PENNSYLVANIA LOOKOUTS
BOOT JACK HILL
Elk County
September 27, 1921: "The steel for the new lookout tower being constructed on Boot Jack by the state forestry department arrived from Harrisburg Monday. The large concrete base of the tower has already been constructed and the entire tower should be completed within two or three weeks. State Forester Elliott, of Emporium, is inspecting the construction work this week. An ex service man will be given the position of lookout, which position will be held for five or six months each year at a salary of $4 a day, the purpose being to detect fires and extinguish them before they do vast damage." (The Kane Republican)
October 19, 1921: "The lookout tower, recently constructed by the state forestry department in the rear of the Gordon farm on Boot Jack, is attracting hundreds of people. Many have climbed to the top of the elevation to be rewarded by the wonderful view obtained of the surrounding country. On a clear day one can easily see from five to eight miles. In fall and spring dry seasons of the year a man will be stationed on the tower to keep a watch for forest fires. --Ridgway Record." (The Kane Republican)
November 7, 1924: "At the fire tower on the Boot Jack road two miles from here it was reported that the fire could be seen near here. The watchman at the tower stated, however, that the dense smoke that has enveloped the surrounding territory makes it impossible to get a view of the landscape for more than a mile." (The Kane Republican)
June 1, 1939: The Boot Jack tower near Ridgway has been increased in height from sixty feet to eight-six feet. (The Wellsboro Agitator)