The History of the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower

[Guy Thompson]

A new article, "The History of the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower" by Guy Thompson has been posted to the front page.

 

[Teegate]

If you have never visited the original location of the 1924 Cedar Bridge tower that was mentioned by Beck in his book, you can find it at this location on the North side of the road. I would recommend you go there in the fall or winter.

http://maps.njpinebarrens.com/#lat=39.78009607331832&lng=-74.34523344039917&z=16&type=h&gpx=

Guy

 

[Gibby]

I have come across several cutoff telephone poles along Bryant Road and had always thought that they where for carrying power to the fire watch tower. However, the article states that the tower did not have electricity. Did the poles carry lines to feed power to Howardsville or some other location? Telephone lines?

 

[Teegate]

Telephone.

I am trying to find another photo I have of it but for some reason I can't. It shows the tower with a fence around it and it was damaged.

 

[Teegate]

I think it must have had electricity. I found a photo that shows what looks like an electric meter. Then again maybe not.

 

[Teegate]

Here is a better view of the gable roof.

And my Then and Now.

http://teegate.njpinebarrens.com/10222012/cedar bridge tower 1978_2003.jpg

 

[Teegate]

I am on the steps in 1978. I have other photo's and don't see an electric line. Just a phone line.

Guy

 

[Gibby]

Thanks Teegate. I can see in your photo where you might think that the tower had an electric meter.

It was very brash of someone to shoot into the cab nine times!

 

[Pine Baron]

I found the 1924 location by accident while walking back out to the truck on Warren Grove Rd after the '09 Affair at Cedar Bridge event. Reminded me a little of the top of Bear Swamp Hill.

John-

 

[pineywoman]

Great article, Guy.