INTERPRETIVE PLAN

Point Sur State Historic Park

Prepared by Patricia Clark-Gray District Interpretive Specialist Monterey District

Planning Team:

Linda Rath, Unit Supervisor Hal Latta, Ranger I Kris Quist, Curator II Sharon Mallory, Exhibit Specialist Ken McKowen, Park and Recreation Specialist Doug Smith, Maintenance Chief Sherry Osella, Maintenance Supervisor Gary Nelson, Restoration Supervisor Blake Thomson, Chairman of Volunteers Carol O’Neil, Co-Chair - Interpretive Committee Jaci Pappas, Co-chair - Interpretive Committee Dawn Cope, Volunteer Don Dean, Volunteer Mike Baker, Volunteer John O’Neil, CCLK Board Loren Rice, Volunteer and Past Chair - CCLK Rob Carver, CCLK Board Tim Thomas, Maritime Museum Liaison

Approved ______Date ______

Mary Wright, District Superintendent Monterey District

STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION (DPR)

January 1998 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... 2 BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT ...... 3

WHY IS THIS PROJECT NEEDED? ...... 3 ASSESSING THE EXISTING SITUATION...... 4 Planning Documents ...... 4 The Interpretive Project ...... 4 ASSEMBLING A TEAM ...... 7 PLANNING STRATEGIES ...... 7 Research Design ...... 7 Public Involvement ...... 7 Budget...... 7 SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL CONCERNS ...... 8

ASSESSING THE EXISTING SITUATION...... 8 Park Visitors’ Profiles...... 8 REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIAL CONCERNS:...... 8 Interpretive Objects ...... 8 Graphics ...... 10 Limitations to Access ...... 10 Barrier-Free Access and other Alternatives ...... 11 Modification to the Building or Setting ...... 11 Related Uses of Space ...... 12 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 12

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: ...... 12 BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVES: ...... 13 EMOTIONAL OBJECTIVES: ...... 14 THEMES ...... 14

UNIFYING THEME #1: ...... 14 Primary Theme #1A: ...... 14 Primary Theme #1B: ...... 16 Primary Theme #1C: ...... 16 Primary Theme #1D: ...... 17 Primary Theme #1E: ...... 18 Primary Theme #1F: ...... 18 Primary Theme #1G: ...... 18 Primary Theme #1H: ...... 19 Primary Theme #1I: ...... 19 Primary Theme #1J: ...... 20 Primary Theme #1K: ...... 20 UNIFYING THEME #2: ...... 20 Primary Theme #2A: ...... 20 Primary Theme #2B: ...... 20 Primary Theme #2C: ...... 21 Primary Theme #2D: ...... 21 Primary Theme #2E: ...... 21 INTERPRETIVE PERIODS ...... 21 OVERALL INTERPRETIVE DIRECTION ...... 22 VISITOR FLOW PLAN ...... 23 FURNISHING PLANS ...... 24

2 SUPPLEMENTARY INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES...... 24 EVALUATION ...... 24 SAFETY AND SECURITY ...... 24 PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES ...... 24 POTENTIAL PROJECT PHASING ...... 25 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 26 APPENDIX ...... 28 APPENDIX A: IMPORTANT DATES FOR POINT SUR STATE HISTORIC PARK...... 28 APPENDIX B: BUILDING TIMELINE AND REFERENCE ...... 31

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

Why is this project needed?

Point Sur State Historic Park (SHP) has received Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) grant moneys. The Central Coast Lightkeepers (CCLK), a non-profit organization, was instrumental in assisting DPR in obtaining the grant. The funds will be used to arrest the deterioration of the historic Point Sur

3 Lightstation and to restore the buildings to their previous glory. In addition, other funds will be raised to complete the restoration.

With the acquisition of ISTEA moneys for restoration, Point Sur SHP needs an interpretive plan to help direct the restoration efforts to ensure they meet the anticipated interpretive needs. In addition, CCLK is able to provide funds to support the interpretive programs and to purchase furnishings and objects for the buildings, and a plan would enhance these efforts.

Assessing the Existing Situation

Planning Documents

There is no General Plan for Point Sur SHP. A Summary Interpretive Prospectus For Point Sur SHP was written in June 1995. A Resource Element (October 1990) was produced by the Resource Protection Division. A management plan for the park is being developed.

The Historic Structure Report - Assistant Keepers’ Dwelling and Head Keeper’s Dwelling - Point Sur State Historic Park (October 1, 1991) was written by Carol Roland, State Historian II. A Historic Structure and Archaeological Survey of Point Sur SHP was produced by Jim Woodward in 1987. And Existing Condition Analysis and Proposed Restoration Plan - Point Sur Light Station (Carpenter and Blacksmith Shop, Barn, Garage, and Pumphouse) was prepared in September 1990.

In addition, the Point Sur docent library and Central Files have extensive information on Point Sur SHP. A Docent Training Manual with additional information has also been produced. An information sheet entitled “Summary of Background Information - Point Sur 1984-1996” contains important information about Point Sur.

