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 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 Cultural Resources information. Southeast Region National Park Service 100 Alabama St. SW Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 507-5847 2009 Historic Structure Report Bodie Island Light Station Double Keepers Quarters Historic Structure Report LCS#: 007244 Cover image: 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 National Park Service Ai 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...................................................................................................