Borough tour tells family history

MILFORD — Have you ever wondered what the large “P” on the top of Milford’s Forest Hall stands for? Do you know who used to live in the Milford Community House before it became the Pike County Library? Can you guess why the Pike County Courthouse has French-influenced architecture? These questions and more can be answered on a walking tour of Milford sponsored by the US Forest Service of Grey Towers on Sunday, May 23. Participants should meet on the lawn of the Milford Community House at the corner of Broad and Harford streets for the 11 a.m. tour. This special walking tour is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who wants to learn more about the prominent Pinchot family. Gifford Pinchot founded and served as first chief of the USDA Forest Service and was twice Governor of Pennsylvania. Most notably, the Pinchots built Grey Towers, the French chateu-easque mansion that now serves as a museum, conference and conservation education center. But there is much more history in other buildings in town. Town tour participants will learn about the many community contributions -- in addition to Grey Towers-- that were made by the family, who came to Milford in the 1800s 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. Pre-registration is suggested by calling 570-296-9630 or by email at greytowers@fs.fed.us. Regular tour fees of $6 for adults and $5 for seniors will be collected. Participants who wish to tour Grey Towers following the walking town tour can do so at 1 p.m. or at 3 p.m., for half price. For more information about Grey Towers and public programs, visit the web at www.fs.fed.us/gt .