall. The doorway on 

the south wall was constructed in 1990-92 when 

the Bookstore Offi ce was built.

Figure 69, Northwest oblique of Room 203.

Both doorways have 1990-92 casing that is the 

typical design found throughout the building. 

(See Drawing ....) Both have reproduction doors 

measuring 2'-8" by 6'-8" that are very similar to the 

original four-panel interior doors found elsewhere 

in the building. Both have reproduction ball-pin 

hinges. The doorway opening from Room 204 

Bookstore Offi ce has its 1990s-era reproduction 

ball-pin hinges and a metal-plate rim lock.

Figure 70, South elevation of Room 203.

The east-wall passageway is a large opening 10'-2" 

wide. The frame and plaster blue board wall that 

forms this opening was constructed in 1990-92 at 

the location of the original frame and plaster wall 

that divided the east and west Bedrooms. The 

original wall was removed in 1954. This reconstructed version of the original wall provides visual 

defi nition of the original fl oor plan in this location 

yet allows the desired openness between the two 

large rooms as currently confi gured.

Windows 

There are two window units on the west wall. Both 

are original and intact. Each window has six-oversix light sash, double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cute, not beveled. 

Finishes 

The doors are varnished. The door and window 

casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings 

are painted.

Mechanical System 

A 1990s-era ceiling supply register of typical design 

(described in section Utility Systems – Mechanical 
82 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

System above) is located close to the west wall. 

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivory-colored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

also installed in 1990-92. 

Room 204 - Bookstore Offi ce

This room includes what originally was the south 

part of the West Bedroom for the South Keepers’ 

Quarters. This room was created in 1990-92 and 

measures 11'-2" by 8'-0".

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location 

during the 1990-92 work. The south and west 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 1872 

baseboards. The east walls was reconstructed in 

1990-92 as the north wall was being constructed 

anew; the baseboards of both these walls likely date 

to that period. 

Walls 

A blue board veneer plaster system was reportedly 

applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on 

lath at the south and west walls. The north and east 

walls are constructed of wood frame with plaster 

board and were erected in 1990-92.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has one doorway which is on the north 

wall. The doorway is discussed in the section on 

Room 203 Bookstore Storage.

Windows 

There is one window unit on the west wall. It is 

original and intact. The window has six-over-six 

light sash, double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cut, not beveled. 

Finishes 

The door is varnished. The door and window casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, 

plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings are 

painted.

Mechanical System 

A 1990s-era ceiling supply register of typical design 

(described in section Utility Systems – Mechanical 

System above) is located close to the west wall. 

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there is a reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

installed in 1990-92. 

Room 205 - Staff Offi ce 

This room includes what originally was the east 

part of the Stair Hall and the East Bedroom of the 

South Keepers’ Quarters. The current confi guration was created in 1990-92 when sections of the 

west wall were reconstructed. The room measures 

13'-10" by 22'-9".

Figure 71, South elevation of Room 205.

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92. 
National Park Service 83

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The east, south and north 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 1872 

baseboards. The sections of the west wall that now 

are in place were reconstructed in 1990-92. The 

baseboards likely date to the same period. 

Walls 

A blue board veneer plaster system reportedly was 

applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on 

lath at the north, east and south walls. The west 

was reconstructed in 1990-92 using wood framing 

and plaster board.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92.

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has one doorway, located on the north 

wall, and a passageway at the west wall.

Figure 72, North elevation of Room 205.

The doorway opens into Room 206 Mechanical 

Room. Originally a frame and plaster wall that separated the two living quarters, a 3'-6" wide cased 

opening was created to accommodate new functions according to the 1954 “as-built” construction 

plans. The cased opening was rebuilt in 1990-92 

to create an 1872 reproduction doorway with door 

(2'-8" by 6'-8") to match the original designs found 

elsewhere in the building. This doorway has the 

1990s-vintage reproduction ball-pin hinges but a 

modern replacement mortise lock with brass fi nish, 

a post-1992 replacement of the 1990s reproduction 

rim lock. 

The west-wall passageway is discussed in the section on Room 203 Bookstore Storage.

Windows 

There are three window units on the east wall. All 

are original and intact. Each window has six-oversix light sash, double-hung. (See Drawing........) 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cut, not beveled. 

Finishes 

The door is varnished. The door and window casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, 

plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings are 

painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990s-era ceiling supply registers of typical design (described in section Utility Systems 

– Mechanical System above) are located close to 

the east wall. In addition, a typical return register 

(described in same referenced section) is located in 

the north wall.

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivory-colored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xture of typical design 

installed in 1990-92. 

Room 206 - Mechanical Room 

This room originally was an ancillary room east of 

the Stair Hall of the North Keepers’ Quarters. Its 

original L-shaped fl oor plan was removed in 1954 

and reconstructed in 1990-92. It measures 6'-8" 

wide and 8'-91⁄2" along the north wall where least 

deep, and 11'-4" along the south wall where deepest.

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92.
84 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Figure 73, Northwest oblique of Room 206.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and south 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 

original 1872 baseboards. The original west wall 

was removed in 1954 and rebuilt in a diff erent confi guration sometime prior to 1989. That wall was 

demolished and reconstructed of wood framing 

and plaster board in 1990-92. Its baseboards likely 

date to 1990-92. 

Walls 

A blue board veneer plaster system reportedly was 

applied in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on 

lath at the north, east and south walls. The west 

wall was reconstructed of wood framing and plaster board in 1990-92.

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1991-1992. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster was installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has three doorways. One is on the 

north wall opposite another on the south wall. The 

third doorway is on the west wall. 

The doorway on the west wall, opening into Room 

202 Stair Hall, is in an original location but it was 

reconstructed in 1990-92 to reestablish this portion 

of the original fl oor plan that was demolished in 

1954. This doorway is described in the section on 

Room 202 Stair Hall.

The south doorway, as discussed in the section 

on Room 205 Staff Offi ce, was created as a cased 

opening in 1954 and rebuilt in 1990-92 in the style 

of the original 1872 doorways.

The north doorway, which leads to Room 207-

Lead Ranger’s Offi ce, was constructed anew in 

1990-92 where there had been none. This door 

and doorway both match the style of the original 

1872 doorways, the typical design found throughout the building. The reproduction door is very 

similar in appearance to the original four-panel 

interior doors found elsewhere in the building. It 

has two reproduction ball-pin hinges and a reproduction rim lock. 

Windows 

There is one window unit on the east wall. It is 

original and intact. It has six-over-six light sash, 

double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cut, not beveled.

Finishes 

The doors are varnished. The door and window 

casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, plaster or plaster board walls and ceilings 

are painted.

Mechanical System 

This room contains the HVAC air handler for the 

second-fl oor rooms of the building. The HVAC 

system was installed in 1990-92.
National Park Service 85

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Electrical System 

In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivory-colored plastic plate covers, there is one reproduction 

“school house” ceiling fi xture installed in 1990-92. 

Room 207 - Lead Ranger’s Offi ce

This room was originally the east Bedroom for the 

North Keepers’ Quarters. It now serves as an offi ce. Rectangular in plan this room measures 13'-9" 

by 15'-6".

Figure 74, North elevation of Room 207.

Flooring 

The fl oor covering is a commercial grade of wallto-wall carpeting installed in 1990-92.

Baseboards 

The 8-inch tall baseboard of typical beveled design 

was salvaged and reused in the same location during the 1990-92 work. The north, east and south 

walls appear to be intact and may retain their 1872 

baseboards. The west wall was reconstructed 

in 1990-92 and its baseboards likely date to that 

period. 

A reproduction-Victorian door stop was added at 

the south wall in 1990-92.

Walls 

A blue board veneer plaster was reportedly applied 

in 1990-92 over the deteriorated plaster on lath 

at the north, east and south walls. The west wall 

was reconstructed in 1990-92 in the location of the 

original 1872 wall using wood framing and plaster 

board. 

Picture Molding 

The reproduction Victorian wood picture molding 

was installed in 1990-92. 

Ceiling 

In 1990-92 a blue board veneer plaster system was 

installed. No early plaster or wood lath remains.

Doorways 

This room has three doorways, two on the south 

wall and the other on the west wall. The west wall 

doorway and door are discussed in the section on 

Room 201 Conference Room.

Figure 75, Southwest oblique of Room 207.

The west-most south doorway is described in the 

section on Room 202 Stair Hall. 

The east-most south doorway is described in the 

section on Room 206 Mechanical Room.

Windows 

There are two window units on the east wall. Both 

are original and intact. Each window has six-oversix light sash, double-hung. 

The window casing is 5 inches wide. The face of 

the casing is beveled in two directions from the 

fl ush center section as is typical of original window 

as well as door casings throughout the building. 

Typical of the second-fl oor windows, but not the 

fi rst-fl oor windows, the window apron is square 

cut, not beveled. 

Finishes 

The doors and door stop are varnished. The door 

and window casings, window sash, picture molding, baseboards, plaster or plaster board walls and 

ceilings are painted.

Mechanical System 

Two 1990s-era ceiling supply registers of typical 

design (described in Utility Systems – Mechanical 
86 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

System above) are located close to the east wall. A 

typical return register (described in same referenced section) is located in the south wall.

Electrical System 

 In addition to the typical 1990s-vintage, ivorycolored plastic plate covers, there are two reproduction “school house” ceiling fi xture installed in 

1990-92. 

