Generator Building

Like the building behind the Second Assistant Keeper’s home, this building was originally a woodshed and privy for the First Assistant Keeper's family. In 1940, two electrical generators were installed in the woodshed room when a radio beacon was established at this Light Station.

At the beginning of World War II, the Coast Guard built an addition onto the front of the woodshed to house a new radio room.

We are pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibit, World War II at the Lighthouse, on April 21, 2007.

This exciting exhibit features a re-creation of the Station’s World War II radio beacon house and generator room, with additional exhibits focusing on the role of Florida and the local area in the war.  An active weather station and information about Florida weather is also included, enabling visitors to monitor weather conditions just as the Coast Guard’s lighthouse staff did during the 1940s.

The World War II radio beacon at the lighthouse enabled ships sailing along the coast to fix their positions relative to the treacherous Hetzel Shoals off Cape Canaveral.  The radio beacon worked in conjunction with other beacons at the Cape and at Jacksonville.

To commemorate Light Station participation in the war, the staff has established an amateur radio station.  At a special members-only opening reception on April 20th, 6:00-8:00 PM, we will communicate by radio for the first time since the discontinuation of the radio beacon after the war. Under the expert guidance of Radio Room Chief Allen Bestwick, reception participants will have the opportunity to experience the fun of ham radio.  All museum members are invited to attend this reception (be sure to bring your membership card), and new memberships will be available at the door.  Don’t miss this historic event! Please RSVP to Nancy at 386-761-1821, extension 10, by April 17th.