Busselton Historical Society > Records

Copper Ball salvaged from the Busselton Lighthouse

c. 1873
Subcollections
Busselton Jetty
Marine
Overview

A hollow copper ball that was salvaged from top of Busselton Lighthouse when it was demolished in 1933. The wind vane at the top of the lighthouse was mounted from this ball. The ball has a number of square holes that were used for mounting

Historical information

In early 1873 a lighthouse was erected seaward of what is now the Queen Street and Marine Terrace intersection to serve the Busselton Jetty. It was built by local carpenter Charles Keyser of timber supplied from the Lockeville-Ballarat Timber Company at Wonnerup. The lighthouse stood 70 feet high and the kerosene lamp was visible for 21 miles. From under the beams hung a ships bell which was rung to announce the arrival of a ship in port.

Lighthouse Dimensions
The vertical piles were 53 feet long and horizontal beams were12 feet 6 inches long.
Width at base was 19 foot and width at top 8.

The lighthouse was demolished in 1933 and a smaller beacon was installed at the end of the Jetty, which by that time had reached its maximum length.

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2020.939
Item type
Objects
Material
Copper
Width
36 cm
Themes
Social History
Keywords
Maritime Objects
Busselton
Place made
Busselton
WA
Australia
Year
c. 1873
Primary significance criteria
Social or spiritual significance
Related Objects

Related Objects

Sibling records
Busselton Lighthouse Timekeepers Log 1912-1915
Model of the Busselton Lighthouse
The Anchor Light
Parent records
ROOM 1.7 Marine
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

Organisation Details
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Hollow copper ball that was the mounting for the wind vane on the 1873 Busselton Lighthouse
Hollow copper ball that was the mounting for the wind vane on the 1873 Busselton Lighthouse
The Busselton Lighthouse in the 1920s. You can see the copper ball supporting the wind vane at the top. Photo 4065 BHS Archive
The Busselton Lighthouse in the 1920s where you can see the copper ball supporting the wind vane at the top. Photo 4065 BHS Archive
Demolition of the Busselton lighthouse starts on April 7 1933. Stan White and RC Forsyth can be seen working at the top of the lighthouse. Photo 4319 BHS Archive
Demolition of the Busselton lighthouse starts on April 7 1933. Stan White and RC Forsyth can be seen working at the top of the lighthouse. Photo 4319 BHS Archive

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