VERMONT LOOKOUTS
Bennington County
1911: "A handsome gift was received by the State in December, 1910, from Hon. M.J. Hapgood of a tract of 106 acres covering the summit of Bromley Mountain. This mountain which is situated in Peru is 3,260 feet high according to the United States Geological Survey, and from its summit may be obtained a splendid view of the whole southern part of Vermont.
The State forest Service expects either this fall or next spring to run a telephone line to the top of the mountain and to establish a fire lookout station, similar to that now being established on Camel's Hump." (Third Annual Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture of the State of Vermont)
August 3, 1911: "An agent of the state forestry department has been inspecting Bromley mountain in Peru, now the property of the state, with a view of erecting thereupon a watchtower, connected by telephone to points below for the discovery of fires." (Bristol Herald)
June 16, 1912: (Continued from Camels Hump) "A station will be equipped as soon as funds are available on the summit of Bromley Mount in the southern part of the State, a mountain which was given to the State by M. J. Hapgood.
Since the State cannot establish these stations on private holdings owners of timber lands have two methods of obtaining them. One of these is to donate to the State a hill or mountain over looking a large part of their holdings, and it is hoped that eventually many owners of mountains for one reason or another will follow the example of Mr. Hapgood and Col. Battell and that a large portion of the Green Mountain range will belong to the State to which it has given its name. The other method is for the owner to build the station and equip it with a telephone. The State forester can then put in a watchman." (The Sun, New York)
October 30, 1919: "Movement is afoot to have state fire protection station upon Bromley Mountain peak, deeded to the government by M.J. Hapgood upon condition that no tree shall ever be cut upon it. Whole mountain range runs through the center of the town without break and no protection whatever." (The Enterprise and Vermonter)
2012: The timber tower was removed..