World's Tallest Thermometer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids World's Tallest Thermometer |
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World's Tallest Thermometer, 2003
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Sign |
| Location | 72157 Baker Boulevard Baker, California United States |
| Coordinates | 35°15′59″N 116°04′22″W / 35.26644°N 116.07275°W |
| Completed | 1991 |
| Renovated | 2014 |
| Cost | $700,000 |
| Renovation cost | $150,000 |
| Owner | Herron family |
| Height | 134 feet (41 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Weight | 76,812 pounds (34,841 kg) |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | Young Electric Sign Company |
The World's Tallest Thermometer is a super tall sign in Baker, California, USA. It's a huge steel electric sign that celebrates a famous weather record. On July 10, 1913, a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius) was recorded in nearby Death Valley. That's one of the hottest temperatures ever!
This giant thermometer weighs about 76,812 pounds (34,841 kilograms). That's like 10 elephants! It's held firmly in place by 125 cubic yards (96 cubic meters) of concrete. The thermometer stands 134 feet (41 meters) tall. It can show temperatures up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit, matching the record it honors.
Contents
Building the Giant Thermometer
How It Was Made
The thermometer was built in 1991 by the Young Electric Sign Company. They are based in Salt Lake City, Utah. A businessman named Willis Herron from Baker paid $700,000 to have it built. He wanted it right next to his restaurant, Bun Boy.
The thermometer's height, 134 feet, was chosen for a special reason. It honored the 134-degree record temperature set in Death Valley on July 10, 1913.
Facing the Desert Winds
Soon after it was built, strong winds of 70 miles per hour (110 km/h) actually snapped the thermometer in half! But don't worry, it was rebuilt.
Two years later, even more powerful gusts made the thermometer sway a lot. The light bulbs inside it popped out! To make it stronger, concrete was poured into its steel core. This helped to reinforce the huge monument.
Changes in Ownership and Repair
Turning Off the Lights
Willis Herron, the original owner, sold the thermometer and his restaurant. Later, in September 2012, the owner at that time, Matt Pike, had to turn off the thermometer. The electricity bill to run it was very high, about $8,000 each month. He turned it off because of tough economic times.
Bringing It Back to Life
In 2013, the thermometer and its empty gift shop were put up for sale. In 2014, Willis Herron's family (he had passed away in 2007) got the property back. They really wanted to make the thermometer work again.
The family worked hard to fix it up. They also received $150,000 from the owner's mother to help with the repairs. The thermometer was officially lit up again on July 10, 2014, exactly 101 years after the record temperature was set.
Modern Updates
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
In December 2016, a company called EVgo announced something new. They built the first super-fast charging station for electric vehicles in the US. This station can charge cars at up to 350 kilowatts.
The charging station is located in the parking area behind the thermometer. This means travelers on Interstate 15 can easily see it and use it.
