GLACIER COUNTY
DIVIDE MOUNTAIN
Blackfeet Indian Reservation
34N-14W-26
34N-14W-26
1931: "A 14 X 14 lookout house was built in June 1931 on Divide Mountain at a point commanding an excellent view of all of the timber on the St. Mary's and Milk River drainage's." & "Analysis of new construction. (A) Divide Mountain Lookout House. (B) Type. Ready cut lookout house. (C) Present condition New. (D) Location, East slope of Divide Mountain NE 1/4 NW 1/4 Sec. 35 T.34 N. R 14 W. MPM. (E) Value $760.20." (Annual Forestry Report, Blackfeet Indian Reservation)
August 1, 1932: "During the past season a lookout house was constructed on Divide Mountain. This building was constructed of two-inch tongue and grove lumber, was fastened on a stone foundation by means of bolts and was guyed by means of cables at each corner, these being fastened to anchors set in the rock. The building was furnished with an Osborne fire finder, an oil heater and oil cookstove, and connected by telephone to the Park Service system. An excellent trail, some three miles in length, was constructed to the lookout from the highway and the lookout proved very efficient during the season of 1931.
During November, 1931 an unusually heavy wind storm occurred, reaching an intensity of near-hurricane proportion, removing the roofs of several of the buildings in Browning, Montana, some twenty five miles distant, and doing some damage to buildings within the Park. This storm completely demolished the lookout building, blowing all walls, except the north one and the floor, with all parts of the roof away and distributing them to an extent that would cause one to wonder if the building had not been been destroyed by an explosion. We found portions of the glass from the windows 2000 feet from the lookout site, and 700 feet below. The telephone box was 'broomed' as though it had been drawn for a long distance over rough rocks.
The loss of the lookout building at this time is keenly felt as only funds for the salary of the Forest Supervisor were allotted this Agency and it is impossible to rebuild it. Some savings can be made in the annual estimate by cancelling certain items, and this savings will be used to pay the observer on this point beginning July 25th and continuing till the high fire hazard is over, which will be about September 10th. It will be necessary as soon as the heavy growth of grass dries up to use motor patrolman along the main highway to suppress fire which may be set from passing motors. This employee will have to be paid from the 'Emergency prevention and Suppression' fund.
As the lookout will be connected with the Park Service telephone system, he will report direct to the Park Service fire dispatcher at Glacier Park. This will give quick service as the Park Service is well equipped and will have men available with motor transportation to go to any fire in the Park, or on the Blackfeet reservation within the timbered area.
Water is available within 500 feet of the lookout, but the observer will have to live about one-half mile from where the lookout house was built because of the exposed location, a tent will be supplied him." (Report by William Heritage to Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington)
1932: "A new house of more substantial design and construction should be built upon the same floor as funds can be provided. Such a house will cost approximately $500.00." (Annual Forestry Report, Blackfeet Indian Reservation)
1932: "A new house should be built on Divide Mountain to replace the one destroyed by wind. The foundation and floor are in good condition and may be used again. A more substantial type of building must be erected to withstand the storms. A flat or car top type of roof should be used instead of the gable or hip roof so that the wind pressure against the structure will be reduced to a minimum." (Annual Forestry Report, Blackfeet Indian Reservation)
FY 1934: "A new lookout house has now been completed on Divide Mountain to replace the one destroyed by wind. This lookout has direct connection with the National Park Service at Glacier Park, and through them indirect communication with the Agency Dispatcher. A telephone was also maintained at the Divide Mountain E.C.W. camp throughout the fire season, this also giving direct connection with the National Park Service." & "A lookout will be stationed on Divide Mountain, which will have direct telephone connection with the Park Service lines and indirectly with the Agency. The Forest Supervisor at the Agency will act as fire dispatcher." (Annual Forestry Report, FY 1934, Blackfeet Indian Reservation)