Outbuildings & Other Ancillary 

Structures

Cisterns

There are three cisterns, two on the north side 

of the house and one on the south. The design 

characteristics of all three are similar. Above grade, 

the brickwork for each cistern stands about 2'-3" 

tall with a 4 inch concrete slab as cap. Below grade, 

according to Perrot, the brickwork extends down 

an equal distance before reaching accumulated silt. 

Though visually obscured, it is assumed that the 

base is also of the same masonry construction.

Figure 76, North side cisterns.

The above-grade portion is rectilinear in plan for 

each cistern. The easternmost of the north cisterns measures 8'-21⁄2" by 11'-31⁄2"; the westernmost measures 8'-11⁄2" by 9'-6". The cistern on the 

southeast corner of the Quarters measures 8'-2" 

by 9'-7". Cisterns of same approximate size at the 

northwest and southeast corners appear on the 

1893 survey, suggesting these two are early if not 

original. The northeast cistern is documented as 

being constructed in 1900.

Figure 77, Enclosure for heat pumps.

Mechanical System Enclosure 

On the south side of the house near the west 

corner, this enclosure for mechanical equipment 

was constructed during the 1990-92 campaign. It 

measures in plan 8'-0" by 9'-4". The base of the 

perimeter wall is constructed of brick, similar in 

appearance to the three cisterns. Atop is a louvered-wall enclosure without a cover. 

Concrete Slab Foundation - Wood Shed 

Just 25 feet south of the south-side cistern is the 

north edge of a poured concrete slab of a wood 

shed constructed in 1930. This slab measures 

28'-3" north-south and 14'-91⁄2" east-west with a 

1'-0" wide step along the east edge. Height above 

grade is about 1'-0". Imprints in the top of the slab 

indicate interior subdivision of rooms. 

Figure 78, Southwest oblique of the Wood Shed’s concrete 

Slab Foundation.
National Park Service 87

 Part I.C - Physical Description

The Storage Shed 

Sometimes called “the pony barn” because of its 

small size, and the “garage” because of a former 

use, this building measures in plan 12 '-31⁄2" by 

24'-31⁄2" and initially consisted of a single room. 

According to the National Register Nomination 

Form it was constructed as a storehouse in 1920 as 

a storehouse. It fi rst appears in a 1933 photograph.

Figure 79, East elevation, 1920 Storage Shed.

The building is wood framed, covered on the exterior by what appears to be the original board-andbatten siding. The plank boards measure 1'-0" by 

7⁄8”. The square-edge battens measure 1" by 2".

In the 1990-92 repair campaign, the building was 

raised to a height of about 2'-0” above grade and 

placed on eight new brick piers each measuring 

1'-0" by 1'-0".

A single, four-light, fi xed window sash is centered 

on each of the east, north and west walls. The windows are identical and were installed as replacements in 1990-92. There is no evidence of window 

hardware. 

Figure 80, Northwest oblique of the 1920 Storage Shed.

Centered on the south wall is a doorway with 

double doors. The doors measure 6'-0" tall by 13⁄4" 

thick by 5'-111⁄2" wide and are constructed of vertical boards measuring 7⁄8" thick by 51⁄2" wide including a 1⁄4" edge bead. Two cross-bracing, chamfered 

boards measure 7⁄8" think by 4" wide. Each door 

has three strap hinges of 11 inches in length when 

fully open. There are ghost marks indicating the 

same style and size of hinges having been used 

previously. 

Figure 81, Exposed rafters, the 1920 Storage Shed.

The gable roof has a cedar-shingle roofi ng material matching that of the Quarters. This roof was 

installed in 1990-92. 

The wall framing consists of wood studs measuring 

15⁄8" by 33⁄4" set 26 inches on center. Two boards, 

each 15⁄8" by 33⁄4" serve as wall plate. Boards 

measuring 15⁄8" by 33⁄4" intersect wall studs at midheight. The fl oor framing consists of 6" by 6" sills 

with fl oor joists running east-west and measuring 

13⁄4" by 33⁄4" set at 28" on center. Each is sistered 

with two joists of 13⁄4" by 61⁄4". 

The gable roof is framed with original rafters measuring 15⁄8” by 33⁄4” set at 26 inches on center. Every 

other pair of rafters has an original 3⁄4” by 51⁄2” collar beam. Deck boards measure3⁄4” by 51⁄2”.

Entry inside the building is by way of three wooden 

steps at the center of the south elevation. The twoboard treads measure 101⁄2”. The two-board risers 

measure 8”. The steps are 6’-41⁄2” wide. There is 

no landing at the top of the steps.
88 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

Figure 82, South elevation doorway, the 1920 Storage Shed.

Inside, the original perimeter stud walls are exposed except for added plywood at the east end. 

A partition stud wall running north-south was 

installed near the west end wall in 1990-92. The 

east side of this partition is sheathed with 3⁄4-inch 

plywood to hold the electrical distribution panels.

