MASSACHUSETTS LOOKOUTS
MOUNT MASSAEMET
Shelburne
Franklin County
November 18, 1911: "The forestry lookout station, which was established on Mt. Massaemet by the State Forestry Commission last year August, was discontinued on the 10th of this month for the season. The commission feel that it is worth while to maintain a patrol there, as several forest fires have been sighted from that point by N.C. Woodward and the alarm given by telephone. Mr. Woodward has not found his post of duties as lonesome as was anticipated, for in the past two months 300 visitors have registered in his visitor's book which he keeps." (Greenfield Gazette and Courier)
April 26, 1916: "Nelson Woodward began his duties the first of the week as watchman on the forest fire lookout tower on Mount Massaemet. The state desires to take over the tower so as to control and protect it from the vandalism of mischievous boys, who have done considerable damage each year since the glass top was put on. The tower is the property of the citizens of the village, and is controlled by a committee, with whom the state has been unable to make satisfactory arrangements as yet." (Greenfield Recorder)
April 27, 1933: "The approach of warm dry weather has made it necessary for the reopening of the observation tower at Mt. Massaemet. Nelson C. Woodward, the observer, was at his duties yesterday for the first time. The towers at Hancock, Savoy and Lenox will be reopened Saturday." (The North Adams Transcript)
July 23, 1935: "Nelson Woodward, state fire warden in charge of the fire observation tower on Mount Massaemet stated this week that because of the dense fogs, which have been hanging over the valley and over surrounding mountains, the distance visibility was only about five miles. Ordinarily the distance that can be clearly seen is 15 miles. Mr. Woodward stated that the past two weeks had been about the worst he has seen in his long service at this tower as far as clear visibility was concerned." (The North Adams Transcript)
August 3, 1935: "Visitors this week at the fire observatory station on Mt. Massaemet found that the distance visibility was clearer than for weeks past. Although the ascent to the tower is steep, the well worn path makes the walk not too difficult and some prefer the travel by automobile as far as possible on the Shelborne side, hiking the rest of the way. Hundreds visit this mountain top each season and on clear days report the view of the surrounding country most beautiful and with the aid of powerful glasses as far as 15 miles may be seen. Visitors are encouraged during the entire season." (The North Adams Transcript)
August 9, 1935: "Nelson S. Woodward, fire warden at Mount Massaemet, has given notice that the tower will be closed every day excepting Saturday and Sunday during the month of August as an act of economy which is being carried out at all rural fire warden towers throughout the state. An exception is being made of towers on the cape.
Mr. Woodward stated that the tower is as popular as ever with visitors who hike or drive to the tower to enjoy the beautiful outlook from there. The road is being used to a considerable extent this year." (The North Adams Transcript)
November 7, 1935: "Denial of the report that he had been dropped, after 25 years of service as a fire warden, from the rolls of the state forestry department, was made this morning by Nelson C. Woodward of this town.
Mr. Woodward this year completed a quarter-century of continuous summer service at the Mount Massaemet observation tower where he has become well known through his hospitality to the many pleasure hikers who climb the mountain to enjoy the unusual view from the stone tone.
He yesterday received his annual orders, he says, to close the observation tower for the season. However he emphatically, stated that he expects to be back on duty again when orders are received to open the tower next spring.
In speaking of closing the tower Mr. Woodward means only the terminating of his own duties and removal of his effects, as a stipulation was made at the time the structure was presented to the state by the town that it should be at all times for hikers." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 15, 1937: "Announcement has just been made of the resignation of Nelson S. Woodward, who has been widely known for the past 26 years as the official fire observer at Massaemet tower on Mount Massaemet.
While Mr. Woodward is still active and a familiar figure in town, he feels that the walk to the mountain and return each day is more than he feels equal to.