The Interpretive Project

Point Sur State Historic Park is located 19 miles south of Carmel, just off Highway One. In 1991, Point Sur was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1994,

4 the Lightstation was designated a State Historic Landmark. Point Sur is an example of a complete, self-sufficient, turn-of -the- century lightstation, and the architecture of the buildings is unique. It is the only complete lightstation open to the public in California (and one of only two in the U.S.) and contains the largest building constructed on any lightstation in California (Triplex).

Currently, there is a Visitor Center that features a sales area, historic photos, a room with various lighthouse-related displays, and the Macon exhibit room. The Macon exhibit room also has a small video screen for showing videos. There are interpretive panels in the fog signal room on the Fresnel Lens, , Central California Lighthouses, and Shipwrecks. In addition, there are Lighthouse- related artifacts in display cases. The fog signal room is still owned by Coast Guard (USCG).

Tours are given by California State Park volunteers on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Tours are given on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. April through October, and Mondays at 10 a.m. in July and August. Tours last three hours and include a walk of approximately one-half mile up an access road with an over 300-foot rise in elevation. There are also special tours and moonlight tours. Currently, guided tours are the only way visitors can visit Point Sur SHP.

Following are the proposed new uses of the Lightstation buildings:

Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop

♦ restore the building to a 1929 blacksmith/carpenter shop ♦ add to existing guided tour once building is restored ♦ conduct living history programs ♦ conduct special blacksmith programs ♦ conduct carpenter shop programs

Headkeeper’s House

♦ restore to one period (1902 - 1929) ♦ add the restored house to existing tours ♦ conduct living history programs ♦ storage of artifacts

Barn

♦ restore barn to 1929 (complete this furnishing plan last)

5 ♦ in the interim, utilize the barn (upstairs - restoration headquarters and storage for volunteers, downstairs - restoration shop) ♦ in the future have the barn set-up for animals that could be part of a temporary living History Program ♦ include barn in regular tour once restored

Triplex (restore to 1929 period)

♦ interpret three of the apartments to different time periods: 1889 - pre-plumbing 1907 - plumbing 1950s - Coast Guard era and post WW II ♦ part of expanded guided tour ♦ special tours and special events ♦ explore the possibility of having staff/volunteers live in one of the apartments ♦ explore the possibility of three month “Lightkeeper Program” similar to other lighthouses (i.e. “Keeper for a Week” program of New Dungeness Chap. USLS) ♦ storage of artifacts

Current Visitor Center

♦ utilize as visitor center pending acquisition of other suitable facilities such as the Point Sur Naval Facility ♦ Options: *short-term - utilize building for staff and volunteer office, library, artifact storage, and curatorial and housekeeping work areas * long term - rebuild engineer shed/garage/coalhouse/schoolhouse structure

Lighthouse (1929)

♦ obtain ownership from U. S. Coast Guard ♦ long-term - re-install 1st order Fresnel lens ♦ short-term - move some displays currently inside fog signal room to new visitor center ♦ future - install 1929 fog signal (1929 foghorns in possession) ♦ when we acquire radio room - interpret 1940s era technology and open to visitors ♦ restore 1907 outhouse ♦ open oil house to visitors using appropriate barrier ♦ long-term - restore original Lighthouse bridge walkway

Note: We need to determine status of radio beacon and antennas at Lighthouse.

6 Assembling a Team

A multi-disciplinary interpretive planning team was selected and met monthly from November 1996 until May 1997 to develop the interpretive plan for Point Sur SHP. The team consisted of district staff, unit staff and volunteers, board members from CCLK, the cooperating association, and a Maritime Museum liaison. The members were selected because of their expertise in interpretation, subject area expertise, research, curatorial skills, text writing, maintenance, restoration, and operations.

Planning Strategies

Research Design

Research will need to be completed for the restoration project, furnishing plans, and for interpretive exhibits and programs. The team members have the skills and resources to complete the research.

Public Involvement

Since the planning team included volunteers, CCLK board members, and a Maritime Museum Representative we have good initial public involvement in the early planning stages. Once the draft plan is completed we will get input from CCLK members, Point Sur Volunteers, unit staff, Interpretive Section - Sacramento, Point Sur SHP Strategic Planning Group, Maritime Museum staff and volunteers, Coast Guard Commander, Cal Trans, Historical Society, and State Office of Historic Preservation.

Budget

The budget for the restoration is being overseen by Sacramento. Currently, the majority of the restoration funding is from an ISTEA grant and from DPR’s required match. The Monterey District Maintenance Chief is the local decision-maker as to specific expenditures. The budget includes salaries, building modification, architectural work, and equipment purchases.

A budget for interpretive design development, fabrication, and installation, and artifact acquisition will need to be developed. These funds will come from CCLK funds, grants, and corporate and individuals gifts. The DPR warehouse in West Sacramento may be a source of some of the furnishings or artifacts. The Questers, a local group who furnished the Point Pinos Lighthouse, may be able to assist in the furnishings of the buildings.

7 SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL CONCERNS

Assessing the Existing Situation

Park Visitors’ Profiles

Present Audience:

Visitors to the park are families and adults who can devote three hours to a guided tour and can walk the steep hill. They also need transportation to get to isolated Point Sur SHP. In addition, Elderhostel groups, school groups, and foreign visitors participate on the tours.

