ROYALTON
Illinois - Franklin County
June 26, 1970: "The once proud fire tower that stood guard over the Shawnee National Forest near Royalton for nearly 25 years now sits as prey for vandals.
In 1964 forest rangers last used the 100 foot tower to watch for fires. Much of the timber has been removed from the area and airplanes took over the spotting job.
The tower was left standing for sightseers to climb and observe the surrounding countryside. A picnic area was built near the tower to accommodate visitors.
Vandals have plagued the tower since the forest rangers stopped using it. They struck again the weekend of May 31, breaking the trap door at the base of the observation room and smashing 17 windows.
Merle Hutchison, a fire guard for the forestry service, estimated the latest damage at $250. He said this was the third time this year vandals had broken into the observation cabin at the top of the tower.
This room is kept locked at all times because 'there's nothing up there,' Hutchison said. He said sightseers are welcome to climb to the top of the tower's stairs." (Southern Illinoisan)
In 1964 forest rangers last used the 100 foot tower to watch for fires. Much of the timber has been removed from the area and airplanes took over the spotting job.
The tower was left standing for sightseers to climb and observe the surrounding countryside. A picnic area was built near the tower to accommodate visitors.
Vandals have plagued the tower since the forest rangers stopped using it. They struck again the weekend of May 31, breaking the trap door at the base of the observation room and smashing 17 windows.
Merle Hutchison, a fire guard for the forestry service, estimated the latest damage at $250. He said this was the third time this year vandals had broken into the observation cabin at the top of the tower.
This room is kept locked at all times because 'there's nothing up there,' Hutchison said. He said sightseers are welcome to climb to the top of the tower's stairs." (Southern Illinoisan)