#TinMan

Joe Watching ⚽🎞️🚴📺JoeWynne@mstdn.plus
2025-04-30

OK, it's getting complicated now. Should Tam go? Who goes with him? Will the Romulans kill them? Will the star explode early?
And what about Naomi?

#TinMan #StarTrekTNG #TNG #AllStarTrek @allstartrek

Joe Watching ⚽🎞️🚴📺JoeWynne@mstdn.plus
2025-04-30

Reporting for duty on #AllStarTrek. Yikes, the star could explode!

#TinMan #StarTrekTNG #StarTrek #TNG @allstartrek

2025-04-30

Riker keeps rolling his eyes whenever Tam opens his mouth. 😂

#AllStarTrek #StarTrek #StarTrekTNG #TNG #TinMan @allstartrek

2025-04-29

A very green poster for Star Trek The Next Generation episode Tin Man, tonight on H&I All Star Trek.

Artist: David Klawitter

Source: behance.net/gallery/60799279/S

#AllStarTrek #StarTrekTNG #StarTrekPoster #StarTrek #TinMan

A poster for Star Trek The Next Generation episode Tin Man, done in tones of green, and featuring a top down view of a Romulan Warbird.
Ralf H. Schneidernoosphaere
2025-04-09

s Album (1974), produziert vom "5. Beatle" George Martin, brachte mit einen Hit hervor, der Platz 4 der Billboard Hot 100 erreichte. Songwriter Dewey Bunnell wollte den Song ursprünglich nicht aufnehmen, wurde aber von seinen Bandkollegen überstimmt. Die vom inspirierte Single erreichte in Kanada Platz 7. Martin kam zur Band, nachdem diese ihn persönlich kontaktierte und mit ihren Demos überzeugte.

👇
instagram.com/p/DIN1h19MQdU/?i

Abreißtageskalender von seltmann mit dem Kalenderblatt des Vinyl-Covers der LP "Holiday" (1974) von America

Wild and wondrous water towers across the heartland

Below are some of the amazing water towers we saw over the past few weeks across the American Heartland. As can be seen, the range of styles, locations, and eras is impressive. Hope you enjoy the photos as much as we did seeing them.

Giant City State Park, ILGroom, TXDepew, OKLansing, MIMakanda, ILAdrian, TXBritten (Groom), TXRushville, INReelsville, IN

While each tower has it’s own storied history, I’ve gotta, say the space-age tower with and observation platform at Giant City State Park in Illinois is a treasure all to itself. More photos and backstory about this most extraordinary water tower will be included in a separate post. Peace!

Rend Lake, ILBristow, OKMountain View, MOAmarillo, TX Lynn, IN Willow Springs, MO Meridian Twp, MI

#architecture #CET #cities #composite #design #engineering #fluted #fun #geography #history #hydropillar #Illinois #Indiana #landUse #Michigan #Missouri #NewMexico #Oklahoma #planning #preservation #spherical #Texas #TinMan #travel #water #waterTowers

Working list: Tallest “Tin Man” water towers in the USA

Source: archive.org Source: cannerydistrict.com Source: archive.org

Probably the most beloved style of water tower, “Tin Man” tanks have been around well over a century. These tend to come in two styles – the shape of a standard soup can with a pointed cap roof and rounded hemispherical bottom (see image above), and – a wider, more stout version of the same design shaped like a can of Crisco (see image just below). While included in the listings, these towers are not identified as “Tin Man” towers due to the tank’s wider girth.

Source: waterworld.com

Both versions are charming, though the narrower version is more common and better resembles the Tin Woodman from the Wizard of Oz. Speaking of which, the nickname “Tin Man” for these water towers largely arose from that character (see quote and image below).

“The ‘Tin Man’ towers were nicknamed for their shape: a conical roof with a ball finial, reminiscent of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ character.” 

Source: stlnpr.org

Source: pinterest.com

The first list identifies the tallest “Tin Man” water towers for whom the data is available on the internet. The second is a partial list of those towers for whom the height is currently unknown. As more data is collected and found, this list will be updated accordingly.

Sadly, as time passes more and more of these charming, quaint structures are being lost to time, neglect, and shortsightedness. As a result, a third list is provided below the initial list of sources identifying those “Tin Man” water towers lost in recent years.

Source: mysanantonio.com

Thankfully, a number of communities across the country have found the funds and wherewithal to preserve, protect, and promote their historic “Tin Man” water towers as iconic focal points of downtown or a public park, as historic structures, as a branding option with the town logo, or as centerpieces of vibrant and active entertainment venues. Below are examples of cities/towns that deserve kudos for their successful preservation efforts (with photos of each water tower):

Arvada, Colorado

Source: youtube.com

Belen, New Mexico

Source: photo by author

Bozeman, Montana

Source: cannerydistrict.com

Franklin, Tennessee

Source: williamsonsource.com

Gilbert, Arizona

Source: gilbertaz.gov

Little Elm, Texas

Source: dunaway.com

Millstadt, Illinois

Source: republictimes.net

Manassas, Virginia

Source: dhr.virginia.gov

Oshkosh, Nebraska

Source: visitgardencounty.com

Yelm, Washington

Source: thurstontalk.com

Hopefully, more places will see the benefit(s) of rehabilitating and caring for their iconic “Tin Man” water towers so they can remain an integral part of the historic and cultural vibe of the community.

Peace!