Potential Audience:

If the Point Sur Naval Facility is acquired and a new visitor center is opened there, adjacent to Highway One, drive-by visitation would dramatically increase. Visitors who do not have three hours could watch a video on the Point Sur Lightstation, look at displays, and shop in the gift shop. We will need to accommodate the needs of foreign visitors by providing translated brochures. We will also need to determine how we can meet the accessibility needs of visitors.

Target Audience:

The target audience is families, special tour groups, foreign visitors, school children and youth groups. Special tours could be developed to draw target audiences to visit the site. Audio tours could be developed for foreign visitors or language interpreters could be provided.

Requirements and Special Concerns:

Interpretive Objects

The collections at Point Sur SHP have been developed from a number of sources. Many of the objects were collected by CCLK members from a variety of sources. Some of the collection has been donated to CCLK and some to State Parks. Other objects are on loan.

8 The types of objects in the collections include:

∗ weight - for clock work mechanism - lens rotation ∗ The Lightkeepers Library Case (reproduction) ∗ U.S. Lightservice memorabilia ∗ radio beacon clocks ∗ kerosene lamp ∗ blacksmith tools ∗ fresnel lenses

The collection records for Point Sur SHP were completed by CCLK members working with the District’s Curator II. All the objects have been cataloged utilizing DPR forms and procedures.

Additional objects will be collected utilizing approved furnishing and exhibit plans. In the furnishing plans, priorities will be developed for the collections of the objects. Generally, the types of objects that will be collected are blacksmith and carpentry tools for the blacksmith/carpenter shop, and period furnishings for the Headkeeper’s House and the Triplex. In addition, we would like to acquire a first order Fresnel lens for the lighthouse.

The objects will be used in the house museums, living history programs, hands-on interpretation, formal exhibit cases, research, demonstrations, and for illustrations in publications. Most of the objects will be utilized indoors.

For example, in the blacksmith/carpenter shop most of the artifacts will be period tools. Tools that will be used in demonstrations or living history programs will be replicas or modern equivalents and will be marked accordingly. Appropriate hands-on objects will be acquired to enhance the guided tours or living history programs. Examples of these objects would be kitchen utensils and house cleaning equipment in the Headkeeper’s House.

• A housekeeping/maintenance schedule (DPR 473) will need to be developed to ensure proper maintenance. At Point Sur SHP volunteers working under the direction of the Curator II conduct the housekeeping of the objects that are in the rooms open to the public.

9 Graphics

Graphics are needed for research and interpretive purposes. Graphics needed include any exterior or interior photographs, floorplans, or drawings of the Headkeeper’s House, Triplex, Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop, Barn, and Lighthouse. The files of DPR staff, Point Sur volunteers and CCLK contain many of these graphics, however, additional interior photographs of the various buildings are still needed.

Photographs needed for interpretive purposes are the following: family life on the rock, U.S. Lighthouse Service, U.S. Coast Guard, early construction, and natural history topics.

Limitations to Access

Many factors restrict access to Point Sur State Historic Park. The park is remote and requires personal vehicular access as limited public transportation is available. Visitors are greeted at Highway One and escorted to the parking lot (limited parking) at the bottom of the rock. Guided tours are required and visitors must walk up a steep road for approximately 1/2 mile to get to the top where the buildings are located.

After climbing the hill to the lighthouse, a 37-step circular staircase climb is required to reach the watch room and outdoor circular walkway. From the lighthouse a steep stair climb is required to reach the top of the rock where the remaining lightstation buildings are located. The weather is usually windy and cold. Warm clothes are necessary for comfort. Visitors hats, glasses and loose clothing items could be blown off due to prevailing high winds.

If requested in advance, a van is available that can take visitors with limited mobility to the top of the rock. The van does not contain a wheelchair lift. Currently, when requested in advance a staff person takes visitors to the top of the rock. Funding to pay for a staff person’s time needs to be factored into the yearly budget. In the future, a new accessible van should be leased to transport visitors with special needs up the rock. Special tours could be offered monthly for visitors with special needs.

In addition, only portable restrooms are available, and water to wash visitors’ hands is non-potable and stored in a container that needs to be re-filled by staff and volunteers. The restrooms are available at the base of the rock (start of the tour) and at the Visitor Center 1 1/2 hours into the tour. A handicapped accessible restroom is currently being constructed at the bottom of the rock by the parking area. In the future, a handicapped accessible restroom should also be available on the top of the rock.

The Historic Structures Report recommends that once the triplex (Assistant Keepers’ Dwelling) is restored that group size for tours be limited to fewer than ten, including the docent, on the upper floors. The report also recommends that a handicap access plan be

10 developed for both the triplex and the Headkeeper’s Dwelling as part of the restoration design plan. The project architect will also develop access plans for the other buildings. He will incorporate access around the grounds of the lightstation.

Barrier-Free Access and other Alternatives

All new signs and displays will meet ADA requirements. Currently, there are abbreviated interpretive sheets available in languages other than English (Japanese, German, French, and Spanish). Large print hand-outs should be developed for people with visual impairments. An interpretive booklet needs to be developed for use by visitors with hearing impairments.

