Monthly Bulletin
March/April 2005 - Vol 8 No. 2

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________ & Roslyn Stafford and their cat at Green Cape Lighthouse Photo: unknown, courtesy Cape Byron Lighthouse

Unidentified boy with a lighthouse cake at Green Cape Lighthouse Photo: unknown, courtesy Cape Byron Lighthouse

Hi Steve,

First of all, I realize this scan leaves something to be desired, but it is all I have to work with.

Several years ago my wife and I were visiting the Cape Byron Light and one of the Trust staffers showed us an old photo album from which these pictures came. I believe both were taken at Green Cape. The one of the young boy has no further caption other than the location, but the one of the two girls and their very patient cat has: (can't decipher) & Roslyn Stafford. I know it is a long shot, but I would love to find out anything possible about any of these kids.

I had one of our local digital wizards crop, cleanup and frame these prints. Came out pretty good, but more importantly, you can't look at them without smiling.

Best wishes and many thanks for any help.

Bob Coomler
Cloverdale, CA, USA
Email Bob Coomler

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Editor's note: If anyone can identify the children in these photographs, or has any further information about when they were taken, or who the photographer was, LoA Inc would be interested to hear about it. Contact the LoA webmaster with details.

Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse Photo: Jeff Jennings

Hi Steve,

My family history tells of my paternal great grandfather Joseph Johnson being the keeper of the Maatsuyker Light until he died of peritonitis in 1924.

The story we have is that he could not be taken off the island in time when he developed appendicitis. I think he was born in Maidstone, Kent in 1850, and was a Barnado's boy. He joined the Royal Navy in 1865 and then was invalided out to the Merchant Navy. I think he joined the lighthouse service in 1880 after spending time in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand after a shipwreck.

I would be really interested to find out more details about this family story, my father being dead.

Kerry Echberg
Email Kerry Echberg

The Point Pinos Lighthouse, California, USA Photo: Pete Amass

To LoA,

Had this from a friend. Can we compete in Aus?

Ron Rainford
Email Ron Rainford

Iron Pot Lighthouse Photo: Winsome Bonham

Hi Ron,

Thanks for your enquiry. Refer to our page on the Iron Pot lighthouse at the mouth of the Derwent River in Hobart. We may have pipped the US at the post with this structure, which was built in 1833 and is still operating.

The original Macquarie light in Sydney was built earlier in 1818, but was dismantled and replaced by the existing lighthouse in 1883, so it doesn't count as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Australia.

Regards,

Steve Merson
Bulletin & Prism News Editor
Email Steve Merson

Builders of the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse James McNair snr, Luke McNair and James McNair are pictured seventh, sixth and fifth from the right. Photo courtesy: Brenton McNair

Hi Steve,

Thanks for posting my question on your bulletin board. Since we last spoke, I have found out that my Great Great grandfather James McNair and his two apprentice sons Luke and James all worked on the Cape de Couedic lighthouse and keepers' cottages on Kangaroo Island SA.

I believe they may have also worked on a lighthouse somewhere in West Australia - but as I am not sure where, I am asking for your help in this matter.

Regards 
Brenton McNair
Email Brenton McNair

P.S I have included a photo of the workmen during the construction of the Cape De Couedic lighthouse. It may be of interest to your readers.

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