Point Betsie Life Saving Station records

The records of the Point Betsie Life Saving Station document the station's official correspondence and supply inventory between 1883 and 1919. The collection consists solely of incoming correspondence and early supply inventory records. The correspondence contains detailed information on procedure from the rights of the surfman to the specifications for the proper uniform. The majority of the correspondence is from the U. S. Treasury Department. Included in these letters are comments and replies on requisition requests for Point Betsie supplies, equipment, and salaries.

The records document the working relationship between the Captain of the station and the U. S. Treasury Department and, later, the U. S. Coast Guard. Also contained in the correspondence are recorded incidents of personnel problems and suggested solutions. Lacking in the collection of correspondence are the outgoing letters from the station which would provide a more complete picture of the activities of the station and its crew. In addition, daily reports including full narratives of rescue operations, all transactions, and occurrences of interest were recorded by the captain and were forwarded to the General Superintendent. These journals would be an additional source of information. Their location is undetermined.

The property returns are a yearly inventory taken of all supplies contained in the station. This includes the articles kept in the Women's Relief Box, such as clothing, shoes, and foodstuffs, for distribution to the victims of shipwrecks.

The periods preceding 1883 and after 1919 are lacking documentation in the Point Betsie collection. Researchers may wish to consult as an additional resource the U. S. Life Saving Service Annual Reports.