World's_tallest_thermometer

World's Tallest Thermometer

World's Tallest Thermometer

American roadside attraction and landmark

The World's Tallest Thermometer is a landmark in Baker, California, US. It is a steel electric sign that commemorates the weather record of 134 °F (57 °C) recorded in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.

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The sign weighs 76,812 pounds (34,841 kg; 34.841 t) and is held together by 125 cubic yards (96 m3) of concrete. It stands 134 feet (41 m) tall and is capable of displaying a maximum temperature of 134 °F (57 °C; 330 K), both of which are a reference to the temperature record.[1]

History

It was built in 1991 by the Young Electric Sign Company of Salt Lake City, Utah[1] for Willis Herron, a Baker businessman who spent US$700,000 (equivalent to $1,566,000 in 2023) to build the thermometer next to his Bun Boy restaurant. Its height—134 feet—was in honor of the 134-degree record temperature set in nearby Death Valley on July 10, 1913.[citation needed]

Soon after its construction, 70 mph (110 km/h; 31 m/s) winds snapped the thermometer in half, and it was rebuilt. Two years later, severe gusts made the thermometer sway so much that its light bulbs popped out. Concrete was then poured inside the steel core to reinforce the monument.[citation needed]

Herron sold[when?] the attraction and restaurant to another local businessman, Larry Dabour, who sold it in 2005. In September 2012, the owner at that time, Matt Pike, said that the power bill for its operation had reached US$8,000 per month (equivalent to $11,000 in 2023) and that he turned it off due to the poor economy.[2]

In 2013, the thermometer and accompanying empty gift shop were listed for sale.[3] The family of Willis Herron (who died in 2007) recovered ownership of the property in 2014 and stated their intention to make it operational again.[4] The renovation was funded with sweat equity and a contribution from the owner's mother of US$150,000 (equivalent to $196,000 in 2023). The official re-lighting took place on July 10, 2014.[5]

In December 2016, EVgo announced building the first US fast charge station for electric vehicles at up to 350 kW. [6] The station is located in the rear parking area behind the thermometer, visible to travelers on Interstate 15.[citation needed]

References

  1. [1]
    Benson, Lee (6 January 2003). "Hot spot is a cool pit stop". Deseret News.
  2. [2]
    Willon, Phil (2012-12-24). "Baker's giant thermometer, long on the blink, is taking heat". Los Angeles Times.
  3. [3]
    Willon, Phil (2013-01-03). "Baker's giant thermometer is up for sale". Los Angeles Times.
  4. [4]
    Lee, Wendy (2014-03-26). "World's tallest thermometer could light up again". KPCC.
  5. [5]
    Rocha, Veronica (2014-07-12). "World's tallest thermometer in Baker shines bright again". Los Angeles Times.
  6. [6]
    Lambert, Fred (2016-12-15). "The first electric vehicle DC fast-charging station capable of 350 kW output breaks ground in California". Electrek. Retrieved 2016-12-28.
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