NEW YORK
May 19, 1922: "Robert Schwarsenbach is just completing on the highest spot of Manetto Hill a fire observation tower, to serve primarily as a watch tower for forest fires in the South Woods district. Although Mr. Schwarsenbach will be glad to have his neighbors enjoy the view from this tower, he feels that an unrestricted access in his woods would bring with it serious dangers, as was shown by a forest fire here last Sunday, which was apparently started by a lighted match or cigarette dropped by a careless visitor. He has therefore decided that to go through the woods of Manetto Hill Farm, visitors will be required to get a permit at the poultryman's cottage, which permit is to be handed over to the watchman at the tower. Members of the South Woods Nature Club will have access by showing their membership card.
These permits do not entitle one to admission to the grounds near the house and the reservoir, which are marked as 'private.' Everyone is requested to be very careful not to smoke, not to pick the wild flowers, and not to start campfires. Do not leave papers and bottles around, and you will be welcome another time.
H.E. VAN GELDER, Superintendent " (Long Islander)
May 15, 1940: "Work is under way on a new fire observation tower on McCarty Hill, between Mutton Hollow and Whig Street, overlooking wide forest tracks from Little Valley and Elliottville to Allegany State Park, south of Salamanca.
Ground was broken Monday by workers from the Hungry Hollow CCC camp for the concrete piers for the steel tower. The tower will be eighty-two and a half feet high, with a glassed-in observation cabin at its top.
Construction of the tower is expected to be complete early in the summer, when a ranger from the State Conservation Department will be assigned to the location to watch for fires in the surrounding forests. A cabin for the observer will be built by the CCC near the base of the tower.
The new tower is close to the highway constructed by the CCC from Mutton Hollow to Whig Street, north of the city." (Olean Times Herald)
Ground was broken Monday by workers from the Hungry Hollow CCC camp for the concrete piers for the steel tower. The tower will be eighty-two and a half feet high, with a glassed-in observation cabin at its top.
Construction of the tower is expected to be complete early in the summer, when a ranger from the State Conservation Department will be assigned to the location to watch for fires in the surrounding forests. A cabin for the observer will be built by the CCC near the base of the tower.
The new tower is close to the highway constructed by the CCC from Mutton Hollow to Whig Street, north of the city." (Olean Times Herald)
November 1, 1940: "During the remainder of hunting season, certain areas near Company 246, CCC Camp S-106, near Salamanca, will posted to hunters while CCC workers are working in those areas, according to the company commander.
These areas are posted:
1. Along the Rock City Truck trail near the camp.
2. Along the Mutton Hollow Truck trail from the site of the new fire tower on McCarty Hill to about one mile from Great Valley.
3. From CCC Camp to McCarty Hill along the new Irish Hill truck trail." (Olean Times Herald)
1912: The Conservation Commission established a lookout station at this point. (#2)
1919: "The location of the Moose River Mountain Station has been changed from its old location on the highway from McKeever to Port Leyden to a hill between Fulton Chain and Big Otter Lake, from which a far better view is obtainable." (9th Annual Report of the Conservation Commission)