MASSACHUSETTS LOOKOUTS
MOUNT EVERETT
(MT. WASHINGTON)
Berkshire County
1918: A fire tower erected.
1945: A new tower constructed to replace the earlier structure.
April 28, 1947: "Ezra Whitbeck is on duty at the Mount Everett fire tower 12 to 14 hours a day. He is relieved at night by men from the state road gang of Sheffield. The road to Salisbury, Conn., has been shut off to all traffic until the fire emergency is over." (The Berkshire Eagle)
October 21, 1947: "The Mount Everett Reservation at Mount Washington which attracted many visitors during the last fall is closed. This action was taken on orders of the State Department of Conservation Superintendent Russell Whitbeck is directing his attention to other activities.
The construction of a stone lookout building near the fire tower has been started by Ernest Shorti of Edgemont. The cabin type affair will be larger than former one, with two entrances. The roof will be built of oak logs and sheathed in metal for protection from the weather and vandals. The project is to be completed this week.
The location of the lookout affords a fine view of Southern Berkshire and Mount Greylock is clearly visible on a bright day." (Pittsfield Berkshire Evening Eagle)
October 29, 1947: "Ezra Whitbeck is on duty at the Mount Everett fire tower 12 to 14 hours a day. He is relieved at night by men from the state road gang of Sheffield. The road to Salisbury, Conn., has been shut off to all traffic until the fire emergency is over." (Pittsfield Berkshire County Eagle)
February 17, 1970: "Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Natural Resources: Notice to Contractors
Sealed proposals for project No. 607-70, Contract No. 602-70, Construction of Fire Tower, Mount Washington, Massachusetts, will be received at the Office of the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources, Room 1304, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, Massachusetts, until two p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 1970 at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened and read.
The project includes structural steel, concrete, carpentry, painting, excavating and blasting.
. . . . . etc." (Berkshire Eagle)
1970: A new fire tower constructed at a location about 100 feet north of the previous two towers, which were located at a point where the summit was crossed by the Appalachian Trail.
2003: During the spring the tower was dismantled and airlifted by helicopter from the summit. It was stated that the tower was not being used, and foot traffic from the Appalachian Trail had created numerous foot trails through the plant life, causing considerable damage.