It used to be a rite of passage for male teenagers to climb the old tower. I wonder if that is still the case? This brings to mind one beautiful Sunday afternoon back in the 60s when a few of us decided to climb the tower for something to do. We were standing at the top of the tower enjoying the great view it provided when one of the guys noticed a man walking up the road toward the tower. As he got closer, we realized it was Mr. Russ Hofer, our school principal at the time. We all ducked down to avoid being seen. Mr. Hofer came within about 75 yards of the tower, stopped and stared for a few minutes, turned around and walked away from the tower.
We all thought we had escaped without being seen. The next morning, a Monday, each and everyone of us got a notice to report to the principal's office, where we all received a stern warning about the dangers of climbing the tower. Mr. Hofer was able to identify each and everyone of us who was on top of the tower that day.
Speaking of Mr. Hofer, do you remember those dark, piercing eyes? Mr. Hofer didn't have to say a word to you to let you know he was displeased with something you had done.
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Mr. Mike Majot standing in one of the many paths he cleared last summer which allows visitors to gain access to the different structures. |
We were up there at Austin at the beginning of June. I had planned on climbing the tower, however, when I looked at it, it was crumbling and did not look safe. I bet the view would have been awesome.
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