_______

  1. Marston “Tin Man” Water Tower (1897): Iowa State University, IA = 168 feet

2. Millstadt “Tin Man” Water Tower (1931): Millstadt, IL = 164 feet

3. Olde Town Arvada “Tin Man” Water Tower (1910): Arvada, CO = 152 feet

4-5. Grand Ledge “Tin Man” Water Tower (1909): Grand Ledge, MI = 150 feet and Roanoke “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Roanoke, TX ~ 150 feet – Grand Ledge added 3/20/25

6-7. Manassas “Tin Man” Water Tower (1914): Manassas, Virginia and Riverhead “Tin Man” Water Tower (1968): Riverhead, NY = 147 feet

8. Paramount Studios “Tin Man” Water Tower: Los Angeles, CA = 145 feet

9. Jackson Street “Tin Man” Water Tower (1920): Elk River, MN = 137 feet

10. West “Tin Man” Water Tower (1928): Orion, IL = 136.5 feet

11. Warner Bros. “Tin Man” Water Tower (1927): Burbank, CA = 133 feet

12. Round Rock “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Round Rock, TX = 130 feet

13. University Park “Tin Man” Water Tower (ca 1930): Stockton, CA = 129 feet

14. Corning “Tin Man” Water Tower (1932): Corning, California = 128 feet

15. University Heights “Tin Man” Water Tower (1898): San Diego, California = 127.5 feet

16. Osseo “Tin Man” Water Tower (1915): Osseo, MN = 127.25 feet

17-18. Gilbert “Tin Man” Water Tower (1925): Gilbert, Arizona and Celina “Tin Man” Water Tower: Celina, TX = 126 feet – Celina added on 3/8/25

19-21. Yelm “Tin Man” Water Tower (1946): Yelm, WA; Cuthbert “Tin Man” Water Tower (1895): Cuthbert, GA; and Bunnell “Tin Man” Water Tower (1927): Bunnell, FL = 125 feet

22. Depew “Tin” Man” Water Tower (1923): Depew, OK ~ 124 feet – added 3/8/25

23. Cannery District “Tin Man” Water Tower (ca 1917): Bozeman, MT = 123.25 feet – added 3/7/25

24. Swedish Coffee Pot “Tin Man” Water Tower (1911): Kingsburg, CA = 122 feet – added 3/17/25

25. Oshkosh “Tin Man” Water Tower (1920): Oshkosh, NE = 120 feet

25-28. Red “Tin Man” Water Tower at the Factory (1930): Franklin, TN; Placentia “Tin Man” Water Tank (1935): Placentia, CA; and Sapp Bros. Coffee Pot Water Tower (1971): Omaha, NE = 110 feet

29-31. Oregon “Tin Man” Water Tower (1921): Oregon, WI and Bandera “Tin Man” Water Tower (1941): Bandera, TX; and Belen “Tin Man” Water Tower (1928): Belen, NM = 100 feet

32. Grand Mound “Tin Man” Water Tower (1915): Grand Mound, IA = 80 feet

33. BHS Driller Country “Tin Man” Water Tower (1933): Bakersfield, CA = 60 feet

Beloved “Driller Country Water Tower preserved at Kern Pioneer Village – Source: bakersfield.com

_______

More information needed (partial list):