Mr. Woodward's successor has not yet been appointed but it is expected that an announcement will be made soon." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 22, 1937: "Donald G. Wood of Main street has been appointed forest fire observer at Massaemet tower on Shelburne mountain succeeding Nelson Woodward, the veteran observer at that site who resigned a week ago because he did not feel physically equal to the daily hike to and from the tower." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 25, 1938: "Donald G. Wood, forest fire observer at Mt. Massaemet tower, reopening this state observation station yesterday for his second season. Mr. Wood was appointed last year after the resignation of Nelson S. Woodward, who had served at this fire tower for 26 seasons. Preparations for the reopening of this tower were made on Saturday, telephone service connected and necessary repairs made. This district covers a radius of 15 miles and fires discovered are reported by telephone to the district fire warden caring for the vicinity where the fire is raging. Last year was a quiet one for the local tower observer and not many fires as usual were located." (North Adams Transcript)
July 5, 1938: "Donald G. Wood, forest fire observer of the fire observatory on Mt. Massaemet tower has has been informed by the state conservation office that the tower will be closed from July 4 to 30, except on Saturdays and Sundays. This has been the custom followed for the state observatory for some years." (The North Adams Transcript)
March 20, 1942: "Verne J. Fitzroy, district forest fire warden, has announced the appointment of Kendal S. Woods of Maple street as forest fire observer at the tower on Mt. Massaemet for this season. He succeeds Donald G. Wood, who served in that position for several years, and now is employed at the Greenfield Tap and Die plant in Greenfield. Woods, who is associated with his father, William E. Woods, in the Trail Tire and Battery company on South Maple street, is a member of the board of water commissioners of the Shelburne Falls Fire District. The observation tower will open in April for the season." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 17, 1942: "Kendal S. Wood of Maple street began his duties as forest fire observer at the Mt. Massaemet tower on Wednesday. Mr. Wood, who will be at the observatory throughout every day, under existing state orders, succeeded Donald G. Wood of Main street when he was appointed to the position by District Fire Warden Verne J. Fitzroy." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 25, 1944: "William Wall has been appointed forest fire warden at the state fire observatory on Mt. Massaemet to succeed Charles L. Severance, now employed at the Kendall Mills plant in Colrain. Mr. Wall will begin his duties at the observatory as soon as the towers in this area are opened for the season." (The North Adams Transcript)
May 3, 1944: "William Wall, who recently was appointed as state fire warden at the fire observatory on Mt. Massaemet, is now on duty. He will make a report of all fires anywhere in this area. No permits are to be issued by any fire officials in the state, except on rainy days." (The North Adams Transcript)
August 3, 1948: "Preston Ware, fire observer at the Mt. Massaemet fire tower, stated today that effective this week, the tower will be closed on Thursdays instead of Mondays. Since the tower was opened in April, it has been closed each Monday." (The North Adams Transcript)
August 31, 1948: "Preston Ware, fire observer on Mt. Massaemet, said today that he had received orders to remain on duty at the fire tower seven days a week until the area receives rain and lessens the dangers from forest fires.
He said the area is now in a Class 3 category which is dangerous. Mr. Ware said that he reported a fire yesterday, but later found that it was a barn that was burning." (The North Adams Transcript)
November 15, 1948: "Preston Ware, observer at the fire tower on Mt. Massaemet, announced today that the tower was closed today until next spring. He said that 505 visitors signed the log at the tower during last summer and fall." (The North Adams Transcript)
April 8, 1969: "The Mount Massaemet fire tower was manned yesterday for the first time this season and the public is reminded that permits must be obtained for any outdoor fires. Harley Hunkler of Charlemont is fire watcher in charge at the tower." (Greenfield Recorder)
DESIGNATION - SHELBURNE FIRE TOWER
PID - MZ1904
STATE/COUNTY- MA/FRANKLIN
COUNTRY - US
STATION DESCRIPTION
DESCRIBED BY MASSACHUSETTS GEODETIC SURVEY 1940
THE STATION IS THE CENTER OF THE CYLINDRICAL STONE TOWER 60 FEET HIGH
ON THE SUMMIT OF BALD MOUNTAIN IN SHELBURNE, ABOUT 1.3 MILES E FROM
THE VILLAGE OF SHELBURNE FALLS.