From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol.IV- p112

Lilac

A shrub found in Europe and North America noted for its large panicles of fragrant pink-purple flowers.

(Str: dp. 643; 1. 155' ; b. 27' ; dr. 12'3'' ; s. 10 k.;cpl. 24)

Lilac, a lighthouse tender built at Cleveland, Ohio, in1892, operated with the U.S. Lighthouse Service until transferred to the Navy by executive order of 11 April 1917. Lilac patrolled off the east coast and in the Caribbean until the Lighthouse Service was returned to the Department of Commerce 1 July 1919.