| Drive-Up | Emergency / Stand-By |
| Elevation: 5520′ | Clearwater Timber Protective Assoc. |
History
Bertha Hill stands as the location of the Very First Fire Lookout Tower in the Nation.
In 1902, the camp cook for a logging company, Mable Gray, climbed on top of her tree perch twice a day to watch for smoke.
1906 – Platform tower was built.
1910 – Platform tower 1/4 mile SE of the present location was built.
1918 – 20′ tower with a 6×6 enclosure was built.
1923 – 20′ tower with a small glass cabin was built.
1932 – 21 year old lookout, Glen Frazier, on his very first day of work – was killed by lightning while at his post.
1933 – 40′ pole L-4 was built
1958 – 54′ all-steel tower was built
1964 – 20-year-old lookout, Maida Talbot, fell from the tower and was killed. Soon after, the metal “skirt” was added to the tower to prevent future accidents.
Known Staff
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1914
E.J. Weseman (Clearwater Republican)
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1932
Glen Frazier (White Pines and Fires) — On his very first day of work, was killed by lightning while at his post.Carl Altmiller (White Pines and Fires)
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1933–1935
Jackson Space (White Pines & Fire Book)Albert Curtis (White Pines and Fires)
- 1940's
- 1950's
- 1957–1958
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1964
Maida Talbot — Died - Fell off tower
- 1973
- 1976
- 2013
-
???
Bill Walsh (White Pines & Fire Book)
Know more about who staffed this tower, or when? Let us know.
Maida’s obituary can be found here:https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23028439/maida-louise-talbott
Bertha Hill is still in active operation as a fire lookout tower and stands as the longest continually manned tower.
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