by island » Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:38 am
You are very close but circling all around it. So before you and I become too dizzy I will give you the answer.
At many light stations collected rain water was the only source of clean fresh water.These implements were used as part of the roof water collection system. One such implement was positioned below the outlet of the each roof gutter pipe with the small end inserted into a pipe mounted flush with the foundation leading to the water cistern in the cellar. These implements or funnels were retained in an upside down position such that when rain commenced the initial rainwater from the roof containing dirt, dust, salt from ocean spray and deposits from birds would be discharged to the ground. Then the funnels were turned right side up to divert clean water to the cistern.
It was not uncomon with children around these funnels would often wander off to become items of creative play leaving the keeper with the chore of finding and retrieving them before they were needed.