MOWRY TOWER
(NORTH SMITHFIELD)
Providence County
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)
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 with the exception of Woonsocket Hill." (17th Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation)
1952: Among the highlights of work accomplished at Pulaski State Forest during the year include general clean-up and minor repairs at the Woonsocket Hill Tower. (18th Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation)
July 23, 1953: "Vandalism has reached a new high here--75 feet to be exact.
Forest fire tower observer Ariel Mowry told police that when she reported for work yesterday she found windows broken and rocks on the floor of the lofty observation post." (The Zanesville Signal - Ohio)
1954-55: "It is recommended that funds be made available for two new fire tower cabs and for raising one of these towers, 20 feet. Both Woonsocket Hill and Shannock cabs have deteriorated over the past years to such an extent that they are have become unsafe for observers." (20th Annual Report of the Department of Agriculture and Conservation)