Pondfield Fire Tower
US 1765, PA 72
Photo courtesy of Brian Wise
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 1765, PA 72 (view other lookouts in United States, Pennsylvania) |
| Date Registered | December 5, 2023 |
| Nominated by | Brian Wise |
| Location |
Forbes State Forest Fayette County, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates |
N 39° 46.938' W 079° 42.020' (view using Google Maps) N 39° 46' 56" W 079° 42' 01" N 39.782299° W 079.700325° |
| Elevation | 2,713 ft (827 m) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Administered by | Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry |
Description
The Pondfield Fire Tower was constructed in 1935 by the Marshal McClintock Company and erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps. A watchman's ground cabin sits near the tower. The watchman jobs were seasonal and paid poorly. The jobs were usually held by farmers, housewives, etc. The Tower was staffed until the 1970s and is used today for educational purposes. The tower and ground cabin have fallen into disrepair and need major repairs.
Map
Change Basemap
Photos
December 2024 photo
Visit Reports
December 27, 2024: Leo Hoglund-McGuirk
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | No |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | I was hesitant to write that the wood and stairs are not in good condition as they are in far better shape than many of the PA lookout towers. However, the ceiling of the cab is caving in slightly as the roof has, so I have learned, a flying squirrel nest inside of it. The wood stairs are in rough but useable shape, one came loose when my friend stepped on it and all should be replaced if the tower is ever opened to the public again. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Comments: | Radio transmitters are on the cab of the tower, they are not in use as far as I could tell. |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | The tower site is well maintained by the DCNR office next to it. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No |