MISSOURI LOOKOUTS
ROBY
Texas County
Mark Twain National Forest
33N-11W-27
Mark Twain National Forest
33N-11W-27
1934: A 100-foot steel tower erected.
February 25, 1937: "Lookout Kimrey, U.S. Forest Service Fire Lookout, located in the Roby Tower, discovered smoke coming over the ridge running between Sections 25 and 27 of Township 33, Range 10, at about 6:00 o'clock in the evening of February 11. Due to the location of the ridge, the fire had gained considerable headway prior to discovery.
While the fire was located only twenty-four miles from the Lynchburg CCC Camp, it required two hours and ten minutes to reach this fire. This was due to the extremely muddy roads and to the need of walking a half mile in the dark through a dense growth of oak." (The Houston Herald)
November 4, 1938: "Palmer Russell has recently been sent to Roby Tower which has been named by a local man during the past. Russell will work with the local towerman, as the fire weather is getting bad, the towers must be manned longer hours.
Roby Tower was the first tower built in Missouri and Russell was the first man to work on it. Russell said, 'Seems like going back home after being away for a long time.'
Vernie Howard was recently sent to Roby Cabin to night watch." (The Oak Tree - Civilian Conservation Corps newspaper of Company 1732, U.S.F.S. Camp F-9)
November 24, 1938: "A night guard and Towerman have been assigned to Roby Tower." (Rolla Herald)