PERE MARQUETTE RIVER
Lake County
August 4, 1923: "The first of three 75-foot fire observation towers to be built in Lake county is now being erected on a high hill overlooking the Pere Marquette river and the resort section. State Fire Chief Charles E. Peterson of Wolverine is superintending the installation. An observer will be located in the tower constantly during dry seasons and with powerful binoculars will be able to cover the entire resort district." (Monroe Evening News)
August 10, 1923: "Erection of the state fire tower on the high banks of the Pere Marquette river was completed Monday and it is ready for occupancy by the observer on August 30, when the new fire law permits of the hiring of a man.
So much has been said regarding the location of the tower, criticizing the selection of a highest point, that the editor of the Star visited it Tuesday and climbed to the squirrel cage to see just how much of the country he could see. The tower commands a view ranging from the Pinora hills on the east to the Sauble hills on the north end up to Carlson's silo on the top of the western hills, besides giving a prefect view of Star Lake, L-Lake, Chain-O'-Lakes, Bass and Gifford. It would show up the entire course of the Pere Marquette river if it were not that the leaves on the trees concealed it. The village of Baldwin is plainly seen, the Odd Fellows hall in --- white standing out plainly and the other buildings making a good picture. Five pictures were taken from the crow's nest which will demonstrate the range of the observer.
Two more towers will be erected and put into service, but not this year. One will probably be located on the brow of the hill east of R. E. Hamilton's farm and another on the Wolf Lake hills. These will command a view of all Lake County." (Lake County Star)
April 18, 1924: "D. R. Kennedy has been appointed to the post of lookout on the fire tower overlooking the Pere Marquette river west of Baldwin and will go on duty as soon as the weather renders the service advisable, probably within a week or two." (Lake County Star)
August 1, 1924: "Carl Wolgamott, lookout on the fire tower found some passing visitor had left him a fine stack of magazines, for which he is duly appreciative he says." (Lake County Star)
October 3, 1924: "The record run of the season was twelve miles to a fire in Newaygo county within 20 minutes from the time the smoke was sighted by the lookout on the Pere Marquette river." (Lake County Star)