 

Figure 83, Double doors.

Figure 84, Doorway and hardware, the 1920 Storage Shed.

Without a ceiling above, and there is no indication that there ever was one, the roof framing and 

underside of the roof deck are clearly visible. 

The original tongue-and-groove fl ooring remains. 

It consists of boards of random widths of 41⁄2", 

51⁄4", and 51⁄2".

Figure 85, Northwest oblique of the interior, the 1920 Storage Shed.
National Park Service 89

 Part I.C - Physical Description

The Public Restroom Building 

Beyond the Storage Shed another 100 feet to the 

north is a 1992 frame building on exposed brick 

piers. The exterior wall siding is board-and-batten. 

The roofi ng material is the same wood shingle 

found on the Storage Shed and the Quarters. 

Figure 86, The 1920 Storage Shed in foreground and the 

1992 Public Restroom Building behind.

Character-Defi ning Features

• The isolation of a lone light station in an undeveloped setting of a coastal barrier island. 

• The open expanse of the Light Station site. The 

vegetation and land features consisting of broad 

fl at sandy grass-covered stretches across most of 

the site and small sand dunes covered with dense 

bushes along the perimeter. The scattered buildings and associated structures and other man-made 

features, such as walks and pathways.

• The 360 degree view shed from the Quarters that 

includes, to the east, the Bodie Island Lighthouse 

and Oil House with marshlands and pond beyond; 

to the west, Roanoke Sound stretching to Roanoke 

Island; and to part of the north, south and west, the 

distant pine groves framing the site and serving as 

backdrop.

• The early brick walkway leading from the Quarters to the Oil House and Lighthouse.

• The three brick cisterns, two on the north side 

of the Quarters and one on the south side, and the 

accompanying hand pumps.

• The 1920 Storage Shed to the north of the Quarters.

• The concrete foundation of the 1930 Wood Shed 

just south of the Quarters.

• The 1992 Public Restroom Building. Although 

it is a modern structure, its form, composition and 

use of materials are consistent with the historic 

buildings of the Light Station. Its remote location near the north perimeter of the site further 

defl ects attention, allowing the major buildings at 

the center of the site to be the focus. Yet its mere 

presence helps to maintain the historic character of 

a site with numerous small outbuildings of similar 

characteristics. This new building blends with 

and contributes to the historic setting rather than 

contrast or stand apart. 

• The two one-story open porches, one spanning 

the entire east elevation of the Double Keepers 

House, the other the entire west elevation.

• The center steps at the east porch and the four 

sets of steps at the sides of the two porches.

• The one-to-six common bond, brick, exterior 

walls.

• The paired brick chimneys at the north and 

south gable ends.

• The wood-shingle roofs of the Quarters and its 

two porches.

• The original double-hung, multi-light sash windows of fi rst and second fl oor levels of both the 

east and west elevations.

• The paired entrance doorways, including original doors and transoms, of both the east and west 

elevations.

• The paired fl oor plan confi gurations of side hall 

with two rooms opposite, repeated on both fl oor 

levels, in each Quarters.

• The original staircase of the North Quarters.

• The plaster of the south wall adjacent to the 

North Quarters staircase, the only surface currently known to retain original plaster.
90 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

• The workman’s graffi ti on the south wall above 

the North Quarters’ staircase.

• The two original four-panel interior doors, one 

at fi rst fl oor (closet for the North Front Entry Hall) 

and the other at second fl oor (between the Conference Room and the Lead Ranger’s Offi ce.) Though 

the other interior doors are modern, they are reproductions of the missing originals and contribute 

to the building’s historic character.

• The four fi rst-fl oor fi re boxes and the two original west-side fi replace mantle pieces. Though the 

two east-side mantle pieces are modern and are 

based on the design found at another lighthouse of 

the same historic period, they are reasonable approximations of the original designs and should be 

considered as contributing to the historic character 

of the building’s interior.

• The fi rst-fl oor oak fl ooring. Introduced in the 

twentieth century, it was a prominent feature of the 

fi rst eff ort at the adaptive reuse of the building by 

NPS in 1954 and its presence helps tell the story of 

this chapter in the building’s history.

• The architectural trim of baseboards and door 

and window casings throughout the fi rst and 

second fl oor levels. Many are original elements. 

Others are accurate reproductions mixed with the 

originals and contribute to the historic character of 

the interior spaces.

Summary of Physical Conditions 

& Code Compliance Issues

The work of the extensive 1990-92 repair campaign 

appears to be holding up very well. No major 

deterioration or developing condition that might 

become a serious threat was noted.

There are some typical maintenance concerns that 

are being monitored and will soon become an issue 

simply because of the normal life cycles of building 

materials. The roofi ng shingles on the main section 

of the Quarters, the two porches, and the Storage 

Shed are one such concern. They were all installed 

during that 1990s repair eff ort and are approaching 

their projected eff ective life span. 

