Photo submitted by the Skipper of the vessel "Mingulay".
Location: Brigus, Conception Bay
The Newfoundland Government received a petition for a lighthouse
at North Head, Brigus in 1878. Construction of the lighthouse
began in 1882. The Government purchased the land on which the
lighthouse stands from Thomas Hawe for $60.00 in 1883. The land
had been in the family of Mr. Hawe for 40 years, and was known as
Hawe�s Point.
The lighthouse was completed and ready
for operation by March of 1885. The circular iron tower was 9.5
meters (31 feet) high. It supported a lantern with triangular
glazing and a cap with a ball shaped finial. A two-story
keeper�s house with a mansard roof was attached to the light
tower. Both structures were painted with red and white vertical
stripes.
The fixed white light was lit with one Argand burner in a
sixth-order dioptric lens. It had a focal point 34.5 meters (113
feet) above sea level and was visible for 12 miles. In 1931 the
light was changed to electric and was operated from a switch
located near the government wharf, which was operated by Walter
Wilcox. The keepers moved back into the community, and the
dwelling house was torn down.
The first keeper was William W. Horwood. Samuel Wilcox succeeded
him, in 1897. Samuel�s son, Walter, took over as light keeper
around 1916.
In 1956, recommendations were made that the light at North Head
and Brigus wharf light should be combined, and looked after by one
person. The caretaker resigned in 1966 and was succeeded by Thomas
C. Roberts.
Source: Fisheries and Oceans of Canada
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