CHIPMAN HILL
Vermont - Addison County
February 26, 1931: "The possibility of the location of a fire observation tower on top of Chipman Hill, was suggested this week by Representative Cady.
The suggestion came to the representative that this would be a good location and it would be a fine thing for the town to have such a tower site selected here. He in turn discussed the issue with Perry Merrill, of the forestry department, and was told that the location was considered ideal for the purpose. He learned however, that there were no funds available for additional construction work. The department, it was pointed out, would gladly assume the maintenance of the tower and approved the location, if funds for its construction were made available.
The funds would necessarily have to come from an appropriation by the state or through the gift of someone who is interested. Some of the towers about the state have been donated by public spirited people and erected on sites approved by the department.
It is probably too late now to have an appropriation measure given consideration at the state house, so the path of achievement in this respect seems to be blocked at the moment. It was deemed advisable that the public be told of the situation and the attitude of the department." (Middlebury Register and Addison County Journal)
The suggestion came to the representative that this would be a good location and it would be a fine thing for the town to have such a tower site selected here. He in turn discussed the issue with Perry Merrill, of the forestry department, and was told that the location was considered ideal for the purpose. He learned however, that there were no funds available for additional construction work. The department, it was pointed out, would gladly assume the maintenance of the tower and approved the location, if funds for its construction were made available.
The funds would necessarily have to come from an appropriation by the state or through the gift of someone who is interested. Some of the towers about the state have been donated by public spirited people and erected on sites approved by the department.
It is probably too late now to have an appropriation measure given consideration at the state house, so the path of achievement in this respect seems to be blocked at the moment. It was deemed advisable that the public be told of the situation and the attitude of the department." (Middlebury Register and Addison County Journal)
August 12, 1931: "The construction of a highway from the base to the top of Chipman Hill is once more being discussed by the trustees of Battell Park. The matter of building a road to the top of the hill, where it is expected a lookout tower will be built soon, has long been under consideration.
According to plans, as tentatively outlined, the road would extend to the top of the, circle from north to south and then return to the main highway. It is planned to have the roadway narrow and open to one way traffic only." (Rutland Daily Herald)
1932: A new tower site was selected on Chipman Hill. (Biennial Report of the Commissioner of Forestry)
May 19, 1932: "In connection with the improvement work which is being done at Chipman Hill there will be erected later this year a fire lookout tower on the crest of the hill, which will be used by the regular forest fire protection service. This announcement was recently made from Montpeiler." (Middlebury Register and Addison county Journal)
August 6, 1932: "The erection of a fire tower on the top of Chipman hill has been started. The work is being done by state men according to plans of the state forestry department. The tower will be a decorative structure and will harmonize with the atmosphere of the woodland which has been preserved on this hill, under the trust created by the late Joseph Batell. It will be built of logs.
Despite the increased cost of a log tower, it was decided that the added beauty was worth the difference. The state is donating part of the labor for the job was made by the state to the Batell Park trustees, with the provision that the tower be finished this summer or early fall. The trustees feel that the work could not be delayed in the face of this opportunity.
The completion of the roadway up to the tower has been postponed until later. The tower itself will be 55 feet high standing on the crest of Chipman Hill. On top of this tower there will be an observation lookout, which will further elevate it. This will give a view of the surrounding territory so that the area may be protected against fires.
After the tower is finished a fire warden will be provided by the state. It will be open to the public for inspection and people may go there at any time to enjoy the view which extends on the west across Lake Champlain, with the Adirondacks in the background and the Green Mountain range in the east." (Rutland Daily Herald)
August 18, 1932: "A log fire tower is being constructed on the top of Chipman Hill in Middlebury by state employes according to plans of the state forestry department. The tower will be a decorative structure to harmonize with the surroundings. The state is donating part of the labor and Middlebury college is supplying the logs. A part of the labor for the job was donated by the Batell park trustees. Completion of the roadway up to the tower has been postponed for the time being." (Herald and News)
June 5, 1933: "A new tool house has been built on Chipman Hill near the fire tower, the old house having been torn down. The road is being put in good shape for the summer." (Rutland Daily Herald)
Removed