Visitors can stop and rest in the Fog Signal Room and in the visitor center. There are seats and areas where visitors can watch videos. In the restored buildings, folding chairs should be made available. Water and hot drinks are available in the Visitor Center. Outside are tables for visitors to sit and rest.

Currently, a 10 minute video is available at the Multi-Agency Facility near Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park that gives an overview of Point Sur SHP for visitors who cannot visit the site. More videos of the upstairs of the various buildings will need to be produced once the buildings are restored and open to the public. In addition, new displays should contain audio or audio-visual components. The sounds of the lightstation would add to the interpretive experience of all visitors.

New displays should have objects that can be touched. The blacksmith/carpenter shop will be an ideal location for this activity. Displays will be accessible to visitors with limited mobility. The gift shop sales displays and literature racks will need to be accessible.

On the guided tours the tour group size is often large and the wind makes listening difficult. Assistive listening devices would not only be helpful for visitors with hearing impairments, but for all visitors. It is recommended that at least six head-set receivers, three transmitters, and rechargeable batteries be purchased and made available to visitors who request them.

A sign language or oral interpreter will be needed when one is requested in advance by a visitor. In addition, volunteers with these special skills should be recruited.

Modification to the Building or Setting

Public resource code 5024 requires that any building over 50 years of age must be evaluated for its historical significance prior to any modifications being made. Throughout the project, modifications to the buildings will need to be documented. The

11 Restoration Supervisor will be responsible for completing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and 5024 review. In addition, the State Historic Preservation Office will need to be kept informed during the course of the restoration project.

The historic landscape will be recreated because of its significance to the lightkeepers’ lives. It will include the vegetable gardens and flowers that were planted by the families who lived on the rock. All of the recommendations preserve the spectacular viewshed at Point Sur.

Related Uses of Space

Currently, the visitor center contains a gift shop, interpretive displays, volunteer storage space, audio-visual area, and janitorial storage area. The gift shop will be moved to the Point Sur Naval Facility’s planned Visitor Center for Point Sur SHP if the property is acquired.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals:

Visitors will:

• gain an appreciation of the historic importance of the Point Sur Lightstation.

• understand how the lightkeepers’ and their families’ lives were impacted by the isolation and the environment.

• gain an understanding and appreciation of the changing technology of the lightstation.

Learning objectives:

Visitors will:

• be able to explain the purpose and history of lighthouses.

12 • be able to identify the names and locations of the Central California lighthouses.

• be familiar with some of the Lightkeepers’ jobs.

• be able to explain how the Lightkeepers were relatively self-sufficient (with the exception of the supplies that were shipped in).

• explain the interaction of Lightkeepers with the community of Big Sur.

• be familiar with the history of shipping along the Central California coast during the 19th and 20th centuries.

• be familiar with some of the shipwrecks that occurred off Point Sur.

• be familiar with Fresnel lenses, fog signals, navigation aids, and the U.S. Lightstation Service and its successor, the U.S. Coast Guard.

• be familiar with local construction materials used in a 19th century lighthouse in remote Big Sur

• be able to explain the supply system for the lightstations including lightstation tenders, docks, railways, and roads.

• be aware of the changes that Highway One and the changing technology had on lighthouse operations (supply delivery from ocean to truck)

• be familiar with the short term restoration process and the on-going maintenance process at Point Sur SHP.

• be able to explain the water system used at the Point Sur Lightstation

Behavioral Objectives:

Visitors will:

• assist Point Sur SHP by donating money or artifacts (through CCLK) or time (through Volunteer in Park Program).

• tell their families and friends the value of a visit to Point Sur SHP.

13 • be able to identify some of the natural history features (plants, wildlife, geology, meteorology, oceanography) at Point Sur.

• be able to explain how the blacksmith/carpenter shop made Point Sur more self-sufficient.

• understand the importance of the Fresnel lens, which revolutionized lighthouses world-wide.

Emotional Objectives:

The visitor will:

• understand the value of preserving historic places such as Point Sur SHP for future generations.

• appreciate the scenic values of Point Sur SHP (views of the coast, whale watching, and nature study).

• understand the importance of the family to the Lightkeepers because of the isolation at Point Sur.

THEMES

Unifying Theme #1:

The Lightkeepers’ work and lives were impacted by the changing technology of the Lightstation.

Primary Theme #1A: Life for the Lightkeepers’ families on the rock was unique.

Anecdotes: ∗ Keepers’ gardens * Recreation

Supporting Theme #1A1: Family values were important.

14 Supporting Theme #1A2: The women and children of Point Sur played a pivotal role in the Lightkeepers’ lives.

Anecdotes: ∗ Diaries and letters of the families

Supporting Theme #1A3: The uniqueness of life on the rock created many interesting human interest stories.

Anecdotes: ∗ The stories of the Keeper’s dogs blown off the walkway bridge ∗ The picket fence installed around quarters “to prevent keepers’ children from falling off the rock” ∗ Chicken stories ∗ Kids (George Henderson stories)

Supporting Theme #1A4: Education for the keepers’ children was unique.

