Olinger Tower facts for kids
The Olinger Tower is a tall, impressive tower that stands 72 feet high. Inside, it holds a special musical instrument called the Charles S. Hill Memorial Carillon. This carillon is one of only three real carillons in the entire state of Colorado. It was given to the Colorado Women's College by Mrs. Virginia S. Hill to remember her husband.
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What is a Carillon?
A carillon is a musical instrument made of many bells. These bells are played using a special keyboard called a clavier. The person playing the carillon uses their fists and feet to press levers that are connected to the bells. This allows them to play melodies and songs.
The Bells of Olinger Tower
The Charles S. Hill Memorial Carillon has 30 bells. These bells were made by a famous company called Royal van Bergen Bellfoundries in the Netherlands. Together, all 30 bells weigh about 4,754 pounds, which is like the weight of a small car!
The biggest bell is three feet wide and weighs 924 pounds. That's heavier than a large refrigerator! The smallest bell is only eight inches wide and weighs 18 pounds. Even though some bells are very big, they all make a beautiful, clear sound.
How the Carillon is Played
The carillon is played manually, meaning by hand. The musician sits at the clavier, which is located at the very top of the tower. They use their fists to press wooden keys and their feet to press pedals. Each key and pedal is connected to a bell, allowing the musician to play different notes and create music.
Building the Tower and Installing the Bells
The way the bells were put into the Olinger Tower was very unique. The top part of the tower, which looks like a crown and is called the lantern, was built on the ground first. All 30 bells were carefully placed inside this lantern while it was still on the ground.
After the bells were in place, the entire crown-like lantern was lifted high into the air and set on top of the tower. This was a big and careful job! The lantern was designed by Stanley Morse and built by William G. Zimmerman. From the ground, you can see all the bells inside the tower.
Location and History
The beautiful and historic Carillon is located on the far west side of what used to be the campus of the Colorado Women's College. Today, this campus is home to the Johnson & Wales University Denver Campus. The tower stands as a reminder of the college's history and continues to share its lovely music.
See also
- Torre Olinger para niños (Olinger Tower for kids in Spanish)