  • Falkville “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Falkville, AL
  • Beardon “Tin Man” Water Tower: Bearden, AR
  • Cotter “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Cotter, AR
  • Cotton Plant “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Cotton Plant, AR
  • De Valls Bluff “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): De Valls Bluff, AR
  • Green Forest “Tin Man” Water Tower (1937): Green Forest, AR
  • Hampton “Tin Man” Water Tower (1937): Hampton AR
  • Hartford “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Hartford, AR
  • Hughes “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Hughes, AR
  • Keiser “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Keiser, AR
  • Lockesburg “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Lockesburg, AR
  • Mineral Springs “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Mineral Springs, AR
  • Rison “Tin Man” Water Tower: Rison, AR
  • Tuckerman “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Tuckerman, AR
  • Tyronza “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Tyronza, AR
  • Ash Fork Water Tower: Ash Fork, AZ
  • Kingman “Tin Man” Water Tower: Kingman, AZ
  • RV Resort “Tin Man” Water Tower: AZ
  • Loma Citas “TinMan” Water Tower: Coronado, CA
  • Galt “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936): Galt, CA
  • Hunt’s Cannery “Tin Man” Water Tower: Hayward, CA
  • Ramah “Tin Man” Water Tower: Ramah, CO
  • Eatonville “Tin Man” Water Tower (1887): Eatonville, FL
  • Lake Helen “Tin Man” Water Tower: Lake Helen, FL
  • Florida Natural “Tin Man” Water Tower: Lake Wales, FL
  • Sapp Bros. Coffee Pot “Tin Man” Water Tower: Council Bluffs, IA
  • Dexter “Tin Man” Water Tower: Dexter, IA
  • Menlo “Tin Man” Water Tower: Menlo, IA
  • Red Oak “Tin Man” Water Tower: Red Oak, IA
  • Post Falls “Tin Man” Water Tower: Post Falls, ID
  • Garrett “Tin Man” Water Tower: Garrett, IN
  • Real Silk “Tin Man” Water Tower: Indianapolis, IN
  • Lynn “Tin Man” Water Tower (1922): Lynn, IN
  • Princeton “Tin Man” Water Tower: Princeton, IN
  • South Whitley “Tin Man” Water Tower: South Whitley, IN
  • Goodland “Tin Man” Water Tower: Goodland, KS
  • Hot & Cold “Tin Man” Water Towers: Pratt, KS
  • Midway “Tin Man” Water Tower (1940s): Midway, KY
  • Smithland “Tin Man” Water Tower: Smithland, KY
  • Baldwin “Tin Man” Water Tower: Baldwin, ME
  • USDA Water Tower: East Lansing, MI
  • Brownsdale “Tin Man” Water Tower: Brownsdale, MN
  • Deerwood “Tin Man” Water Tower (1914): Deerwood, MN
  • Easton “Tin Man” Water Tower (1911): Easton, MN
  • Fairfax “Tin Man” Water Tower: Fairfax, MN
  • Freeport “Tin Man” Water Tower (1920): Freeport, MN
  • Madison “Tin Man” Water Tower (1921): Madison, MS
  • North Carolina Finishing Co. Twin “Tin Man” Water Towers: East Spencer, NC
  • Glencoe Mill “Tin Man” Water Tower #1 (1905): Glencoe, NC
  • Glencoe Mill “Tin Man” Water Tower #2: Glencoe, NC
  • SPCC “Tin Man” Water Tower: Wadesboro, NC
  • Minto “Tin Man” Water Tower: Minto, ND
  • Dawson “Tin Man” Water Tower: Dawson, NE
  • Ford Assembly Plant Water Tower: Omaha, NE
  • Superior “Tin Man” Water Tower: Superior, NE
  • New Mexico Timber Co. “Tin Man” Water Tower: Bernalillo, NM
  • “Tin Man” Water Tower: Los Lunas, NM
  • Waterford “Tin Man” Water Tower: Waterford, NY
  • Wilson NFL “Tin Man”Water Tower: Ada, OH
  • Chilo “Tin Man” Water Tower: Chilo, OH
  • Jeffersonville “Tin Man” Water Tower: Jeffersonville, OH
  • Laura “Tin Man” Water Tower: Laura, OH
  • Nevada “Tin Man” Water Tower: Nevada, OH
  • Smithfield “Tin Man” Water Tower: Smithfield, OH
  • Acton Water Tower: Afton, OK
  • Randlett Park “Tin Man” Water Tower (1920s): Anadarko, OK
  • Blanchard “Tin Man” Water Tower: Blanchard, OK
  • Boise City “Tin Man” Water Tower: Boise City, OK
  • Bristow “Tin Man” Water Tower: Bristow, OK
  • Fairland “Tin Man” Water Tower: Fairland, OK
  • Hydro “Tin Man” Water Tower: Hydro, OK
  • Manchester “Tin Man” Water Tower: Manchester, OK
  • Sayre “Tin Man” Water Tower: Sayre, OK
  • Seymour Water Tower: Seymour, OK
  • Vian “Tin Man” Water Tower: Vian, OK
  • Sapp Bros. Coffee Pot “Tin Man” Water Tower: Clearfield, PA
  • Cliff “Tin Man” Water Tower
  • Crook “Tin Man” Water Tower
  • Ovid “Tin Man” Water Tower:
  • Ainsworth “Tin Man” Water Tower
  • Ridgeway “Tin Man” Water Tower (1923): Ridgeway, SC
  • Downtown “Tin Man” Water Tower: Ripley, TN
  • Anton “Tin Man” Water Tower: Anton, TX
  • Penn Field “Tin Man” Water Tower (1918): Austin (south), TX
  • Big Wells Bulldogs “Tin Man” Water Tower: Big Wells, TX
  • Bremond “Tin Man” Water Tower: Bremond, TX
  • Cotulla “Tin Man” Water Tower: Cotula, TX
  • Crawford Pirates “Tin Man” Water Tower: Crawford, TX
  • Deport “Tin Man” Water Tower: Deport, TX
  • Elkhart “Tin Man” Water Tower: Elkhart, TX
  • Frisco “Tin Man” Water Tower (1924): Frisco, TX
  • Gunter “Tin Man” Water Tower: Gunter, TX
  • Higgins “Tin Man’ Water Tower: Higgins, TX
  • Imperial Water Tower: Imperial, TX
  • Keller “Tin Man” Water Tower: Keller, TX
  • Kosse “Tin Man” Water Tower: Kosse, TX
  • Water Tower #4 “Tin Man”: Kyle, TX
  • Linden “Tin Man” Water Tower (1936), TX
  • Little Elm “Tin Man” Water Tower, TX
  • Matador “Tin Man” Water Tower: Matador, TX
  • Pflugerville “Tin Man” Water Tower (1935): Pflugerville, TX
  • Pilot Point “Tin Man” Water Tower (1915): Pilot Point, TX
  • Rowlett “Tin Man” Water Tower: Rowlett, TX
  • Lone Star Brewery “Tin Man” Water Tower: San Antonio, TX
  • Smithville “Tin Man” Water Tower: Smithville, TX
  • Brodhead “Tin Man” Water Tower (1921): Brodhead, WI
  • Main Street “Tin Man” Water Tower (1928): Waunakee, WI
  • Sapp Bros. Coffee Pot “Tin Man” Water Tower: Cheyenne, WY

***A list of recently lost “Tin Man” water towers and the year they were torn down is provided after the sources.***

SOURCES:

Those “Tin Man” water towers sadly lost to time, neglect, or shortsightedness:

Alamo Heights, TX (1927-2013) – an image is provided above in the main blogpost.