Anecdotes: *Keepers’ children would stay with families at nearby ranches during the week and go home on weekends or would live with relatives *The children were taught at the lightstation by a teacher (Misses Young, Graham, and Moran) (1927-1933) *A schoolhouse was built for Big Sur students (1933)

Supporting Theme #1A5: The United States Lighthouse Service (USLS) provided needed basic supplies to the Lightkeepers’ families.

Anecdotes: *Books were supplied through a Lightkeepers’ Library *Coal had to be rationed.

Supporting Theme #1A 6: Livestock were useful to the lightkeepers and their families.

Anecdotes: *Headkeeper Henderson’s cow provided milk to the families (1932-38) *Horses and mules hauled supply wagons up the rock to the station after the road was completed (1902) *The horse and the cow were housed in the upper barn (1929)

15 Supporting Theme #1A 7: Adequate housing was important to the families of the lightkeepers.

Anecdotes: *The two-and-one-half story triplex originally housed three families including the Headkeeper’s family *Engineer’s construction shack was “converted” for quarters for 4th Keeper (1895) *Engine house converted to Headkeeper’s quarters with the addition of a second story (1902) *Indoor plumbing installed in triplex and some outhouses abandoned (1907) *Triplex expanded (bathrooms added for 2nd and 3rd Assistant Keepers’ - 1938)

Supporting Theme #1A8: The Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop was important to the Lightstation operation and to the Big Sur community.

Anecdotes: *Tools of the blacksmith and carpenter *Metal and wood objects that were built or repaired in shops *Local barter (fresh food for shop labor) *Big Sur community (wood source for boiler/foghorn steam)

Primary Theme #1B: Central California lighthouses were a part of a series of needed lighthouses on the West Coast.

Anecdotes: *Former and current lighthouses *History of lighthouses on the West Coast *Shipwrecks that were the catalyst for the building of Point Sur Lightstation *As aid to navigation (increased shipping after 1850 - more population/shipping)

Supporting Theme #1B1: Lighthouses on the West Coast were developed over a period of time as money was appropriated by Congress.

Primary Theme #1C: Lights for the lighthouse evolved with changing technology.

Anecdotes:

16 *Various kinds of lamps (oil, kerosene, oil vapor and electricity)

Supporting Theme #1C1: The Point Sur Lightstation contained a first order Fresnel lens. The invention of the Fresnel lens revolutionized lighthouses worldwide.

Anecdotes: Other Lighthouse Optics

Supporting Theme #1C2: The higher the light is placed above the ocean’s surface the more distant it is visible from sea.

Supporting Theme #1C3: The influence of weather on placement of lighthouse.

Primary Theme #1D: Supplies were delivered by land and sea.

Supporting Theme #1D1: Landings with tram systems hauled needed supplies up Moro rock to the Lightstation.

Anecdotes: *Railroad trestle and stairway up east face - steam-driven (1887) *West rail and stairway (railway to lighthouse) - mechanized 1887 (Railway to light - hand-powered) *Eastside hoist railway abandoned (1900) *Beach landing dock constructed to handle oil drums for compressor-driven fog signals (1911) *New hoist railway constructed on the southside to the top of the rock (1914) *South rail system discontinued (1939)

Supporting Theme #1D2: A series of roads was constructed to service the rock over the years.

Anecdotes:

* Corduroy road across sand to aid access

17 *New road built from county road three miles to the east, across El Sur Ranch to foot of tramway (1894) *Wagon road constructed to lighthouse (1900) *Wagon road constructed to keepers’ dwellings (1902) *New road alignment across El Sur Ranch to county road (1907) *Highway One completed to the north - Carmel to Pt. Sur Lightstation (1932) - road re- aligned to present configuration *Road improved (1935-39) *Highway One completed from Carmel to San Simeon (1937) *Change in resupply under USCG by automotive transport via Highway One

Primary Theme #1E: Early construction of the lightstation was challenging.

Anecdotes:

* Sandstone rock quarry in Little Sur Valley and wagon road to base of rock (moving quarry rocks up tramway to building sites) *Before and after photographs showing changes and alterations through the years

Primary Theme #1F: The restoration of Point Sur will restore a complete turn-of-the-century and continually-operating West Coast lightstation.

Anecdotes: *Restoration process utilizes many specialists (restoration specialists, historians, archeologists, architects, interpreters, etc.) *Restoration techniques

Primary Theme #1G: The purpose of a lighthouse is to serve as an aid to navigation and to prevent shipwrecks.

Supporting Theme #1Ga:

The U.S.S. Macon was one of the more spectacular shipwrecks.

Topics: *History of shipping - transition from sail to steam *Wreck of steamers - LOS ANGELES and VENTURA *Local residents flocked to the beach to gather lumber, foodstuffs, and tradegoods

18 Primary Theme #1H: Interaction took place between the communities of Point Sur and Big Sur.

Supporting Theme #1Ha: Social gatherings were important for the Lightkeepers’ families and bartering helped get needed supplies.

Primary Theme #1I: Lightstation Management: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) incorporated the U.S. Lighthouse Services (USLS) in 1939.