Another category of life-span concern is the 

mechanical equipment, installed in the same 

timeframe as the roofs. These components too are 

approaching their projected eff ective life span.

A third matter of life-span concern is the fi nish of 

the fi rst-level wood fl oors. Refi nished in the early 

1990s, the fl oors have been worn bare by heavy 

foot traffi c. Paint and other fi nishes, in general, 

require frequent maintenance due to the harsh 

conditions that can occur on the Outer Banks.

A fourth concern is the condition of the masonry 

cisterns. Even with the redesigned downspouts 

passing through the cisterns, the exposed masonry 

is exhibiting water saturation and the resultant 

damages to mortar joints and brick.

Accessibility by the handicapped also was addressed in the 1990s work and continues to be a 

very successful solution. Reserved parking for the 

handicapped is immediately west of the Quarters. 

The principal access approach is a direct line from 

the parking to the central doors on the west porch. 

Along this route, the land was graded to provide 

a slightly raised approach to the center two bays 

of the porch while providing a swale for natural 

drainage around the house. The walkway of wood 

planks transitions to a gently sloping, wood-plank 

ramp that terminates at the Quarter’s west porch. 

While the plank surface is less than a perfectly fl at, 

hard surface, the plank board is quite rigid and its 

use is in keeping with the character of this historic 

site. 

The two west door thresholds sit about two inches 

above the historic height of the porch, which is 

higher than the recommended threshold height for 

accessibility by the handicapped. However, wood 

reducers have been added to create a smooth transition between the height of the porch deck and 

that of the fi rst fl oor of the Quarters. The reducer, 

too, is a reasonable solution that addresses both the 

needs of the handicapped and the historic character of the building.

The operation of the two doors themselves could 

be improved to facilitate access by the handicapped. Currently they operate with thumb latches 

and turn handles, devices which can prove challenging. Minor modifi cations could prove benefi -

cial.
National Park Service 91

 Part I.C - Physical Description

Public restroom facilities, accessible by the 

handicapped, are provided in a separate facility constructed in 1990-92. By several important 

measures, the building has been a great success. 

Modeled on the massing and form of the earlier 

ancillary buildings of the site, especially the 1920 

Storage Shed, the Public Restroom Building blends 

into the design context of the site without calling 

undue attention to itself. In addition, as a new 

design, the interior spaces can be arranged for optimum accessibility by the handicapped. And, when 

plumbing equipment malfunctions, as it invariably 

will, the damage will be to non-historic building 

fabric.

Inside the Quarters, the tight spaces make even a 

small unisex staff restroom a challenging design 

problem. The chosen approach, also constructed 

in 1990-92, is a pragmatic solution. The room is 

tucked away in the area that was part of the stair 

hall for South Quarter. There is enough room for 

a single toilet with grab bars. Though the turning 

radius is less than the optimum, it is close. The 

doorway, though more narrow than recommended, 

does allow a wheelchair to pass.

All in all, the solutions are a practical balance, sensitive to the cultural resources while addressing the 

needs of the public at large.
92 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service 93

 Part II.A - Ultimate Treatment & Use

II.A Ultimate Treatment & Use

The Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters has 

had three major manifestations of physical form.

The fi rst manifestation is the original form of 1872 

when construction was completed. In large part, 

the initial construction was true to the design 

prepared by the Lighthouse Board. Photographic 

documentation from two decades later together 

with surviving physical evidence indicate that some 

features apparently were constructed diff erently 

than originally envisioned, including the paired 

porch posts and the small steps at the side ends 

of the two porches. Another important designed 

feature, the absence of passage between rooms at 

each fl oor level permitting circulation only through 

the side halls, cannot be confi rmed from the current historical documentation or surface physical 

evidence. However, selective removal of building fabric should reveal the initially constructed 

feature.

The building’s second major manifestation of physical form occurred in 1954-55, in the years immediately after NPS assumed control of the light station 

from the United States Coast Guard. To better 

accommodate public visitation to the historic site 

and to conduct educational programs, NPS made 

major modifi cations, primarily to the interior of 

the building. Some of these changes included the 

removal of the staircase of the South Quarters and 

installation of public restrooms in its place in the 

fi rst-fl oor stair hall, removal of the dividing walls 

between the two major rooms of each fl oor level 

in each quarter, and removal of part of the dividing wall between the two quarters at fi rst fl oor and 

creation of doorways between the two quarters at 

second fl oor.

