Friday, March 13, 2009

Milford, Pennsylvania: Grey Towers


Milford's biggest tourist attraction probably is this, the former estate of Gifford Pinchot and family. Pinchot is remembered as a former Governor of Pennsylvania and the first head of the U.S. Forest Service. In fact, he has a forest named after him just south of Mount St. Helens.

Pinchot bounced in and out of office because of pesky term limit laws, so he spent some of his free time here. The building dates back to 1886, although the furnishings are now done in a 1920's style. Tours of the facility are available for a fee. But if you pressed for time or not interested in paying for the tour, the grounds themselves are free. I particularly liked a unique outdoor dining room table. Think of a table-sized, octagon-shaped swimming pool with floating trays, and you'll get the idea. It makes passing the salt a lot more fun. ("Whee!")

A video of a family sail to South American also can be seen on the grounds. Based on the fact that the family took a huge servant staff and a moving picture photographer with it on a trip in the 1920's, it's fair to guess the Pinchots were pretty well off.

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