News Engine

NEPA's Largest Christmas Tree: Secrets of the Times Tower

November 17, 2021 Ed Pikulski Season 1 Episode 9
News Engine
NEPA's Largest Christmas Tree: Secrets of the Times Tower
Show Notes Chapter Markers

In 1960 The Scranton Times began decorating the WEJL radio tower that sits atop the building with Christmas lights, making it NEPA's tallest Christmas tree.

On Wednesday, November 24, 2021, we'll light the tower again and celebrate with fireworks and a block party. Times-Shamrock Director of Engineering Kevin Fitzgerald talks about the long history of the tower, how hard it is to light and what happens during lightning strikes and earthquakes.

We also discuss some of the special occasions we've lit the tower outside of the holiday season and the few times we turned the lights off.

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How tall is the tower?
Do we need to paint the tower?
What do pilots think of the tower?
Will you get electrocuted if you touch it?
How many bulbs are there?
How long does it take to climb the tower?
Lightning and earthquakes at 300 feet
Energy crisis, Iranian hostages, Polish solidarity and tributes
How hard is it to turn the lights on?
Fireworks and Christmas lights: The biggest challenge