At the top of the Fire Tower are the slits for the observation level and the rooftop platform. As it was being designed, there was debate about whether the Cape May tower should have one, two or three observation levels. In March 23, 1942, it was decided that the Cape May tower would have a single two-slit observation level, since it was only connected with one battery, at Cape May Point. In Cape May, wood was used for the door, ladders and top railing, instead of the steel used on the Delaware side. A 1942 report called for the substitution of wood for steel whenever possible because of the shortage of steel needed for the war effort.
Notice the copper cables running up the side of the tower. They are connected to lightning rods that are mounted on the top railings. This lightning protection was installed in August 1943, almost a year after the tower was completed, at a cost of $70.
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