Women’s visions at Grey Towers

Cornelia Bryce Pinchot, wife of conservationist Gifford Pinchot, was not only a conservationist herself, but also a progressive who fought for women’s rights. While her husband became the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, she advocated for bringing their conservationist efforts to the community.

In 1963, three years after her death, the Pinchot family donated Grey Towers and its 102 acres to the Forest Service, which was when the Grey Towers Heritage Association (GTHA) was founded. Reflecting the passions of Cornelia Pinchot, its mission was, “To assist the Forest Service in education, improvements, promotion, conservation, and wise use of Grey Towers National Historic Site, in Milford, PA.”

In 2005, Barbara J. Buchanan, civic minded Grande Dame of Milford, decided it was time to resurrect the GTHA, which had been dormant for several years. Buchanan, in her role as president, rekindled the Ice Cream Social. “The GTHA is very proud to continue the tradition begun by [Gifford and] Cornelia Pinchot of opening their home to the community. Strengthening the community connection is key to our mission at Grey Towers and it’s so appropriate to offer this on National Public Lands Day, since the Pinchots donated their home to the Forest Service for public use,” Buchanan announced.

After Buchanan, Lori McKean kept the GTHA alive and added programs such as conservation and the arts, musical and literary events, public walks, and hikes. Linda Pinto, then a board member, took a turn as president, and was followed by Marian Keegan. With the comings and goings of each of these women, the link between Grey Towers and the public became stronger.

Eileen Smith’s ventures and visions

Enter Eileen Smith in April of 2022, who highlighted the partnership between GTHA with new leadership at the Forest Service. “This change was nuanced, but nevertheless helped move the vision forward,” observed Pinto.

Smith, in her short time as president, has revitalized some programs shut down by Covid and also created several new activities. “Cornelia Pinchot was my role model,” Smith said. “There was a need; I was asked to take it on–and I did.”

GTHA brought Lenape Chief Daniel Strongwalker Thomas to Milford Theater to talk about the documentary, “The Watergap: Return to the homeland .” Smith also introduced Grey Towers Book Club, where local author Richard Morais talked about his book, “The Man with no Borders,” to an appreciative audience, followed by a wine and cheese reception.

There will be more book club meetings each month. Because of shortness of staff, Smith combined the Festival of Wood with the Ice Cream Social and Public Lands Day all on the same weekend. Jeffrey Stocker and his theater group recently did a dramatic reading at Laurel Hill Cemetery about those buried there and how they helped shape the community. The well-attended “Evening with Edgar Allan Poe” will once again take place on Saturday, October 29, as will the theatrical production of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” on December 2 through December 4. Smith plans to include more varied activities as well, from hikes, to concerts, to educational fun tours, all of which are family oriented.

Next year will be the 60th anniversary of GTHA, with hands-on programs such as the “Lunch and Learn” series; a participatory monthly series where people can interact with the speaker. Smith’s goal is to increase membership.

”The more members we have, the bigger our voice becomes. It’s an investment, “she says, “because membership numbers speak volumes,” at $30.00 for a GTHA membership or $25 for seniors. She wants people to join or to volunteer, or even to suggest a program that might be appropriate.

This all can be done on the website, www.greytowers.org where a calendar of events is listed, as well. “It’s the legacy of how the Pinchots, particularly Cornelia, thought about the community that makes me push so hard, “ Smith said.