Vent Ball with Spire

This cast iron vent ball is typical of the standard vent balls used on Lighthouses. The purpose of the vent ball was to allow circulation of air up through the light tower through the lantern room and out through the bottom of the vent ball. A series of small holes covered with wire mesh allowed warm air to exit the lighthouse through the bottom of the vent ball. The circulation of air through the light tower was instrumental In keeping the tower dry and free of moisture. When kerosene or oil lamps were used the ventilation allowed fumes from the lamps to safely exit the lantern room. The spike at the top of the vent ball served as a lightning ground rod for the light tower.

This vent ball was removed from Hudson City Light, New York in 1992 and replaced with a new cast iron vent ball. The interior of the vent ball and housing had begun to deteriorate requiring its replacement.

Hudson City Light was built in 1874 and it is believed that this is the original vent ball. The lighthouse marks the entrance to Hudson City and Athens, New York on the East bank of the Hudson River.