Anecdotes: *Uniforms, insignia, logos, and buttons of USCG and USLS *Major Events (log books)

Supporting Theme #1I1: The U.S. Lighthouse Service was founded in 1784 and the U.S. Lighthouse Board was established in 1852.

Anecdotes: *9th Act of Congress

Supporting Theme #1I2: The Lightkeeper’s job changed with the evolving technology.

Anecdotes: *Steam whistle in operation 993 hours for one year , using 26 tons of coal and 68 cords of wood (1904) *Wood-burning technology impacted local redwood forests *Conversion of steam-powered, fog signal to oil-powered air compressor (end of wood hauling, but necessitated hauling and storage of large oil drums) (1909) *Landing dock constructed to handle oil drums (1911) *Incandescent oil vapor lamp installed in lighthouse - replaced kerosene wick lamp (1911) *Gasoline generator installed - light changed to electricity (radio signal added) (1925) *DC generator provided electricity and end of oil lamps in keepers’ dwellings (1939) *PG&E powerline installed (1949) *Station automated and U.S. Coast Guard keepers leave (1972) *Aero beacon DCB-224 installed on top of fog signal roof (1972)

19 Primary Theme #1J: Aids to navigation were an important part of lighthouses.

Anecdotes: *Fog signals *Radio beacons *Light and signatures

Primary Theme #1K: Water was acquired at Point Sur through pumps, a water cistern, plus wooden water tanks.

Anecdotes: *Stone and cement 53,000 gallon cistern completed (1888) *Built 10,000 gallon water tank in front of fog signal building to solve water pressure problems (1890) *Large amounts of water were required to operate the steam-powered fog signal *well and steam-driven pump in field at base of rock (1888) *Built 20,000 gallon water tank in back of dwelling; drinking water obtained from roof drains (1897) *Water pumped from well in dunes until 1907; water from hills with right-of-way across ranch until 1960s when Naval facility water was used

Unifying Theme #2: The natural history of Point Sur is unique and special.

Primary Theme #2A: Point Sur SHP is an excellent location to watch whales and other marine mammals.

Anecdotes: *Whale skeleton (sizes of grey, blue, orca, etc.) *whale migration (months of years, numbers, etc.) *Marine mammals

Primary Theme #2B: The flora and fauna of Point Sur SHP are unique because of the location of Moro Rock.

Anecdotes: *Native flora *Sensitive plant species (Little Sur Manzanita and Monterey Indian paintbrush) *Exotic flora introduced by Keepers

20 *Birds and animals you may see or may see evidence of

Primary Theme #2C: Moro Rock has interesting geological attributes.

Primary Theme #2D: Weather of Point Sur is unique.

Primary Theme #2E: Oceanography has an impact on the weather.

Anecdotes: *Currents *Fog *Contour of the ocean

INTERPRETIVE PERIODS

Primary Interpretive Period: 1887 - 1939: Point Sur State Historic Park shall represent a flow of history that captures the zenith of the Point Sur Lightstation operation and focuses on the turn-of-the century period. These periods include the following years:

1887 - 1889, representing the building of the lighthouse and related features and buildings;

1889 - 1920, illustrating the changing technology at the lightstation;

1920 - 1939, portraying the continued lightstation operation and focus on the life of the keepers’ families;

Secondary Interpretive Period: Pre-1887 - El Sur Ranch: A secondary period encompasses the era prior to 1887 when the land was part of the El Sur Ranch.

Secondary Interpretive Period: 1939 to 1974: This period covers the transition to World War II and the 1939 to 1972 time period when the U.S. Coast Guard occupied Point Sur Lightstation (Navy communications on the lightstation)

21 Secondary Interpretive Period: 1984 to present: This time period illustrates the renewal of interest in Point Sur Lightstation by the public, the control of the Lightstation by the Department of Parks and Recreation, the beginning of volunteer-led tours, the listing of Point Sur in 1991 on the National Register of Historic Places, the designation in 1994 as a State Historic Landmark, and the beginning of the restoration of the buildings at Point Sur SHP.

OVERALL INTERPRETIVE DIRECTION

*Visitor Center

The project will consists of several phases.

Near Term 1 - 3 years

The Visitor Center will remain in the current location and contain the Central Coast Lightkeeper’s (CCLK) giftshop, Macon exhibits and video room, and changing exhibit room.

Mid-term 3-8 years

When the Department acquires a building for a Visitor Center at the Naval Facility, then the Visitor Center and staging area would be moved to that location. This would be desirable because this staging area would be safer than the current area along Highway One. Over four and half million visitors pass along the coast on their way to Big Sur each year, so a new larger visitor center could accommodate greater number of visitors and could contain exhibits and displays on Point Sur for visitors who don’t have the three hours to take a tour.

Since the Visitor Center would be open on a daily basis, the recommendation would be to eventually have a paid gift shop manager. Deliveries would be made directly to the Visitor Center. Volunteer’s shift would be 4 to 6 hours rather than the three hours they now serve the public.

