KLAMATH COUNTY
MODOC POINT
Klamath Indian Agency / Winema National Forest; 36S-7E-13
April 1, 1935: "Narrative justification of projects proposed for 1935. No. 60- Steel tower and cabin Modoc Point: Tower to be 80' and cabin for lookout quarters. The composite seen and unseen area map shows considerable blind areas, which this station would cover in addition to the very hazardous areas in the Chiloquin Ridge sections. It would also cover a large part of Barclay Springs area, where serious fires occur every season. Improvements will be on Tribal lands." (Conservation Working Plan Report)
1935: "A project proposal: To construct a steel tower and cabin on Modoc Point, five men needed, estimated cost $2,700.00." (Conservation Working Plan Report)
1936: "In 1935 an 80-foot steel tower was purchased from the Aermotor Company of Chicago, Illinois, upon approval of this project. It has developed since and on the basis of profile consideration that at this point a 120-foot tower is required to obtain a minimum of adequate coverage of unseen areas to the east, south and west of this point. An 80-foot tower is insufficient here to cover dangerous areas particularly to the south and west. The addition of forty feet to the base of the tower on hand can be effected by the original manufacturer. This extension, together with increased foundation, shipping. And erection costs is estimated at $1000 on the basis of figures submitted by the manufacturer." (Annual Forestry Report 1936)
August 19, 1936: "Project 107: This truck trail is now complete but will require considerable blading and some minor improvement work after the loose soil has stood over winter and had opportunity to pack. Last year I reported the need of a competent truck trail locator. Such need was borne out by the fact that some of this trail had to be rebuilt to improve grade and curvature in order to be of any service.
Project 60 (tower erection): Preparations are now being made for the construction work upon this project. It is located in a very bad fire hazard area." (A letter from Associate Forester to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs)
November 30, 1936: The 12x16 living quarters cabin was completed.
1937: "Completion of Modoc Point Lookout Tower. In 1935 an 80-foot steel tower was purchased from the Aermotor Company of Chicago, Illinois. After purchase was made it was determined by profile survey of the lookout point that this tower should have been 120 feet in height, therefore, funds were required to purchase the necessary 40-foot extension. This purchase was approved as a part of the July, 1939, to March 31, 1937, program, and payment will be made from fund 4-07621. The funds now requested will cover the purchase of foundation material, transportation and erection of this tower." (Conservation working plan report 1937)
September 25, 1937: "The steel fire lookout tower recently erected by CCC-ID at Modoc Point was visited. The lookout’s cabin has been completed in good shape and the tower is complete with the exception of the installation of the guy wires and the wires foe lightning protection. Mr. Mack stated that the wires will be installed in the very near future." (From a report to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs)
August 1, 1940: "Two fires caused by careless smokers occurred Sunday, July 28, on the Klamath Reservation. One about a mile northwest of Modoc Point Lookout was controlled by grazing permitees and Indian Service officers before it got under way." (Chiloquin Review)
October 3, 1940: "Roland Hicks, 36-year-old Klamath Indian, was arrested Wednesday afternoon near the Modoc Point Lookout station for questioning in connection with the knife slaying of Gaylord Miller, 52, white logger who died in the Klamath Agency hospital early Wednesday morning.
Hicks gave himself up to Sheriff Lloyd Low after allegedly leaving a message in Chiloquin Wednesday morning saying that he would surrender either to Low of Indian Officer John Arkell at the lookout station." (The Klamath News)
April 6, 1945: "Local people may not all know that the Indian service has erected on Modoc Point eminence the highest lookout tower in the entire Indian forest service in the U. S. You can see it if you look carefully as you drive southward along No. 97 near the Williamson river bridge." (Herald and News)
September 17, 1959: Advertisement for bids, Klamath Tribes, a 120 foot steel tower with a 12x16 cabin. (The Oregonian)
October 30, 1968: "The Modoc Point lookout buildings have been sold to Mr. Jim Stewart of Lakeview, Oregon, for $35. The contract specifies removal by December 30, 1969." (Memo to Regional Forester from Forest Supervisor, Winema)
Removed
STATION DESCRIPTION
DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1967 (CAA)
STATION IS LOCATED 18 MILES NORTH-NORTHWEST OF KLAMATH FALLS, 9
MILES SOUTH-SOUTHEAST OF CHILOQUIN, 2 MILES EAST OF MODOC POINT
AND ON A TREE COVERED HILL.
IT IS A OBSERVATION CABIN SUPPORTED BY 4 METAL LEGS AND ABOUT 100
FEET HIGH. THE POINT INTERSECTED WAS THE TOP-CENTER OF THE
LOOKOUT CABIN.