Description of Historic Place

The Old Lighthouse Site is a rocky outcrop extending from the coastline of Cupids Harbour, on the north side. It is the site of the old lighthouse and light tower once used to guide mariners safely into the harbour. The designation consists of the remnants of the buildings’ foundations.

Heritage Value

The Old Lighthouse Site has been designated a Municipal Heritage Site for its historic and cultural values.

The Old Lighthouse Site has historic value as the site of an early 20th century, round, iron light tower and store which were used to guide mariners into the harbour. They were connected by a covered passageway. The lighthouse keeper, Chesley LeDrew, lived opposite the light tower, across the harbour, and took a boat to the site when operating the light. Details from the Year Book of Newfoundland, 1919 reveal that the light was white, with an occulting visible of 4 seconds, and eclipse of 4 seconds. The tower rose 37.25 feet (12 metres) above high water and was in operation during open navigation.

The Old Lighthouse Site has cultural value as an artifact on the landscape. The structures no longer sit on the landscape, but the memory of them resides with the community. It is a reminder of a time before automated light towers and the reliance of mariners on the skills of a qualified light keeper to give them safe passage through treacherous waters.

Source: Town of Cupids Council Meeting Motion 031-2007 April 3, 2007.

Character-Defining Elements

Those elements of the site related to the light tower and store, including:
-foundation remnants;
-location at the mouth of the harbour, situated on a rocky outcrop; and
-all artifacts remaining in situ or elsewhere related to the structures.