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Corny Point lighthouse
Title : Corny Point lighthouse Corny Point lighthouse
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Date of creation : 1912
Format : Photograph
Contributor : State Library of South Australia
Catalogue record
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Copyright : Reproduction rights are owned by State Library of South Australia. This image may be printed or saved for research or study. Use for any other purpose requires permission from the State Library of South Australia. To request approval, complete the Permission to publish form.
Description :

This lighthouse was built in 1882, in response to a need to safeguard the entrance to Spencer Gulf and the approaches to the grain ports of western Yorke Peninsula. The height given for the tower varies, depending on the sources consulted but it is approximately 14 metres high and stands 30 metres above sea level. The tower is built of locally quarried limestone, and the strength of the structure was tested by an earthquake shortly after it was manned in 1882, and another in September 1902. Only minor damage occurred.

Two cottages were also built for the keepers. These were equipped with large underground water storage tanks because of the lack of local water sources. When the last lightkeepers left in June 1920, the cottages and storerooms were sold and subsequently demolished.

The light was originally powered by mineral oil, changed to acetylene in 1920 and automatic operation. Finally, in 1978, the power was switched to mains electricity with battery backup. The Chance Brothers 2.7 metre lantern and 500 millimetre lens were threatened with removal at this last changeover, but pressure from the National Trust of South Australia resulted in them being retained. The original light was a fixed white light with a range of 14 miles (22 kilometres). The light currently has a range of 35 kilometres and a red/white flash every 20 seconds.

Subjects
Coverage year : 1912
Period : 1884-1913
Place : Corny Point
Region : Yorke Peninsula
Further reading :

A Remarkable point: Corny Point Lighthouse and Hundred of Carribie Corny Point, S. Aust.: Lighthouse Centenary Book Committee, 1991

Phillips, Valmai Romance of Australian lighthouses Adelaide: Rigby, 1977

Ibbotson, John, Lighthouses of Australia: images from the end of an era Surrey Hills, Vic.: Australian Lighthouse Traders, 2001

Internet links :
Exhibitions and events :

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-


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