Aledo, TX (?-2009)

Brookings, SD (1902-2019)

Brookport, IL (?-2015)

Cokato MN (?-2006)

Dorchester, NE (?-2013)

Gaylord, MN (?-2016)

Grand Forks, ND (1933-2009)

Groveport, OH (1936-2015)

Independence, MO (?-2025)

Mabais Plantation, AL (1914-2024)

Martinsville, IL (1923-2023)

Mt. Pleasant, MI (?-2018)

UC Merced, CA (1934-2021)

Shiloh, WA (?-2024)

Springfield, MO (?-2022)

Stamford, TX (?-2024)

Texas A & M University “Tin Man” Water Tower (?-1975)

Union City, IN (1923-2020)

SOURCES:

#1 #2 #4 #cities #geography #history #landUse #municipal #PittsburghDesMoinesSteel #planning #preservation #TinMan #travel #utilities #water #waterTanks #waterTowers #WizardOfOZ

Working lists: Canada’s tallest standpipe, spherical, and “Tin Man” style water towers

Three separate working lists are provided below for standpipe, spherical, and “Tin Man” style water towers across our beautiful neighbor to the north, Canada. The lists will be updated periodically as additional information is found. Peace!

St. Mary’s, Ontario Standpipe – Source: flickr.com

STANDPIPE

The year of completion for these standpipe water towers ranges from 1896 to 2007. The most common decades for standpipe construction (from this list) are:

  • 1970s = 13
  • 1980s = 7
  • 1960s = 5

___

  1. Dorset Street Standpipe (1977): Port Hope, ON = 154 feet/47 m – to be replaced in 2027

2-4. Sombra Township Standpipe (1975): Port Lambton, ON and Aylmer Standpipe (1986): Hamilton (Aylmer), ON; and Caraquet Standpipe (1970): Caraquet, NB = 150 feet/45.7 m

5. Waterford Standpipe (1980): Waterford, ON = 142 feet/43.3 m

6. Delhi Standpipe (1978): Delhi, ON = 140 feet/42.7 m

7. North Bay Standpipe (1985): North Bay, ON = 131 feet/40 m

8. Timmons Standpipe (ca 1972): Timmons, ON = 130 feet/39.6 m

9. Ayr Standpipe (1978): Ayr, ON = 129 feet/39.3 m

10. Pointe-Claire Standpipe (1954): Pointe-Claire, QC = 125.5 feet/39.5 m

11. Waterdown Standpipe (1977): Hamilton (Waterdown), ON = 124.5 feet/38 m

12. Bouctouche Standpipe (1982): Bouctouche, NB = 120 feet/36.6 m

13. Region of Waterloo Standpipe (1982): Cambridge, ON = 113 feet/34.4 m

14. St. George Standpipe (1950): St. George, NB = 110 feet/33.5 m

15. Rockland Standpipe (1908): Victoria, BC = 109 feet/33.2 m

16. Grand Falls Standpipe (1998): Grand Falls, NL = 106 feet/32.3 m

17-19. Richmond Hill Standpipe (1980): Richmond Hill, ON; Kerrobet Standpipe (1914): Kerrobet, SK; and Mono Mills Standpipe (1978): Mono Mills, ON = 105 feet/32 m

20. Johnson Tower Standpipe (1963): White Rock, BC = 103 feet

21. Hemlock Water Storage Tank: Halifax, NS = 102 feet – added 2/19/25

22-24. Alexandria Standpipe #1 (1896): Alexandria, ON; Fenelon Falls Standpipe (1976): Fenelon Falls, ON; and Miramichi Standpipe (1977): Miramichi, NB = 100 feet/ 30.5 m

25. Woodville Standpipe (1972): Woodville, ON = 92 feet/28 m

26-27. Humboldt Standpipe (1915): Humboldt, SK and “Top of Wellington” Standpipe (1946): Clifford, ON = 95 feet/29 m

28-30. Hespeler Standpipe (1972): Cambridge, ON; Dutton Standpipe (1960s): Dutton, ON; and Moncton Standpipe (1980): Moncton, NB = 90 feet/27.5 m

31. Walkerton Standpipe #1: Walkerton, ON = 86 feet/26.2 m

32. Petrolia Standpipe (1896): Pertolia, ON = 85 feet/25.8 m

33. Waterloo Standpipe (1987): Waterloo, ON = 83 feet/25.3 m

34-36. Lacombe Home Water Tower (ca 1920): Calgary, AB; Firestone Standpipe: Calgary, AB; and Kamsack Standpipe (1915): Kamsack, SK = 80 feet/24.4 m

37. Rockwood Standpipe (2007): Rockwood, ON = 72 feet/22 m

38. Buchans Standpipe (2004): Buchans, NL = 71 feet/21.6 m

39. Bolton Standpipe (1937/1973): Bolton, ON = 69 feet/21 m

40. Walkerton Standpipe #2: Walkerton, ON = 66 feet/20.2 m

41-42. Orillia Standpipe (1967): Orillia, ON and Wabush Standpipe (1965): Wabush, NL = 65 feet/19.9 m

43. Elmvale Standpipe (1995): Elmvale, ON = 52 feet/15.9 m

44. Golf Course Standpipe (1976): Didsbury, AB = 51 feet/15.6 m

45. Kensington Standpipe: Kensington, PE = 50 feet/15.2 m

46. Labrador City Standpipe (1965): Labrador City, NL = 48 feet/14.6 m

Source: tourismsaskatchewan.com

More Information needed:

