KELLER PEAK
San Bernardino County - San Bernardino National Forest - T1N-R2W-1
November 5, 1926: "From the crest of Keller peak, where will rest the principal lookout station of the San Bernardino national forest, prominent conservationists of the San Bernardino valley yesterday viewed immense watershed stretches which will be protected through federal fire protection plans now being perfected. Forest Supervisor S.A. Nash Boulden climbed to the lookout station with federal and county forest officials and men who are leading the Southland's efforts to conserve its water supply.
In reaching the lookout site, the party hiked several miles over a mountain trail which the federal foresters have spent six weeks in completing as the first step toward establishing the steel lookout tower which will guard the upper Santa Ana canyon and the southern slope of the San Bernardino mountains. The trail is being used now in packing materials for construction of the station, which is expected to be completed before winter snows interfere." (The San Bernardino County Sun)
In reaching the lookout site, the party hiked several miles over a mountain trail which the federal foresters have spent six weeks in completing as the first step toward establishing the steel lookout tower which will guard the upper Santa Ana canyon and the southern slope of the San Bernardino mountains. The trail is being used now in packing materials for construction of the station, which is expected to be completed before winter snows interfere." (The San Bernardino County Sun)
October 17, 1928: "The workers in the forestry department headquarters located in the city hall were very excited yesterday. And why? A forest fire was reported on Keller peak which appeared to have already consumed the lookout station on the top of the mountain. The fire was reported by the lookout on Taquitz peak, and was plainly visible from the offices of the forestry service.
However, upon calling the station, the lookout there reported that he was engaged in burning rubbish and brush that had accumulated around the station during the year. He had been given orders, he told Assistant Supervisor Fred Jeken, to burn the rubbish." (The San Bernardino County Sun)
January 11, 1929: "We regret to announce the death of Paul Densmore, age 59 years, lookout man on Keller Peak, San Bernardino Forest. Densmore served only one season with the Forest Service but proved an exceptionally fine fire lookout and heliograph operator. His enthusiasm for his job and interest in forestry made him very popular with people who visited his lookout tower. Our sympathy goes out to his family in their loss which we share." (California District News Letter)
July 18, 1929: "K.F. Smith, federal forest lookout on Keller peak, was forced to abandon his post yesterday afternoon when the flames began creeping up the west slope. Later in the afternoon, the fire came clear up the south ridge to the top and went for a short distance down the north side. The flames destroyed small pine trees near the lookout station and burned all around the building but it did not destroy it." (Corona Daily Independent)
August 13, 1933: "Charles Edwards, forestry department lookout at Keller peak, reported that he counted 100 lightening strikes during the height of the storm." (The San Bernardino County Sun)
November 24, 1945: "Three slim, attractive girls are replacing fire wardens in the lonely, important lookout towers which look down on the thickly forested resort areas of the San Bernardino mountains.
Keller peak tower rises 7,883 feet above mountain vacation spots and portions of the Santa Ana river. Here is Mrs. Wilma E. Murphy, fire spotter for three years." (San Mateo Times)
June 16, 1954: "The Keller Peak lookout tower of the U.S. Forest Service that has been the observation point for the Snow Valley area since 1916 has been torn down and a new tower is being set up, according to Sim E. Jarvi, supervisor of the San Bernardino National Forest.
The tower has been occupied for the past 10 years by Mrs. Wilma Murphy of Big Bear Lake. Set atop the 8,200-foot peak, it is the observation post for an estimated 40,000 acres. It overlooks the headwaters of the Santa Ana River, Big Bear Lake and the Snow Valley and Running Springs area.
The old tower, constructed of steel for about 20 feet and with a 14-foot by 14-foot cab sitting on its top, withstood the blows and buffeting of 38 years from wind, snow, rain, sleet, hail and lightning. The new tower was prefabricated in San Bernardino and is being set up under the direction of forest Engineer John M. Harris and forest Carpenter Charles Sandell.
Mrs. Murphy will take her post in the new tower as soon as it has been set up. The fire hazard season began several weeks ago." (The San Bernardino County Sun)
1985: The lookout had been discontinued by the Forest Service. Volunteers took over the staffing to maintain a watch over the surrounding country-side.