Courtesy
Rendering of the Mount Hereford Tower, designed to restore 360-degree views from the summit. The five-level tower, inspired by Neil Tillotson’s nitrile glove invention, will provide a unique visual and architectural experience for visitors.
Tower and trail projects to revive Mount Hereford’s scenic views
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The legacy of Neil Tillotson, a prominent figure in the “North Country” and beyond, continues to inspire new developments in the Eastern Townships, thanks to two major projects led by the Hereford Community Forest. François Bouchy-Picon, the Chair of the Board of Directors for the forest, discussed these initiatives during an interview on Sept. 12, focusing on the creation of a monumental tower atop Mount Hereford and the revival of the historic Owen Road. These projects not only honour Tillotson’s deep connection to the land but also serve to preserve his vision for the region’s future.
Mount Hereford Tower: A modern tribute to a natural wonder
The Mount Hereford Tower is an ambitious undertaking aimed at restoring the scenic 360-degree views that were once visible from the summit of Mount Hereford, a key feature of the region’s natural landscape. In the early 2000s, when Neil Tillotson still owned the forest, the mountaintop was cleared to allow visitors to enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view. Visitors could once see across the forest canopy and beyond, including views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Mount Washington.
However, following Tillotson’s passing and the eventual transfer of the land to the Hereford Community Forest, strict conservation rules were implemented. These rules prohibit tree cutting, even at the summit, causing the once stunning views to be obscured as the trees gradually grew back. “Twenty-four years later, visitors using Centennial Drive, which leads up the mountain, can no longer see what they are supposed to see,” explained Bouchy-Picon.
In response to growing visitor demand, the idea of constructing a tower emerged. “We’re building a tower to meet the demands of visitors who miss those incredible views,” Bouchy-Picon said. The project officially began in the summer of 2022, after several rounds of consultations with stakeholders including the Hereford Community Forest’s Board of Directors.
The tower, which will stand 46 feet tall, is being constructed from Corten steel, the same material used for the iconic Pioneer Trail characters found throughout the region. The structure is designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, while also offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. “The tower will be made out of Corten steel, a reddish metal that blends in with the landscape and is durable enough to withstand the elements,” Bouchy-Picon explained.
More than just a viewing platform, the tower will offer a unique architectural experience. Its five levels, stacked vertically, are inspired by the nitrile glove—a fitting tribute to Tillotson, who invented the glove that has become ubiquitous worldwide. “From above, the tower will resemble a glove, which is not only symbolic but functional, providing a layered experience as visitors ascend,” Bouchy-Picon added. Each level will offer a distinct perspective, with visitors able to pause at different heights to take in the landscape from new angles.
The tower’s top level, which may include a glass floor, will provide an uninterrupted 360-degree view over the forest canopy, restoring the view that once made Mount Hereford a popular destination for tourists. “Not only will the view be restored, but the tower itself will be an experience for visitors, with each level providing something new,” said Bouchy-Picon. The tower will be free to access, offering a no-fee attraction for hikers, bikers, and tourists visiting the summit by foot or by car.
While the tower is expected to be completed by May 2025, depending on weather conditions, much of the groundwork has already been completed, with the base of the tower in place. The structure is set to become a major draw for tourists and locals alike, enhancing the area’s trail offerings and supporting regional tourism.
Funding and support for the tower project
Funding for the Mount Hereford Tower has come from a variety of sources. The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund, part of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, as well as the Tillotson North Country Foundation, have both made significant contributions to the project. However, the total cost of the tower is far greater than the contributions from these funds alone. “The Tillotson North Country Foundation gave us a substantial amount, but the project costs far more than that,” Bouchy-Picon explained.
In addition to the financial support from the Tillotson-related organizations, the Hereford Community Forest itself has contributed funds, as have local benefactors and regional partners. To engage the community further, a unique fundraising initiative was launched, allowing individuals to sponsor one of the tower’s 80 steps or five terraces. Each donor will have their name engraved on a plaque affixed to the step or terrace they sponsor. This initiative has already generated considerable interest, with many steps already claimed by donors looking to leave their mark on this significant local landmark.
Owen Road: Reviving a historic route
The second major project currently underway is the Owen Road Project, which seeks to revive an important piece of local history. Owen Road once connected Hereford and East Hereford, providing a vital route for early settlers in the region. The road was also used for smuggling during the Prohibition era, when alcohol could be illegally transported across the Canada-U.S. border via this remote stretch of land. Today, if residents want to travel between the two towns, they must either go through Vermont or take a longer, indirect route.
“We’re bringing the history of the old Owen Road to life by installing interpretive panels along key points on the road,” Bouchy-Picon explained. The project, which has been in the works for several years, will feature panels at various historical sites along the route, each one telling the story of the region’s past. “The panels will cover everything from the first settlers and the early farms to the smuggling routes and the line houses that straddled the border,” he said.
These line houses, which were built directly on the Canada-U.S. border, played a key role in smuggling during Prohibition. The houses were designed so that one half was in Canada and the other half in the U.S. This unique arrangement allowed residents to move goods, including alcohol, across the border simply by walking from one room to the next. The interpretive panels will also highlight the role these houses played in the local economy, as they often served as general stores or taverns in addition to their more illicit functions.
The Owen Road Project will also explore the life and legacy of Neil Tillotson, who was born near the end of Owen Road. “There will be panels talking about Tillotson’s life, his family’s history in the area, and his contributions to the community,” said Bouchy-Picon. Other panels will discuss the region’s agricultural and forestry heritage, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of the area’s historical and economic significance.
Delays and setbacks
Although much of the research, translation, and design work for the Owen Road Project has been completed, recent weather events have delayed the installation of the panels. Heavy rains and flooding in July caused significant damage to Owen Road, forcing the temporary closure of the route. “The floods delayed the project, but we’re determined to move forward as soon as possible,” Bouchy-Picon noted. Despite the setback, the project is expected to be completed within the next year, once repairs to the road are finished.
A lasting legacy
Both the Mount Hereford Tower and Owen Road projects reflect Neil Tillotson’s enduring legacy in the region. Born in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, Tillotson had deep roots in the North Country and the Eastern Townships. Throughout his life, he remained committed to supporting the communities where he grew up, eventually purchasing and protecting over 5,400 hectares of land, including Mount Hereford. His vision of conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism continues to guide the work of the Hereford Community Forest.
“These projects will not only honour Neil Tillotson’s legacy but will also serve to strengthen the ties between local communities and the natural environment,” Bouchy-Picon remarked. The Mount Hereford Tower and Owen Road Project will enrich the region’s cultural and environmental landscape, offering both residents and visitors unique opportunities to experience the history and beauty of the Eastern Townships.
Both projects are on track for completion in the near future, with the tower’s grand opening anticipated in May and the Owen Road panels expected to be installed once flood repairs are completed. “These projects will ensure that Neil Tillotson’s vision for this land continues to inspire future generations,” Bouchy-Picon said.