  • Alliance, AB
  • Andrew, AB
  • Bashaw, AB
  • Black Diamond, AB
  • Bowden, AB
  • Chipman, AB (1905)
  • Clyde, AB
  • Glenwood, AB
  • Grand Prairie, AB x 2
  • Grimshaw, AB
  • High River, AB
  • Irricana, AB
  • Legal, AB
  • Loughheed, AB
  • Mundare, AB
  • Rocky Mountain House, AB
  • Viking, AB
  • Waskatenau, AB
  • Westlock, AB
  • Rossland, BC
  • Parksville, BC
  • Victoria Standpipe #2
  • Climax Standpipe, SK
  • Weyburn Standpipe: Woburn, SK
  • Signal Hill Arts Centre Standpipe, SK
  • Norquay, SK
  • Davidson, SK
  • Coca-Cola Standpipe: Portage La Prairie, MB
  • Maple Bay, BC
  • Amhertsville, ON
  • St. Mary’s ON (1899)
  • Tara, ON
  • Midland, ON
  • Mt. Forest, ON
  • Loyalist Odessa Standpipe (1978): Odessa, ON
  • Kincardine, ON
  • Warren, ON
  • Kingston, ON x 2
  • Paisley, ON
  • Palmerston #2, ON
  • Port Elgin, ON
  • Porquois Junction, ON
  • Port Perry, ON
  • Powassan, ON
  • Wingham, ON
  • Sudbury/Walden, ON
  • Renfrew Standpipe, ON
  • Thamesville Standpipe, ON
  • Tiverton Standpipe, ON
  • Vankleek Hill, ON
  • Vemer Standpipe, ON
  • Alexandria, ON #2
  • Vineland, ON
  • Alvinston, ON
  • Arkona, ON
  • Azilda, ON
  • Loyalist Township: Amherstview, ON
  • Bancroft, ON
  • Birch Island, ON
  • Bradford, ON
  • Brechin, ON
  • Caledonia, ON
  • Campbellford, ON
  • Cayuga, ON
  • Casselman, ON
  • Cedar Springs, ON
  • New Standpipe: Clifford, ON
  • Colborne, ON
  • Cookstown, ON
  • Chatsworth, ON
  • Delaware, ON
  • Deseronto, ON
  • Dunnville, ON
  • Durham, ON
  • Espanola, ON
  • Finch, ON
  • Forest, ON
  • Halton Hills Standpipe, ON
  • Glencoe, ON
  • Guelph, ON x 2 (one in 2015)
  • Hagersville, ON
  • Hastings, ON
  • Havelock, ON
  • Hearst Standpipe (1977): Hearst, ON
  • Lakefield, ON
  • Lancaster, ON
  • Lansdowne, ON
  • Hockey World Standpipe: London, ON
  • Madoc, ON
  • Markdale, ON
  • Mamora, ON
  • Melbourne, ON
  • Mitchell, ON
  • Norwood, ON
  • Orangeville, ON
  • Orono, ON
  • Ridgeway, ON
  • Southampton, ON
  • St. Catharines, ON
  • Sturgeon Falls, ON
  • Stoney Point, ON
  • Sunderland, ON
  • Walden, ON
  • Warren, ON
  • Watford, ON
  • West Lorne, ON
  • Wiarton, ON
  • Wyoming, ON
  • Borden-Carlton, PE
  • Cornwall, PE (1995)
  • Stratford, PE
  • Bird Cove, NL
  • Come by Chance Standpipe, NL
  • Conception Bay, NL x 2
  • Daniels Harbour Standpipe, NL (1992)
  • Grand Bank, NL
  • Ramea, NL
  • Twillingate, NL
  • Antogonish, NS
  • Enfield, NS (1970s)
  • Falmouth, NS
  • Lantz, NS
  • Lunenburg, NS
  • Fredericton, NB x 2
  • Aroostook, NB
  • Perth-Andover, NB
  • Riverview, NB
  • Rothesay, NB
  • Saint John Standpipe, NB (2003)
  • St. Stephen Standpipe, NB (1988)
  • Chicoutimi, QC
  • Dalhousie, QC
  • Lévis, QC
  • Mercier, QC
  • Matagami, QC (2004)
  • Pierrefonds-Roxboro, QC
  • Rock Forest, QC
  • Shawville, QC
  • Ste-Angèle-de-Laval, QC
  • Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
  • Sainte-Foy, QC
  • Sainte-Thècle, QC (1951)
  • Sainte-Julie, QC

_______

Source: myselkirk.ca Source: winnipegfreepress.com

SPHERICAL

Nearly all of the water towers on this list were built in the 1960s and 1970s.

