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Heceta Head, OR


Lighthouse History

Built: 1894

Type: Conical attached to Workroom

Height: 56 feet

Status: Active

Location: Florence

Elevation: 205 feet

Lens: First order Fresnel

Keepers: Olaf Hansen 1896 to 1902 and again from 1904 to 1920

Notes: The light was first lit in 1894. The tower was identical in design to the Umpqua River light. The 56-foot tower displayed a first-order Fresnel lens built by Chance Brothers in England, which was unusual since most US lenses were built in France. Two residences were built - a single home for the principal keeper, and a duplex for two assistant keepers. 
Early keepers at Heceta Head did not stay long. However, some did remain for extended stays. Olaf Hansen served at Heceta Head from 1896 to 1902, and again from 1904 to 1920. Hansen served as lighthouse keeper, postmaster for the small local post office, and school board member for the school built nearby in 1916. Of the fourteen children at the school, nine were from the lighthouse, and six were members of the Hansen family. 
The schoolhouse and post office at Heceta Head were built due to the station's isolation. This changed in 1932 when construction of the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101) linked Yachats and Florence. The road passed the lighthouse, linking Heceta Head with the nearby towns. Electricity reached the lighthouse in 1934. The second keeper's position was deemed unnecessary, so both keepers moved into the duplex, and the principal keeper's residence was torn down. 
The lighthouse received additional visitors during World War II. Patrols assigned to the coast between Florence and Yachats were stationed in barracks built on the site of the principal keeper's residence. 
The lighthouse was automated in 1963. The last keeper was Oswald Allik, who was also the last keeper at Tillamook Rock. The Coast Guard continued to maintain the tower, but the remaining residence fell into disrepair. The residence was eventually leased to Lane Community College. More recently, the residence was turned into a bed and breakfast. 
Today, the lighthouse is part of Heceta Head State Park.  Direct access through Devil's Elbow State Park.


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