The third major manifestation of physical form 

occurred in 1990-92. This NPS eff ort attempted 

to ameliorate the severity of the agency’s 1953-54 

remodeling in order to better interpret the building’s nineteenth century character while still 

providing for the education of the public. Some 

of the major changes included reconstruction of 

the end sections of the dividing walls removed 

in 1954-55, the relocation of the fi rst fl oor public 

restrooms to a separate building and replacement 

with a staff restroom plus a mechanical room for 

ducting central heating and cooling, the subdivision of a second-fl oor space to create an offi ce for 

the gift shop, and the ramping of the west walkway 

to create a handicapped-accessible route for entry 

into the house. This manifestation of physical form 

is the one that is present today.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore General 

Management Plan of 1984 succinctly states that 

the purposes of the Bodie Island Light Station include “visitor center/ interpretation.” (A purpose 

of the lighthouse is also to be a “navigational aid.”) 

The proposed actions toward these purposes are 

to “preserve all exterior features; renovate interiors 

for adaptive reuse.”

The actions of the 1990-92 NPS work very successfully address these prescribed purposes and 

actions.

In addition, the building retains physical characteristics from each of the three major eras of 

manifestations: the basic form and building fabric 

from the initial 1872 construction; the openness 

of fl oor plans from the 1954-55 NPS conversion to 

interpretive center; and the 1990-92 NPS partial 

reconstruction of selected original features. With 

these considerations in mind, the following recommendation is made. 

The Recommended Ultimate Treatment 

is to preserve the character-defi ning 

features of the exterior in their current 

state, an appearance that spans each of 

the three major design manifestations. 

On the interior preserve as currently 

adapted.
94 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

This approach would have the following advantages:

• Preserves the building consistent with the purposes of the park’s General Management Plan, 

which are to serve as a visitor center and promote 

the interpretation of the history of the Bodie Island 

Light Station; 

• Preserves existing character-defi ning interior and 

exterior elements of the building’s three principal 

manifestations of physical form;

• Provides ease of circulation between gift shop 

and interpretive displays at fi rst fl oor;

• Provides separate NPS staff offi ces and conference room at the second fl oor, away from the valuable fi rst fl oor display and commercial areas and 

without interruption by the public; 

• Provides an administrative offi ce and storage 

space for gift shop supplies at the second fl oor, 

away from the valuable fi rst fl oor display and 

commercial areas and without interruption by the 

public;

• Provides a uniformly climatized space for the 

public at fi rst fl oor with discrete placement of mechanical equipment.

There would be disadvantages to this approach as 

well:

• Limits interpretation of the building’s period of 

primary signifi cance, its use as a lighthouse keepers’ quarters, by excluding access to the keepers’ 

private quarters on the second fl oor;

• Limits interpretation of the building’s period 

of primary signifi cance by emphasizing displays, 

exhibits and effi ciency of visitor circulation instead 

of the experience of the restored spaces;

• Limits the effi ciency of the mechanical system 

at fi rst fl oor by having an open room plan with 

multiple doors providing a direct connection to the 

exterior. 
National Park Service 95

 Part II.B - Requirements for Treatment

II.B Requirements for Treatment

The Double Keepers’ Quarters of the Bodie Island 

Light Station operates under a General Management Plan completed in late 1984. The GMP calls 

for the buildings of the light station to be used for a 

“visitor center/interpretation.” For these buildings 

the proposed actions are to “preserve all exterior 

features” and “renovate interiors for adaptive 

reuse.”1 

The National Park Service Cultural Resources 

Management Guideline (DO – 28) requires planning for the protection of cultural resources on 

park property.

In addition, Section 106 of the National Historic 

Preservation Act (NHPA) mandates that federal 

agencies, including the National Park Service, take 

into account the eff ects of their actions on properties listed or eligible for listing in the National 

Register of Historic Places and give the Advisory 

Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable opportunity to comment.

Treatment of the building and site are to be guided 

by The Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Historic 

Preservation Projects, the Americans with Disability Act, and the International Building Code. 

Threats to public life, safety, and welfare are to 

be addressed; however, because this is an historic 

building, alternatives to full legislative and code 

compliance are recommended where compliance 

would needlessly compromise the integrity of the 

historic building.

1. General Management Plan – Cape Hatteras National 

Seashore, p. 55.
96 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service 97

 Part II.C - Alternatives for Treatment

II.C Alternatives for Treatment

In addition to the Recommended Ultimate Treatment discussed in Section II.A above, three alternatives are discussed below. 

Alternative #1: Preserve the characterdefi ning features of the exterior in 

their current state, an appearance that 

spans each of the three major design 

manifestations. On the interior, restore 

the character-defi ning design to its 

appearance in 1955 after the National 

Park Service took possession of the 

light station and completed its initial 

phase of modifi cations as a museum 

and a visitor center.

