#Pinchot August 16

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In August 2025, many of us are participating in the 30-Day Governors Coach4aday Challenge. Each day, we highlight one of the 2,300+ U.S. Governors—past or present—sharing insights into their achievements, controversies, or unique aspects of their careers. For today my choice is going to be the connection one of my aunts has to Governor Gifford PINCHOT.

My maternal grandfather, Henry Charles Lynch (1884 – October 24, 1931), was born in Roscommon, Ireland, and worked as a carriage driver, chauffeur, and horse trainer. He married Bridget V. Bambrick Lynch (May 10, 1883 – January 26, 1969), who was born in New York City. Together, they had six children—five daughters and one son.

My mother, Patricia Lynch Kenney, was the youngest. One of her sisters, Cornelia Lynch Patrias, was born on November 7, 1921, on the Milford, Pennsylvania, summer estate of Gifford Pinchot, the 28th Governor of Pennsylvania. She was named in honor of the Governor’s second wife Cornelia Bryce Pinchot.

What brought the Lynch Family to Pennsylvania was my grandfather job as a chauffeur at Gray Towers the home of the Governor prior to his November 7, 1922 Election. After Pinchot was elected Governor my grandfather would move the family to Somerset County in NJ to work as a horse trainer on the Griffin Estate in Peapack NJ

Governor-30 Day Challenge Guidelines

As with previous challenges, participants are encouraged to adapt the guidelines to fit their own circumstances. If you can, commit to sharing something about a Governor in August.

1. Record something about a particular US Governor. Make sure you include what US State and years that he/she served. Try to highlight an achievement, controversy, or some unique aspect of their career.
2. Share with a challenge partner if you have one.
3. Join the conversation by posting on social media with the hashtag #Coach4adayChallenge

August 16-Governor Gifford Pinchot

Today the property in Milford PA owned by Gifford Pinchot where my aunt was born is called Gray Towers National Historic Site.

Gifford Pinchot is considered the father of American forestry, pioneering the concept of managing forests for long-term sustainability rather than short-term profit. As the first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (1905–1910), he greatly expanded the nation’s public forest lands and implemented scientific forestry practices. His advocacy for conservation helped shape national policies that balanced resource use with environmental protection, influencing forestry management for generations.