Point Latine Lighthouse - Argentia

While this Coronavirus stuff has me stuck indoors I decided to catalog all the books I have downstairs in boxes. I inherited a sizeable collection of Newfoundland related books from my Grandfather a few years back and found one on lighthouses of Newfoundland (Lighthouse People by Jim Wellman). Interesting book, focuses on the keepers more than the lighthouses themselves. One chapter is on the Point Latine Lighthouse that was located out in Argentia before the Americans came and bulldozed everything in the early '40s. This is the first I've heard about this lighthouse and can't really find any info online about it, or even any pictures of how Argentia looked before the base was built. Probably before anyone's time here but anyone know exactly which point it was located? Looking at the map I see a couple of places it could have been located but not sure. The book has a single picture of the lighthouse but its a close up and doesn't give any indication on where it was built. I'd also be interested to see pictures of Argentia as it was before the Americans took ownership, before reading this book I wasn't even aware that a community was even out on that point prior to the building of the base and that they were basically evicted. I ride a fair bit out that way and always try to learn a little about the history of the places I ride.

Only bit of info on exact location has it here which is where I would have thought anyway - https://goo.gl/maps/nb4QXoGsLeJBvjbi6

Next chapter is on Cape Race Lighthouse which should be interesting.

 

My work has taken me to quite a number of the Provinces's lighthouses and navigational aids and they are certainly interesting sites with a lot of history. My ex-wife's great grandfather and grandfather were light keepers on Flower's Island. Her Mom was one of 18 children to grow up on that desolate island. They were French Catholics from the Quebec shore. Lavallee was the family name. I wonder if your book(s) have stories about them. There is a tragic story behind how they first came to the island.

 

I've been here before (see below), and there is a newer ish structure here...but can't remember what it was. This is an interesting area for exploring, with trails that may have been roads at one time. But, it is possible that the coast has changed since then, and the actual location might not even exist any more. I think the banks around your marker are eroding a nice bit.

 

I think Point Latine is a little more west at about 47.3138 N, -54.0047W

 

I've always found them interesting and since owning a bike that can get me to some of the more remote ones I've tried to check out any I can. I just had a look through the book and I don't think there is any mention of Flower's Island, I'm around half way through now so will definitely let you know if it is brought up. Sounds like some interesting history out that way.

I'd say the landscape out there now is totally different compared to pre-base times. I know there must have been a tremendous amount of landscaping to the place especially to get it smoothed out for the landing strips. Probably right about the erosion too, I was out on one section last year and you could tell it was just being eaten away, really soft coastline where I was.

 

Thanks for posting that map of the base too, its the first thing I've seen with the Latine Point written on it. I must print it off and bring it with me the next time I'm out there.

 

How many lighthouses are in your book? I have another small book of NL lighthouses too. I think the only real ride I'm going to try to do this year will be a lighthouse tour of the island to see how many I can get. I'm banking on 60.

 

Another RTR member came up with a similar map. He works on ships, I figured a good one to ask.

 

Not many, probably just 10-12. It's basically stories of the hardships, shipwrecks and lives of the lightkeepers. I've seen most, but not all, of the accessible ones on the Avalon, Bonavista and some on the Burin. Hoping to eventually get out to see others on the rest of the island.

 

With help of DW. I think he went back in time to snap this pic!

 

That's perfect, thanks. Cool photo too.

 

45* off that runway. If the land around that lighthouse is untouched, might be interesting place to go with a metal detector.

 

Interesting place for sure from the photos

 

Reading this with interest as my Dad was Regional Manager AIDS and Waterways with the Canadian Coast Guard from 1976 to 1986. He oversaw all the light stations and aids to navigation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Point Latine was before his time of course.
The Coast Guard Alumni has published 3 books about the history of many lights and stories of many of the keepers. If anyone is interested I can get you more info.

 

I would love copies of those books if possible.

 

I can get you details on the titles and costs and get it to you!

 

Yes please

 

Professor google at your service! Lol

 

Hi Skibum

The Alumni had 3 hardcover books published.
"Let there be Light" is a collection of photos, paintings and sketches of lighthouses all around Newfoundland by an artist named Les Noseworthy. 60 lighthouses

"Sentinels of the Strait" is sketches paintings and some stories about the 2 lighthouses on Belle Isle.

"Facing the Sea. Stories of Lightkeepers."
Is about the familes and their stories from 25 lighthouses around the island.

All are 40.00.

I can get copies for you. Im one of the vice presidents. Give me an excuse for a ride out your way. Visit Jim M across the road too if hes there.

 

Perfect, I'll be home in 3 weeks.