Old Point Loma Lighthouse Kitchen

A small garden on the lighthouse grounds helped provide food for the family.

NPS / Amanda Gossard

Turning right from the entry way, you arrive at the kitchen.  In the middle of the wall opposite you, there is a coal burning, cast iron stove that not only provided a place to cook meals, but also warmth. During the winter months, this was the warmest room in the house. On the righthand side of the kitchen, there is a rectangular table with four chairs. It sits below a southern facing window looking out to the harbor. The kitchen is where the Israel family enjoyed meals and the children completed their homework and small projects. As you look around the kitchen you can see historic tools and furniture that allow you to picture some common kitchen activities: a food prep table to chop vegetables, a washtub for dishes or laundry, a clothes iron for pressing linens, and a poster of the English alphabet on the wall next to the table.  This kitchen was truly the heart of the home and a gathering place for all members of the family.