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Tales of the Cape

Intriguing stories of how it all began.

Be inspired by the rich and intruiging history of the Cape Otway Lightstation, those who lived and worked there and the surrounding area.

 

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Living at the Cape Otway Lightstation

Living at the Cape Otway Lightstation

Despite being 'home' to more than 170 staff and their families throughout the ages, Cape Otway Lightstation only housed a very small community at any given time. For most of its operational life, the Lighthouse was staffed by a Head Keeper and two Assistant Keepers;...

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Disputes and Differences at Cape Otway Lightstation

Disputes and Differences at Cape Otway Lightstation

As with any isolated community, disputes and differences due to personal opinion arose. Head Keeper for 30 years (1848-78), Henry Bayles Ford saw many Assistant Keepers come and go. The turnover of staff perhaps not always helped by his autocratic manner. As a former...

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Squatters at Cape Otway

Squatters at Cape Otway

The 'Squatters Station' was the term given by Head Lighthouse Keeper Henry Bayles Ford for those who lived at Glenaire Station. The lives of those at the Cape Otway Lightstation were often intertwined with those at the 'squatters station'. Tom Riches for example was...

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The First Motor Car at Cape Otway Lighthouse

The First Motor Car at Cape Otway Lighthouse

A daring feat! The first ever 'road trip' to Cape Otway Lighthouse! The first motor car to reach Cape Otway Lighthouse was a Model-T Ford driven by Bill Gratton Wilson in February 1932. Getting a motor car to the Lightstation in those days was no easy feat, but Bill,...

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Cape Otway School

Cape Otway School

Since 1848 children have always played a part of life at Cape Otway Lightstation – even today as curious visitors and school groups. Initially the children of the people working here were home-schooled, until 1881 when the official State school No. 2352 was opened in...

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Horses

Horses

The first motor vehicle was not seen at Cape Otway until 1932. For well into the 20th century, horses were the main means of transport for those working at the Lightstation, their families and visitors. In the 19th century, the horses used by the Keepers were...

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Supplies

Supplies

In the 19th Century the community at Cape Otway Lightstation; were supplied every 6-12 months. These supplies included food staples such as rice, flour, sugar, vinegar, preserved meat, tea & alcohol, all of which had to be rationed. Until the start of the 20th...

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