___

  1. Mississauga/Peel Region Water Tower (1971): Mississauga, ON = 187 feet/57 m

2-3. Thornbury Environment Water Tower: Thornbury, ON and Steinbach Water Tower (1972): Steinbach, MB = 154 feet/46.9 m

4-5. Guelph Water Tower (early 1970s): Guelph, ON and Stratford Water Tower (1964): Stratford, ON = 150 feet/45.7 m

6. Selkirk Watersphere Tower (1961): Selkirk, MB = 135 feet

7. Elmira Water Tower (1964): Elmira, ON = 126 feet/38.4 m

8. Dundas Water Tower (1969): Hamilton (Dundas), ON = 121 feet/37 m

9. Horton Watersphere Tower (1969): Centralia, ON ~ 114 feet/34.8 m

10. Cambridge Water Tower (1974): Cambridge, ON = 112 feet/34.1 m

11-13. Forest Drive Water Tower (1971): Vaughan, ON; and Woodbridge Water Tower (1971): Woodbridge, ON; and Region of Waterloo Water Tower (1978): Cambridge, ON = 108 feet/33 m

14. SSM Water Tower (1969): Sault Ste. Marie, ON = 103 feet

15. Kamsack Spheroid (1978): Kamsack, SK = 88 feet/26.8 m

16. Airdrie Water Tower (1959): Airdrie, AB = 71.5 feet/21.8 m

More information needed:

  • Oxbow Water Tower, SK
  • Redwater, AB
  • Standoff, AB
  • Kelvington, SK
  • Lang, SK
  • Langenburg, SK
  • Sturgis, SK
  • Rouleau, SK
  • Rose Valley, SK
  • Ponteix, SK
  • Coutts, AB – “Smiley”
  • Killarney Water Tower, MB
  • Beausejour, MB
  • Ridgetown, ON
  • Brantford, ON – status?
  • Arthur, ON
  • Peterborough, ON
  • South Huron Water Tower: Exeter, ON
  • Wasaga Beach, ON
  • Georgian Mall Water Tower: Barrie ON
  • Exeter, ON
  • Gananoque 1000 Islands, ON
  • Ingersoll, ON
  • Hiram Walker Water Tower: Lakeshore, ON
  • Ridgetown, ON
  • St. Thomas, ON
  • Wheatley, ON
  • Hawkes Bay, NL
  • Hubbards, NS
  • Port Hawesbury, NS
  • Drummondville, QC
  • Rock Forest, QC
  • Ste-Catherine, QC
  • St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
  • Foam Lake, SK

_______

Source: pipestoneflyer.ca

TIN MAN

  1. St. Boniface Water Tower: Winnipeg, MB (1936) = 171 feet/52.1 m

2-3. Wetaskiwin Water Tower (1907): Wetaskiwin, AB and Gleichen Water Tower (1911): Gleichen, AB = 150 feet/45.7 m

4. Winnipeg Beach Water Tower (1928),: Winnipeg Beach, MB (1928) = 131 feet

5. Union Stock Yards Water Tower (1913): Winnipeg, MB = 80 feet/24.4 m

More information needed:

  • Claresholm,, AB (1910)
  • Bonnyville, AB
  • Innisfall, AB
  • Lethbridge, AB
  • Kitscoty, AB
  • Riverhead, AB
  • Carmangay, AB
  • Kindersley, SK
  • Grand Beach, MB
  • Morden, MB
  • Manitou, MB
  • Carman, MB
  • Boissevain, MB x 2
  • Brandon, MB
  • Selkirk, MB
  • Stoney Mountain, MB
  • Tilsonburg, ON
  • Tottenham, ON
  • Arthur, ON (1932)
  • Delhi, ON
  • GSW Water Tower: Fergus, ON
  • Gravenhurst, ON
  • Hastings, ON
  • Markdale, ON
  • Mississauga, ON
  • Simcoe, ON (1929)
  • Sturgeon Falls, ON
  • Hillsborough, NB (1931)
  • Bedford, QC
  • Jonquière, QC
  • Montreal, QC x 3
  • Schenley Water Tower: Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC
  • Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC
  • St-Félicien,QC
  • Sullivan, QC
  • Fiske, SK
  • Gravelbourg, SK
  • Yorkton, SK (1930)
  • Waterton, AB
  • Saanich, BC

_____

SOURCES:

#1 #2 #Canada #cities #geography #history #planning #spherical #standpipes #stats #TinMan #tourism #towers #towns #travel #utilities #water #waterTowers

hannibal2000hannibal2000
2025-02-08
#TinMan

Standing tall: Celebrating the adaptive reuse of our water towers

All too often across the United States, when a building or structure becomes old, despite its history and/or iconic appearance, it is till torn down when its ages beyond its intended lifespan or deemed usefulness. This applies to both structures in the public and private realm and far too frequently is due to expediency or just plain dollars and cents.

Source: letstalkscience.ca

One type of structure that too often bites the dust, instead being preserved, are water towers. Often, the single most visible amenity in the community due to their height (and design), water towers provide a critical service, particularly for supplying drinking water, maintaining water pressure, and for fire-fighting purposes.

Through the years, the trend has been to increase the storage capacity and/or height of individual water towers and their numbers as places grow in population. This has left many aging water towers of various shapes and sizes left behind as a charming relic of a former era or possibly fulfilling a minor role related to its original purposes. The most unfortunate situation arises when older water towers are simply felled to the ground like a mighty tree or are being carved up into pieces and sold for scrap.

Beautiful old “Tin Man” style water tower in Groveport, Ohio being decapitated in 2015 – Source: columbusmessenger.com A felled water tower awaits its fate next to its replacement in Sweetwater, Texas – Source: ktxs.com

Fortunately, there are a number of places around the country who have discovered unique and re-useful purposes for their aging water towers. This post is dedicated to celebrating and championing the success of those often grassroots efforts by these communities and local citizenry in protecting these wonderful landmarks.

