ARIZONA LOOKOUTS
MOUNT BIGELOW
Pima County
Coronado National Forest
Coronado National Forest
June 16, 1926: "The lookout station at Mount Bigelow reported a forest fire of several acres in extent on the east side of Galliuro mountains yesterday. The report was forwarded to the headquarters of the Crook national forest in which the Galliuro mountain district is located." (Arizona Daily Star)
January 25, 1929: "Bids for a steel lookout tower on Mount Bigelow, in the Santa Catalina mountains, are being called for by the United States forest service, according to an announcement made yesterday by Lewis W. Hess, executive assistant of the Coronado national forest.
The steel tower is to replace an old wooden structure that has been condemned. It is to cost about $600, f.o.b. the top of Mount Bigelow. It will be 48 feet high.
It will be equipped with a ladder, and on top of the structure there will be installed a little wooden and glass shelter for the lookout and his instruments." (Arizona Daily Star)
April 28, 1937: "Charles Noll prepared today to pack through the snow to his lookout tower atop Bigelow mountain in the Catalinas to begin his fifteenth year as Coronado national forest fire detector.
In his 50-foot tower and log cabin he maintains a daily diary of weather conditions, with a count of lightning bolts that strike the ground in the Catalinas." (Prescott Evening Courier)
April 28, 1937: "Charles Noll prepared today to pack through the snow to his lookout tower atop Bigelow mountain in the Catalinas to begin his fifteenth year as Coronado national forest fire detector.
In his 50-foot tower and log cabin he maintains a daily diary of weather conditions, with a count of lightning bolts that strike the ground in the Catalinas." (Prescott Evening Courier)
January 1, 1938: "With the winter rains, the 'Hermit of Mount Bigelow' came into Tucson.
Rotund, good natured Charles Nolles, who won the cognomen because of his 17 year seasonal vigil as a fire lookout atop the mountain, brought with him a carved collection of wooden figures. The objects are copies of every form of animal life to be found in the desolate, wooded region where he makes his home for the major part of each year.
Mountain lions, deer and even soft-eyed wood rats are represented with natural colors simulated by inset wood. This, however, is only the work of a single summer.
In previous seasons, the 'hermit' has learned many crafts and hobbies. He has carved and beaded belts and ornaments, made smoke stands, light shades and picture frames. He has learned to fashion bird forms from horns and to polish stones until they shine like gems.
Nolles attributes his versatility to the isolation of his post." (Bakersfield Californian)
January 1, 1938: "With the winter rains, the 'Hermit of Mount Bigelow' came into Tucson.
Rotund, good natured Charles Nolles, who won the cognomen because of his 17 year seasonal vigil as a fire lookout atop the mountain, brought with him a carved collection of wooden figures. The objects are copies of every form of animal life to be found in the desolate, wooded region where he makes his home for the major part of each year.
Mountain lions, deer and even soft-eyed wood rats are represented with natural colors simulated by inset wood. This, however, is only the work of a single summer.
In previous seasons, the 'hermit' has learned many crafts and hobbies. He has carved and beaded belts and ornaments, made smoke stands, light shades and picture frames. He has learned to fashion bird forms from horns and to polish stones until they shine like gems.
Nolles attributes his versatility to the isolation of his post." (Bakersfield Californian)
June 9, 1940: "A tiny humming bird that didn't forget, is back to spend this summer with Lloyd Basteen, ranger in charge of the lonely fire lookout tower on Mt. Bigelow, near Tucson.
Last summer Basteen became friendly with the bird, and placed a small jar of sweetened water where the bird could reach it. Soon the humming bird was eating from his hands.
When Basteen returned to duty at the lookout tower this summer, there was the humming bird. It fluttered about his face several minutes while the ranger prepared some sweetened water, then settled down for the summer." (Arizona Independent Republic)
July 2, 1969: "'This time of year, when we need good, clear visibility for out lookouts, it's poor because of the smog and haze,' said Howard Shupe, U.S. Forest Service fire control officer.
"We're having trouble seeing across the valley, trying to separate the smoke from the haze," commented Harold Jones, Saquaro National Monument head.
There have been times this year the lookout at Mt. Bigelow in the Catalina Mountains couldn't see the Rincon Mountain next door, said John Singley, a Forest Service fire dispatcher.
Last year, Singley said, the Mt. Bigelow lookout could see for 12 to 20 miles. This year, the visibility has been cut to 10 miles.
Jones said that a few years ago one of the two Saguaro Monument lookouts in the Rincons could help spot fires in the Grahams, Santa Ritas and even the Chiricahuas -- 70 air miles away.
As a result, the Forest Service has been flying a reconnaissance plane over the entire Coronado National Forest after every lightning storm to back up the work of its 10 lookouts.
Forest Service officials blame the smog on copper mine smelters." (Tucson Daily Citizen)