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

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.

You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

You can subscribe to the News Engine Podcast wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

• Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts
• Listen and subscribe on Google Podcasts
• Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Contact News Engine: contactus@timesshamrock.com

If you know someone who you'd like to hear on the News Engine podcast or would like to join us we'd love to hear your guest suggestions.

Visit the News Engine homepage for extra photos and reader comments.

Thanks for listening!

Chapters

• 1:50 How tall is the tower?
• 2:48 Do we need to paint the tower?
• 4:19 What do pilots think of the tower?
• 4:45 Will you get electrocuted if you touch it?
• 6:11 How many bulbs are there?
• 10:21 How long does it take to climb the tower?
• 12:44 Lightning and earthquakes at 300 feet
• 14:02 Energy crisis, Iranian hostages, Polish solidarity and tributes
• 15:53 How hard is it to turn the lights on?
• 17:13 Fireworks and Christmas lights: The biggest challenge