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 famous landmark in Baker, California, USA. It is a huge steel electric sign. This sign celebrates a special weather record. On July 10, 1913, Death Valley nearby recorded a super hot temperature of 134 °F (57 °C).
This giant thermometer weighs 76,812 pounds (34,841 kg). It is held firmly in place by 125 cubic yards (96 m3) of concrete. The sign stands 134 feet (41 m) tall. It can show a maximum temperature of 134 °F (57 °C). Both its height and maximum temperature refer to that record-breaking day.
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Building the Giant Thermometer
The thermometer was built in 1991. The Young Electric Sign Company from Salt Lake City, Utah made it. A businessman named Willis Herron paid $700,000 to build it. He wanted it next to his Bun Boy restaurant. Its height, 134 feet, honored the 134-degree record temperature. This record was set in Death Valley on July 10, 1913.
Challenges and Repairs
Soon after it was built, strong winds hit the thermometer. Winds of 70 miles per hour snapped it in half. But it was rebuilt! Two years later, more strong winds caused problems. The thermometer swayed so much that its light bulbs fell out. To make it stronger, concrete was poured inside its steel core. This made the monument much more stable.
New Owners and Re-lighting
Willis Herron later sold the thermometer and his restaurant. The property changed owners a few times. In 2012, the owner at that time, Matt Pike, turned it off. He said the electricity bill was too high, about $8,000 each month. The economy was also not doing well.
In 2013, the thermometer was put up for sale. The family of Willis Herron got it back in 2014. They wanted to make it work again. The thermometer was officially lit up again on July 10, 2014. This was exactly 101 years after the record temperature was set.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
In December 2016, a company called EVgo built something new. They created the first super-fast charging station in the US. This station is for electric vehicles. It can charge cars very quickly. The station is located behind the thermometer. Travelers on Interstate 15 can easily see it.