Source: facebook.com/cannerydistrict

Here are examples of possible adaptive reuses for water towers (or tanks) identified to date:

  • Convert the tower into a piece of art (static or interactive)
  • Community gathering place
  • Community branding/focal point
  • Observation tower
  • Historic site or landmark
  • Residential dwelling(s) – more common in Europe
  • Library
  • Elevated location for wireless and communications antenna – this author’s least favorite reuse option

_______

WATER TOWER INTO A WORK OF ART – MULTIPLE EXAMPLES

Many of us take functional items like water towers for granted. Just another piece of infrastructure we pass by on a regular basis. Despite the unique architectural attributes and flair associated with each generation of water towers, seeing them as a work of art may be a stretch for some. But, there is beauty in functionality. Andy Warhol was famous for making art out of the mundane…the common…the functional. So why not a water tower? or even a shorter water tank?

Well, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Brooklyn, New York, and Yelm, Washington all present fine examples of turning water towers into an art form. For Las Cruces, it’s water tanks have become iconic murals. In Brooklyn, a stained-glass rooftop masterpiece. While in Yelm, Washington…an evolving light show.

Beautiful water tank mural in Las Cruces, New Mexico – Source: lcnews-sun.com

“The 32-foot tall water tanks could easily be eyesores that disrupt otherwise panoramic views of the southern New Mexico town. But in Las Cruces, local artists have turned the curved canvasses into works of art. Using a color palette inspired by Mother Nature to share the rich history of the area, the water tank murals share the stories of the Native Americans who originated in the area and the settlers who followed.”

Source: everdaywanderer.com

Another mural water tank in Las Cruxes, New Mexico – Source: lascrucesbulletin.com

As seen in Las Cruces, water towers (or tanks) can become a living embodiment of the community’s combined personality–reflecting the history, pride, culture, and overall sense of the specific place they exist. It may not be hung on a wall in an art museum, but an iconic water tower (or tank) can be the perfect canvas from which to work, while definitely making its presence known and standing out from the crowd much like a fine work of art.

Stained-glass water tower in the Dumbo Neighborhood of Brooklyn – Photo source: reddit.com

One of the most beautiful water towers in the nation isn’t even a real water tower, but a rooftop work of art on a building in the Dumbo Neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The artist who created this magnificent stain-glassed work certainly found the simple water tower to indeed be a work of art!

And when a water tower is paired with active or static lighting, their personality really does begin to shine. Yelm, Washington has successful done this with its historic “Tin Man” styled water tower.

“Through two new projects funded by the Washington State Legislature, the City of Yelm is simultaneously preserving the past while looking to the future. The iconic 125-foot water tower that has loomed over the town since the 1940s is being converted into an art piece, while a new building, to be constructed almost directly under the tower will house a satellite branch of South Puget Sound Community College and a business incubator space.”

Source: thurstontalk.com

Yelm’s historic water tower lights up the night with the local high school’s team colors – Source: yelmonline.com

_______

WATER TOWER TO A GATHERING PLACE – GILBERT, ARIZONA

While certainly not the only example, Gilbert, Arizona has gone above and beyond in making its historic “Tin Man” style water tower into a gathering place within the city. Similar to being a branding/focal point of the community as discussed below, an historic/iconic water tower gives instant credibility to a third place with its size and panache often being the hallmark of the site. Just refer to the earlier photo of the water tower in Bozeman, Montana’s Cannery District earlier in this post for a perfect example.

Source: discovergilbert.com

https://www.instagram.com/gilbertyourtown/reel/Cz4p-UiPoZh/

Furthermore, at last two cities hold annual Water Tower Festivals – Pipestone, Minnesota and Hernando, Mississippi. In 2025, Pipestone will be holding its 36th annual event and in Hernando this year will be the 51st festival.

Source: hernandoms.org

_______

WATER TOWER FOR BRANDING/FOCAL POINT – MULTIPLE EXAMPLES

Utilizing a water tower for branding your community is pretty much a no-brainer use of an existing water tower and reuse of an historic/iconic one. Often, the historic/iconic water towers are located close to downtown, in historic districts, or is located in an activity-centered location the community would like to promote (see the gathering place examples above). This makes reuse of the historic/iconic water a win-win situation, as it can be both a giant elevated promotional sign and also a focal point for the attraction(s). Two excellent examples are provided below from Santa Ana, California and Dallas, Texas.

In the Dallas case, as with some others around the country, the wording added to the water tower can help promote a cause or event that is important to the community.

Many more examples of such reuse efforts can be found from across the country.

Santa Ana, California brands itself as “Downtown Orange County on its iconic water tower – Source: instagram.com/cityofsantaana “Creating Harmony” themed water tower in Dallas’ Deep Vellum neighborhood – Source: obeygiant.com

_______

WATER TOWER TO AN OBSERVATION TOWER – MULTIPLE EXAMPLES

Converting an existing water tower can be an option for communities to preserve iconic structures. In some cases, such as the Giant City State Park and Peoria Heights Water Towers, both in Illinois, the observation infrastructure were built into the structure from the start. The Peoria Heights tower even has a quaint built-in ticket booth at the base of the tower.

Peoria Height Water/Observation Tower – Photo by author: 2021Ticket booth at the base of the Peoria Heights Water Tower – Source: martin-wombacher.squarespace.com

In other cases, the water tower is opened up a few times a year for visitors to see the interior and climb to the top (e.g. Highland Park Water Tower in St. Paul – see photo below).

And then there are cases ware an historic water tower is refurbished/reused as an observation tower, as is taking place in North Park just outside of Pittsburgh. All are excellent ways to adapt an existing structure (when it still contains water for not) for and alternative and useful purpose.