This approach would have the following advantages:

• Preserves the building exterior consistent with 

the proposed actions of the park’s General Management Plan;

• Expands current interpretation of the building 

by restoring the character-defi ning design features 

of the interior to the era of National Park Service 

acquisition and initial adaptation as a museum and 

visitor center for an historic site;

• Recreates the 1954-55 open plan between the 

two major rooms of each fl oor level of each quarters, providing maximum fl exibility for subdivision 

with temporary partitions as needed.

There would be disadvantages to this approach as 

well:

• Diminishes the use of interior building fabric 

and characteristics to interpret the building as it appeared and was used in the era beginning in 1872, 

the building’ period of primary signifi cance;

• In reconstructing the interior features and 

spaces of 1954-55, gives overwhelming emphasis to 

the era of secondary signifi cance, at the expense of 

building fabric and spaces that represent the era of 

primary signifi cance.

• Requires the relocation of at least part of the 

mechanical system, the air-handlers of the second 

fl oor mechanical room, in order to achieve the 

openness of the 1954-55 design;

• Cannot accommodate public restrooms at the 

fi rst fl oor in the areas designated in the 1954-55 

design because of space limitations and modern 

code requirements;

• Eliminates a private offi ce for the gift shop administrator at the second fl oor;

• Eliminates a private offi ce for the park ranger at 

the second fl oor.

• Requires a re-evaluation of the stairs of the 

North Quarters as a means of egress. Limitation 

of the number of second-fl oor occupants or other 

action may be required.

Alternative #2: Preserve the characterdefi ning features of the exterior in 

their current state, an appearance that 

spans each of the three major design 

manifestations. On the interior, preserve both the fi rst and second fl oor 

design characteristics of the South 

Quarters; restore the fi rst and second 

fl oor design characteristics of the North 

Quarters to their appearance in 1872, 

the period of greatest signifi cance.

This approach would have the following advantages:
98 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

• Preserves the building exterior consistent with 

the proposed actions of the park’s General Management Plan;

• Expands current interpretation of the building’s 

primary period of signifi cance, its use as a lighthouse keepers’ quarters, by restoring signifi cant 

features and spaces of the fi rst-fl oor kitchen and 

living room of the North Quarters;

• Expands current interpretation of the building’s 

primary period of signifi cance, its use as a lighthouse keepers’ quarters, by restoring signifi cant 

features and spaces of the second fl oor private 

living quarters of the North Quarters;

• Expands current interpretation of the building’s 

primary period of signifi cance, its use as a light 

house keepers’ quarters, by introducing public 

access to a restored second-fl oor private living 

quarters of the North Quarters; 

• Utilizes restored building fabric and spaces, 

supplemented by displays and exhibits, for interpretation, thus enhancing the experience of the 

visitor.

• By emphasizing a comprehensively restored 

building interior for interpretation, it reduces the 

reliance on staff to supplement the visitor experience. 

• Keeps visually and physically separate but conveniently close by the areas for both retail sales and 

administrative functions.

• Maintains administrative functions apart from 

the public areas of interpretation and sales.

• Avoids disrupting the current placement of 

HVAC equipment at both fi rst and second fl oor;

• Potentially improves the operation of the HVAC 

system by creating airlocks at the fi rst fl oor when 

doors are reintroduced between hallway and both 

the living room and the kitchen;

There would be disadvantages to this approach as 

well:

• Requires additional investigation of building 

fabric beyond the scope of this report to verify 

internal doorways, if any, between major rooms;

• Requires the removal in the North Quarters of 

some non-original historic fabric, such as the fi rstlevel wood fl ooring and second-level carpet;

• Requires both additional research and investigation of building fabric beyond the scope of this 

report to reconstruct the missing second-fl oor 

fi replace mantelpieces;

• Makes inconvenient the routes of travel from 

interpretive rooms to the gift shop, by requiring the 

use of the porches rather than the hallways;

• Eliminates a designated staff conference room;

• Eliminates the current private offi ce for the park 

ranger. 

• Requires a re-evaluation of the stairs of the 

North Quarters as a means of egress. Limitation 

of the number of second-fl oor occupants or other 

action may be required.
National Park Service 99

 Part II.D - Recommendations

II.D Recommendations

The Recommended Ultimate Treatment for the 

Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters includes the preservation of the exterior of the 

building. And it includes the preservation of the 

interiors as presently adapted. 

For the fi rst fl oor of the South Quarters, the adapted interior spaces include a gift shop in the place of 

the original living room and kitchen. A mechanical 

room and a staff restroom are in the center part of 

the original stair hall, with the two outer ends serving both as a foyer to a doorway connecting to the 

exterior and as a hallway connecting to the North 

Quarters.

For the second fl oor of the South Quarters, the 

adapted interior spaces include the gift shop storage room and separate enclosed offi ce over the 

original kitchen and west end of the stair hall. NPS 

staff offi ces are over the original living room and 

east end of the original stairway.

For the fi rst fl oor of the North Quarters, the 

adapted interior spaces include an exhibit room in 

the place of the original living room and kitchen. 

