If you’ve driven any amount of time you have probably noticed water towers scattered among towns and the country side. Most are what you think they would be; large unremarkable tanks high in the air with the town’s name painted on it. And they are exactly what you think they are; a source of extra water for the town’s supply. Most are about 120ft in height. Some may be plain but a lot have historical significance and others are artistically done.
The old Water Tower and Chicago Avenue Pumping Station were the only public buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In Circleville, Ohio, the water tower is done up as a pumpkin because the town has held an annual pumpkin show since 1903. In Minnesota, there is the Ear of Corn Water Tower. Some have been dressed up as apples, watermelons, pineapples, and other fruit and vegetables. There is a Catsup Bottle in Illinois. In Orlando, Florida at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is a water tower with mouse ears. Some have been the target of advertisements, smiley faces, and graffiti.
The one I remember most growing up is the Peachoid in Gaffney, South Carolina as I have driven by it on several occasions. And it is somewhat famous as it was a plot point in the series House of Cards.
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