Long-term 8 - 15 years

At this point, Pt. Sur State Historic Park and the Visitor Center would be a major destination point for visitors along the coast. A portion of the visitor center would contain revolving displays relating to natural and cultural history of the Lightstation. The CCLK “gift shop” would become the Lightstation Store. With more visitors, significantly higher sales will provide additional money for interpretive exhibits and programs.

22 *Information from Point Sur SHP Management Plan

House Museums

The Headkeeper’s House and the Triplex will be restored and furnished as house museums. The Headkeeper’s House would be restored prior to the Triplex. The restoration and the furnishing of the Triplex will be costly due to hazardous materials removal, (asbestos, and lead paint) , so the Triplex would be restored and furnished in phases.

Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop

The Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop and the barns will be restored and used for living history programs. The Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop would be furnished with blacksmith and carpenter tools. Tour leaders could open up the shop to discuss the importance of the shop, and if time allows, demonstrate some of the tools. Living history programs could be developed and qualified volunteers could dress in period clothing and make period items using various historic tools.

Lighthouse

Once the department obtains fee title from the U. S. Coast Guard, many interpretive features could be added. Potential projects include re-installing a fog signal, re-installing the 1st order Fresnel lens, restoring the 1907 outhouse, restoring the original Lighthouse bridge walkway, and opening the oil storage room and restoring it to a late 1940s radio room to visitors using a barrier.

VISITOR FLOW PLAN

Currently, tours start at the bottom of the rock and visitors are led up the road. They first visit the displays in the fog signal room and watch the video. The group then go up into the Lighthouse. Afterward, the tour leader moves the group to the top of the rock and talks about the Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop and the barn. Groups then can go inside the Headkeeper’s House. The last stop is the Visitor Center where they can get drinks, pay the tour fee, and look around the Visitor Center. Visitors can also watch various videos.

As more buildings are restored, tours may need to be modified. Also, as more buildings are restored, special restoration tours could be developed which would focus more on the restoration of the Lightstation.

23 FURNISHING PLANS

Furnishing plans will be written for the Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop, Headkeeper’s House, Triplex, and Barn so this interpretive plan will not include information on interpretive stations and media in those buildings.

SUPPLEMENTARY INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES

Volunteers have formed a committee to develop teachers’ packets which will include pre- visit and post-visit material. In the future, CCLK could develop a guidebook on Point Sur SHP. During the restoration, special talks and tours could be offered.

EVALUATION

Evaluation will be incorporated into all aspects of interpretation at Point Sur SHP. Volunteers giving guided tours should be evaluated through self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and formal evaluation. As more exhibits are developed visitors surveys should be used to determine effectiveness of the interpretation. Other evaluation methods that could be implemented are comment forms, survey cards, and suggestion boxes. Only through evaluation can we know if our goals have been realized and if the project is a success.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Safety is a primary consideration addressed in the Point Sur SHP Management Plan. Security will become a greater issue as the buildings are restored and turned into house museums. The Furnishing Plan process will address the security of the furniture and factor in fire codes and other safety issues such as guard rails and lighting for night tours.

PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATES

The figures below are estimates to furnish the following buildings and do not include the restoration costs:

Blacksmith Shop $ 3,800 Carpenter Shop $ 3,000 Headkeeper’s House $25,425 Triplex $50,000 ______$82,225

24 *There will be additional costs for planning, developing and fabricating displays for the new visitor center.

POTENTIAL PROJECT PHASING Funding for the furnishings will be mainly provided by CCLK fundraising. In addition, some items may be donated by lightkeepers’ families or other individuals. Some of the furnishings may also be available through DPR’s collection facility.

Phase 1 Blacksmith/Carpenter Shop Phase 2 Headkeeper’s House Phase 3 Triplex Phase 4 Barn Phase ? Lighthouse (Phase depends on acquisition date from U.S.C.G.)

25 Bibliography

Applegate, Brenda Guide to Copyright Research. Park Services Division. California State Parks. Sacramento, March 1996.

Central Coast Lightkeepers and D.P.R. Transportation Enhancement Activities Grant Application - Oct. 95 (Point Sur Lightstation Historic Building Restoration - Phase II). Monterey, 1995.

Central Coast Lightkeepers and D.P.R. Transportation Enhancement Activities Grant Application - 1996 (Point Sur Lightstation Historic Building Restoration - Phase III). Monterey, 1996.

Department of Parks and Recreation Application for Federal Surplus Property For Park and Recreation Purposes. Sacramento, May 1984.

Department of Parks and Recreation, Resource Protection Division Point Sur State Historic Park Resource Element. Sacramento, October 1990.

Department of Parks and Recreation, Central Coast Lightkeepers, and Pacific Grove Natural History Museum Docent Training Manual. Monterey, Jan. 1997.

Department of Parks and Recreation and Central Coast Lightkeepers Graphic documents stored in the Point Sur Volunteer/CCLK office (photographs, drawings, blueprints, maps, etc.) Monterey, various dates.

Kenney, Alice P. Access to the Past - Museum Programs and Handicapped Visitors. American Association for State and Local History. Nashville, Tennessee, 1980.

