While Dubuque and the tristate area don't feature world-renowned landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or the Eiffel Tower, we have a few buildings and landmarks that always stand out.

The 4th Street Elevator, the big 'M' in Platteville and the home of Ulysses S. Grant in Galena all come to mind. One other that I always think of is the weather tower at the top of the MidWestOne Bank at 9th and Main.

Last night my son looked up and told me "that's a cool light!"

I asked him if he knew what it was and I told him it was a weather tower. I'm pretty sure I remember my own dad explaining the lights to me, but maybe there are listeners who don't know, so let me break it down for you.

From what I've found, the building was completed in 1923 but I couldn't find a date for when the weather tower was initially used.

If the red neon flashes bottom to top, warmer temperatures are predicted, if the red neon flashes top to bottom, the temperature will drop. Steady red means no change.

The color of the light continues the weather forecast:
White = Clear
Green = Cloudy
Red = Rain
Flashing red = Snow

So now you know! The top of the building isn't just a pretty light. It has a practical function.

Do you ever use this? Nowadays most of us just pull out our cell phone for the weather... but the tower is there if you ever need it.

~Chris Farber

 

 

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