Giant City State Park Water/Observation Tower, Illinois – Source: pinterest.com/brandigivens Highland Park Water/Observation Tower – St. Paul, Minnesota – Source: historictwincities.com North Park Water/Observation Tower – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Source: uncoveringpa.com

_______

WATER TOWER AS AN HISTORIC SITE – MULTIPLE EXAMPLES

Provided a water tower survives many years of use, care, and potential neglect without being removed or felled in favor of a newer or larger structure, it can become eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as local and state historic lists. As a largely ceremonial designation, this honor does not necessarily provide water towers with guaranteed protection from being replaced or torn down.

Meanwhile, there are many historic/iconic water towers that have been and are protected because of their architectural significance or importance to local/regional/state or national history. Here are just a few of them in the United States.

  • Chicago Water Tower (1869) – this handsome Gothic Revival architectural water standpipe survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
  • Fall River Waterworks Standpipe Water Tower (ca 1870s), Massachusetts
  • Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad Water Tower: Lusk, Wyoming (1919)
  • Louisville Water Tower (1860) – the world’s oldest ornamental water tower.
  • Remington Water Tower (1897), Indiana
Chicago Water Tower – Source: britannica.com Railroad Water Tower in Lusk, Wyoming – Source: pinterest.com Louisville Water Tower – Source: shutterstock.com Remington, Indiana Water Tower: Source: indanalandmarks.org Fall River Standpipe Tower – Source: heraldnews.com

WATER TOWER TO A RESIDENTIAL DWELLING – SEAL (SUNSET) BEACH, CALIFORNIA

The option of converting an older water tower to a residential dwelling (or dwellings) would be considered unique and very site-specific based on a variety of factors from condition of the water tower, to its location to local zoning/building codes, to community acceptanc and other factors. Obviously, a water tower house is not for everyone. But, in case of the Seal (Sunset) Beach, California home shown below, not only is is an historic attraction that offers tours, but the dwelling can be rented.

Source: sunsetbeachwatertower.com

_______

WATER TOWER TO A LIBRARY – TOA BAJA, PUERTO RICO

Probably the most unique reuse of a water tower anywhere in the nation is the old Levittown Water Tower in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Beneath the superstructure of the tower, the city built its library and incorporated aspects of the tower into the building.

Perhaps, more utility departments should consider locating their offices in a similar manner? Another option might be to locate a locate historical society offices below the tower? Despite my criticism of the digital gadgets located on the water tower in Los Lunas, New Mexico (see below), the city’s historical society museum is located directly adjacent and the off-street parking is around the base of the tower.

The point is–thinking outside the box (literally), can help save historic/iconic water towers!

_______

OLDER WATER TOWER FOR WIRELESS/COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA – COMMON

The reason I dislike this option is because the communications antenna and equipment detract from the historic/iconic integrity and appearance of the water tower. Though…if the equipment helps to preserve an older water tower that would otherwise be destroyed, then such an option becomes a necessary evil to save the tower.

A water tower in Los Lunas, New Mexico where too much digital gadgetry detracts from the historic integrity the water tower – Photo by author: 2025

Preferably, the antenna and equipment are designed in such a manner that the blend in or are camouflaged to limit their intrusion into the original design and appearance of the water tower. Otherwise, the water tower begins to look like an elevated pin cushion.

_______

As is clearly evident throughout this post, the protection and preservation of historic/iconic water towers can be and has been successfully accomplished across the country. Water towers (and tanks) come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, are constructed of a variety of materials, and are designed in numerous forms and styles. Whether they be a standpipe, a “Tin Man,” a spheroid, or just a low-rise tank; water towers (and tanks) often become symbolic of their community. As such, they play an important role in the history, culture, and dynamics that shape each place. If for no other reason, this is factor alone is why they should be preserved and protected whenever possible.

Source: cdn.shopify.com

Hopefully, this post will enlighten those across the country who ultimately decide the fate of these iconic structures, while also embolden those who are fighting for the preservation and protection of these landmark water towers in their community. As but one example of establishing and maintaining the context of “place,” historic/iconic water towers are perhaps the most recognizable and identifiable aspect of a community. Let’s work together to make sure their important role is not forgotten with time and is celebrated in a manner that enhances both the water tower and overall sense of “community.” Peace!

Belen, New Mexico formally designated its beautiful “Tin Man” style water tower an Historic Landmark in 2020 – Source: Photo by author: 2025

SOURCES:

#adaptiveReuse #art #brandding #cities #community #culture #design #dwellings #festivals #fun #historic #historicSites #history #iconic #infrastructure #landUse #landmark #libraries #placemaking #places #planning #preservation #protection #signs #standpipes #tanks #TinMan #tourism #travel #water

hannibal2000hannibal2000
2025-01-13
Karsten Schmidttoxi@mastodon.thi.ng
2024-12-29

Another beautifully crafted, warm and minimalist slow-mo 303 piece, and one of my all-time favorite collaborations between Donato Dozzy and Tin Man:

Donato Dozzy + Tin Man — Test 3 (2014)
youtube.com/watch?v=FzZ_xq8JiI

cc/ @r3rt0 :)

#Music4Coding #303 #DonatoDozzy #TinMan

hannibal2000hannibal2000
2024-12-15
hannibal2000hannibal2000
2024-11-19
hannibal2000hannibal2000
2024-10-23
hannibal2000hannibal2000
2024-09-28

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