Peterson, A.I.A. & Associates, Inc. Existing Condition Analysis and Proposed Restoration Plan - Point Sur Lightstation - Carpenter and Blacksmith Shop, Barn, Garage, and Pumphouse. Department of Parks and Recreation. Sept. 1990.

26 Porter, Erika R. All Visitors Welcome: Accessibility in State Parks Interpretive Programs and Facilities. California State Parks. Sacramento, 1990.

Radosevich, Steve Guide for Preparing a Furnishing Plan: Furnishing and Interpreting Historic Structures Museums. California Department of Parks and Recreation. Sacramento, 1994.

Roland, Carol Historic Structure Report. Department of Parks and Recreation. Sacramento, 1991.

U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1997

U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service Preserving Historic Lighthouses. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1989.

U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation Projects. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1985.

Woodward, Jim Historic Structure and Archeological Survey of Point Sur State Historic Park. Department of Parks and Recreation. Sacramento, July 1987.

27 APPENDIX

APPENDIX A: IMPORTANT DATES FOR POINT SUR STATE HISTORIC PARK Primary Interpretive Period 1887 to 1939

1887 - 1889 Building 1889 - 1920 Technology Advancements 1920 - 1939 Operations and Alterations 1923 - 1926 Radio Beacon (de-activated in 1994)

Secondary Interpretive Period 1. Pre- 1887 - El Sur Ranch 2. 1939 to 1974 (see below) 3. 1984 to present (see below)

1939 - 1941 Transition to WW II 1939 - 1974 Coast Guard Occupation 1941 - 1945 WW II 1972 Fog Signal turned off 1984 DPR control 1986 Open to the public 1987 First Training Class (March 7)/Volunteers give tours 1991 National Register of Historic Places 1994 State Historic Landmark

Dates of Ownership

1889 - 1939 Lighthouse Service 1939 - 1974 Coast Guard - manned 1974 - 1984 Automated - Coast Guard 1978 Lens removed to Maritime Museum

28 1984 - Present Coast Guard/DPR

Other Dates

Cistern built 1888 Lighthouse 1889 (started operation) Asst. Keepers’ 1888 (remodeled in 1938/39) (Triplex) Headkeepers’ 1888 (engine hoisthouse) 1902 (second story/private residence) Barn built (1901) remodeled 1930s *1930s - converted to two story garage after 1939 ? -converted to recreation/garage

Barn at base 1889 of rock Carpenter/ 1907 (1927 - target date) Blacksmith Features: Wagonroad built 1900 (to turntable and lighthouse) Narrow -gauge rail tram 1910 East tram: built 1887 east-side discontinued 1901 South tram: raised tram 1914 tram discontinued 1939 South Landing built 1914 (wharf/tram) Road - right of way 1889 Road - to lighthouse 1900 (realigned) Road - trail only to top 1900 Road - to top 1901/02 Indoor plumbing (headkps.) 1902 Indoor plumbing (asst. kp.) 1907 Oilhouse 1907 Water tower 1907 Generator (lighthouse) 1926 Generator (Keepers’ houses) 1937 Garage 1927 (1929 or 1930?) Pumphouse (top) 1937/40 Hwy. comp. to Carmel 1932

29 Barn deck loss 1935 Hwy. open to south (Cambria)1937 Dormers - triplex 1938 Messhall/Bathhouse 1942 PG&E - power 1949

See Point Sur - Preliminary Building Timeline for references

30 APPENDIX B: BUILDING TIMELINE AND REFERENCE

31 STRUCTURE DATE CHANGE REFERENCE Barn 1900 Built (when road to LH and trail to top built) Barn at base of rock 1889 Built Blacksmith Shop 1907 Built Cistern 1888 Built; 25’ diameter x Letter from 13th 11’ deep-holding tank District Lighthouse Board; Annual Report Engine House/ 1888 Built Headkeeper’s House Engine House/ 1902 Converted to 2 story Annual Reports Headkeeper’s House with half timbered 2nd floor; with toilets Engine House/ 1905 Laundry room with Coast Guard photo; date Headkeeper’s House skylights and no written on back windows in laundry room Engine House/ 1914 Laundry room with Elsie Goff photo Headkeeper’s House skylights Engine House/ 1938 Channel siding added Historic Structures Headkeeper’s House Report; not known when in 1930’s Engine House/ 1959 Remodel kitchen and Historic Structures Headkeeper’s House baths Report Landing 1911 First built with “hydraulic” derrick Lighthouse 1889 Completed; including Annual report outhouse Oilhouse 1907 Built Annual report Poles 1900 Clothes poles with bell Photos system from keeper’s quarters to Lighthouse; before 1900 Pumphouse 1938 Built 1937 to 1940 Road 1889 Right of way purchased Annual report Road 1900 To lighthouse Road 1900 Trail only to top Road 1901 To top Triplex 1888 Under construction; Annual report exteriors done

32 Triplex 1889 All but woodwork Annual report finished in June; finished in Aug. except for painting, grading, and interior finish work.

Triplex 1907 Installed tubs, toilets, lavatory Annual report and washtrays; phones for each keeper and to lighthouse and fog signal room

Triplex 1938 dormers added; maybe Photo 1939 (Compiled by Carol O’Neil)

33