Milford and Grey Towers walking tours share Pinchot family history

MILFORD — A walking tour of downtown Milford that illustrates the many contributions to the community made by the prominent Pinchot family since the 1800s is planned for Sunday, Sept. 18, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, the tour will illustrate how one family influenced the beginnings of the community. Participants should meet on the lawn of the Pike County Library at the intersection of Broad and Harford Streets, Milford, at 1:30 pm, rain or shine. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 570-296-9630 or by email at greytowers@fs.fed.us. The program is offered by the US Forest Service at Grey Towers, ancestral home of the Pinchot family. Tour participants have been surprised to learn of some of the community contributions in addition to Grey Towers that were made by the family, who came to Milford in the 1800’s and quickly became active community members, contributing greatly to the growth and development of the region. Some significant buildings with Pinchot history include Forest Hall, the Community House, Normandy Cottage, the Pike County Courthouse and others. Gifford Pinchot founded and served as first chief of the USDA Forest Service and was twice Governor of Pennsylvania. Fees are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students and free for youth 12 and under. An accompanying walking tour map and guide will be available for an additional $1 donation for the Grey Towers Heritage Association. Participants are encouraged to tour Grey Towers after the walking tour and can do so at half price. Tree walk On Saturday, Sept. 17, there will be a guided walk and talk about the trees on the grounds of Grey Towers. The Pinchot family planted more than 100 trees on the grounds after it was clear-cut around the turn of the century. Today the estate is a living example of conservation and resource management. US Forest Service staff will lead participants throughout the estate on a 90-minute walk to identify and provide some history about many of the native and unique trees planted at the estate in the early 1900s. For more information about Grey Towers and public programs, visit the web at www.fs.fed.us/gt .