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Maps

Series · ca. 1740-1780

Part of Robert Kim Stevens fonds

2013.026

Series · 1903-1996

Part of Ivan R. Kent family fonds

Series forms part of the Ivan R. Kent family fonds and includes records created and accumulated by the Kent family during the course of their duties as lighthouse keepers on Kent Island from 1905 to 1950. Records were kept by John, Arch, and Phebe Kent and include lighthouse keepers' diaries from between 1905 and 1950, return of stores journals from between 1906 and 1948, correspondence from between 1908 and 1948, and maps. Entries had to be made in the lighthouse keeper’s diaries on a daily basis, primarily recording the date, weather, wind, time of day that the light was lit, time of extinguishing, length of time for which it had burned, amount of oil used, chimneys, wicks, and remarks of the lighthouse keeper. The return of stores journals were used by the lighthouse keeper on a regular basis to record quantities of materials on hand, quantities of materials received that quarter, expenditures, quantities carried to the next quarter, and requirements for the next year. The journals referred to any materials that the lighthouse keeper might have used, from petroleum reflectors, paint, and lantern blinds to spirits of wine, scissors, and rouge. The correspondence consists primarily of letters to the lighthouse keepers from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Marine and Fisheries. The majority of correspondence is addressed to Phebe G. Kent and regards the completion of return of stores lists, supplies, inquiries from Phebe regarding where to purchase oil and hiring people to do repairs. There are also letters from the Department expressing sympathy for the death of former lighthouse keepers, the appointment of new lighthouse keepers, census forms, and a letter addressing the possible establishment of a rural postal route. Interestingly, one letter is addressed to Mr. P. G. Kent. In addition the series contains two maps. One is an original hand drawn map from 1903 showing boundaries, the John Kent homestead, the lighthouse, and the road. The second is a printed map of the Maritimes Region Lightstations dated April, 1996.