BOWEN HILL
(COVENTRY)
Kent County
District 2
District 2
1923: "I have this year completed the work of establishing three new forest fire observation stations, making now in all five stations located on the summits of the highest hills and covering about all the woodland in the State. These new stations present some novel features in engineering and construction. The towers are of steel made according to special order. The tower houses are made so as to provide ample room and at the same time reduce to a minimum the wind pressure and the noise of vibration that is apt to interfere with telephoning. Plate glass windows and an alidade with side ruler attachment insure prompt and accurate sighting of fires in all directions. The outside materials used do not require painting. These stations are located at Woonsocket Hill, Chopmist Hill, Bowen Hill, Pine Hill and Shannock Hill. The towers which are only 8 to 11 miles apart range in height from 40 to 68 feet and can be seen from each other, thus facilitating their cooperative work in triangulation in locating distant fires. The stations are provided with the best instrumental equipment and are connected by telephone with the forest wardens and landowners." (18th Annual Report of the Commissioner of Forestry)
1950: "We have constructed a new type anemometer mast and fuel moisture scale shelter which will be used to erect an open type fire danger station at the Bowen Hill Tower in Coventry." (16th Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation)
1951: "All forest fire lookout towers were wired for electric power in anticipation of replacing the present battery-operated radios with A.C.-powered units." (17th Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation)