FROM THE MUSEUM COLLECTIONS: 140 years ago, on May 1st, 1884, uniform regulations were established for all Lighthouse Keepers. From then on, all male keepers were required to wear uniforms while on duty. These uniforms were similar, with the differences in the details, such as the insignias on the coats’ lapels. For instance, ‘K’ for principal or ‘head’ keepers, ‘1’ for first assistant keepers, ‘2’ for second assistant keepers, and so on. Initially, when uniforms were introduced, the US Lighthouse Service paid for the uniforms of the 1,600 keepers who manned over 670 different lighthouses. However, after that, the keepers would have to purchase their uniforms. A complete uniform, consisting of a hat, jacket, vest, pants, buttons, and collar devices, would cost around $22.25 from Philadelphia and $26.25 from San Francisco. In today’s dollars, that would be around $709.12 from Philadelphia and $836.60 in San Francisco. 📸 Photo captions: 1. Edward Vance Hewett, First Assistant K...