Grey Towers Scholarship Fund, Finger Bowl Dinner Members News August 4, 2025 Guests at the July Fingerbowl Dinner enjoy the unique and delicious outdoor dining experience at Grey Towers that mirrors historic Pinchot family gatherings. For the second time this summer, Grey Towers Heritage Association will host a Candlelight Dinner as a fundraiser for the Pinchot Legacy Scholarship. The dinner will take place at the unique Finger Bowl water-filled outdoor dining area at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, PA, home of two-time governor and “Father of U.S. Conservation” Gifford Pinchot, on September 5 at 5 p.m. The Finger Bowl is considered Grey Towers’ most popular feature and served as the Pinchot family’s outdoor dining room. Added in 1934 to the French-style mansion and gardens constructed in the 1880s by James and Mary Pinchot, the water-filled table was the site of many lively discussions about social issues and conservation efforts. Meals were passed among guests by floating wooden bowls and balsa rafts on the water. The opening in the wisteria-covered pergola permitted moonlight to radiate across the water. “This recreation of those dinners provides a very romantic evening for everyone,” promises Don Allen, GTHA Board member and co-organizer of the event. Grey Towers Heritage Association invites members and the general public to enjoy this revived tradition as they savor delicious foods prepared similarly to the Pinchot family’s dinner celebrations. “The Heritage Association’s Legacy Scholarship awards financial; assistance to tri-state public high school students who plan to study natural resources, science, ecology and more,” explains Mary Somma, Board member and head of the Education & Scholarships committee, “so guests are not only enjoying a delicious dinner in a unique setting, they are also supporting conservation and education.” A reception starts at 5 p.m., with dinner seating at 6 p.m. around the water-filled Finger Bowl table as well at tables that line the perimeter of the pergola. Pergola seats are currently available, which provide an equally magical evening. Seating is limited, so reserve yours now at https://greytowers.org/events.