The original stairway and closet beneath remain 

in the center part of the original stair hall, with the 

two outer ends each continuing to serve as a foyer 

to a doorway connecting to the exterior and also 

in a non-original use as a hallway connecting to the 

South Quarters.

For the second fl oor of the North Quarters, the 

adapted interior spaces include the conference 

room over the original kitchen and the offi ce for 

a park ranger over the original living room. The 

original staircase and stair hall remain with the 

small room at the east end of the stair hall now 

serving as mechanical room.

This adaptation of the interiors and the preservation of the exterior conform to the recommendations of the park’s General Management Plan. The 

current arrangement of spaces allows for public 

circulation between the two quarters at fi rst-fl oor 

level, between exhibits and gift shop. The second 

fl oor has restricted access, providing administrative space. The openness and interconnection of 

spaces at both fl oor levels largely refl ect the design 

modifi cations of the NPS adaptation of the building in 1954-55 upon acquisition. The exterior 

perimeter walls, including doors and windows, 

date to the initial construction of 1872. The modifi cations of 1990–92, most of which are subtle, 

reinforce the interior pattern of room layout as 

initially constructed. These modifi cations include 

the reconstruction of short end-sections of the 

dividing walls removed in 1954-55, changes in 

wood fl ooring patterns to represent the removed 

walls, and reinstallation of reconstructed fi replace 

mantelpieces, doors and casings and other missing 

1872 design features. The resultant design that is 

present today works well both in terms of accommodating a visitor center and providing for interpretation, the prescribed purposes of the General 

Management Plan.

The building is in good condition in general. However, some of the work of the 1990-92 campaign, 

subsequent maintenance eff orts, as well as earlier 

construction eff orts, are reaching their expected 

life expectancy. The time is approaching for certain repairs.

Specifi c Recommendations

To maintain the Recommended Ultimate Treatment the following actions should be taken:

• Replace the wood shingle roofi ng of the Quarters 

and the Storage Shed;

• Repaint the painted exterior wood elements;

• Re-oil exterior wood porch fl ooring;

• Re-varnish interior fi rst-fl oor wood fl ooring;
100 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR

• Replace the heat pumps;

• Re-point the masonry of the three exterior cisterns;

• Consider developing a brochure, an exhibit and/

or other interpretive material with original and 

current fl oor plans to help illustrate the building’s 

evolution of form and use.
National Park Service 103

 Appendix A

• 1872 First Floor Plan

• 1872 Second Floor Plan

• 1945 First Floor Plan

• 1945 Second Floor Plan

• 1954 First Floor Plan

• 1954 Second Floor Plan

• 1989 First Floor Plan

• 1989 Second Floor Plan

Appendix A: 

Documentation Drawings: 

The Quarters by Historic Period









National Park Service 113

 Appendix B

• First Floor Plan

• Second Floor Plan

• Elevations and Sections: Interior Door - Original

• Elevations and Sections: Interior Door - 1992

• Elevations and Sections: Exterior Door - Original

• Elevations and Sections: Wall Base Board

• Elevations and Sections: Interior Door Casing

• Elevations and Sections: Window Apron - First Floor

• Elevations and Sections: Window Apron - Second Floor

• Elevations and Sections: Window Casing - Typical

• Elevations and Sections: Staircase Balustrade and Handrail

• Details: Trim at Wall Below Stair and Stair Undercarriage

Appendix B: 

Documentation Drawings: 

The Quarters as Found













National Park Service 127

 Appendix C

• Floor Plan: The Garage

• Floor Plan: The Wood Shed

Appendix C: 

Documentation Drawings: 

Outbuildings as Found



National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-1

• Index to Photographs

• Key to Photographs

• Selected Photographs Showing Double Keepers’ Quarters and 

Outbuildings

• Selected Drawings Showing Double Keepers’ Quarters and Outbuildings

Appendix D: 

HABS Documentation (2002)

National Park Service 127
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-1
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-3
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-5
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-7
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-9
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-11
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-13
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-15
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-17
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-19
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-21
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-23
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-25
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-27
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-29
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-31
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service A 

 Appendix D: HABS

D-33
Bodie Island Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
National Park Service 101 

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104 Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers’ Quarters HSR
As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the 

Department of the Interior has responsibility for most 

of our nationally owned public lands and natural 

resources. This includes fostering sound use of our 

land and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, 

and biological diversity; preserving the environmental 

and cultural values of our national parks and 

historical places; and providing for the enjoyment of 

life through outdoor recreation. The department 

assesses our energy and mineral resources and works 

to ensure that their development is in the best 

interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship 

and citizen participation in their care. The 

department also has a major responsibility for 

American Indian reservation communities and for 

people who live in island territories under U.S. 

administration. 

603/105052 August 2010