On December 7, 1978, the 126 foot Falstaff tower weather ball went dark. The lighted sign sat atop New Orleans' Falstaff brewery, serving as a weather beacon to the surrounding area as well as an advertising venue for the company. Atop the seven story building sits the tower, vertically proclaiming FALSTAFF on each side with a sphere atop. This unique addition to the building was first lit August 1, 1952 at exactly 8pm with U.S. Weather Bureau meteorologist, the renowned and highly beloved Dr. Isaac Monroe Cline and New Orleans Mayor deLesseps “Chep” Morrison on hand. The folks at Falstaff informed the public that the tower's lights would indicate the forecast for the following day.
The ball would light up green if fair, red if cloudy, red and white if raining, and flashing red and white if storms were approaching. The letters spelling out “Falstaff” signaled the temperature; they flashed on and off if the temperature was constant and lit from top to bottom if temperatures were falling, and from bottom to top if rising. The lights served the people of New Orleans for twenty-six years until the brewery closed.
In early 2003, the tower had a brief rebirth when then-owner Mickey Boes turned the lights on again in an attempt to draw attention to the building, hoping to lure a buyer to breathe new life into the long-abandoned building. Future unclear for old Falstaff brewery Modern Brewery Age - Find Articles
Perhaps someone took the bait so to speak. In June 2006, Theodore “Tad” Mondale, nephew of former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale and his business partner, David Miller purchased the building for $1.1 million with plans to convert it into 150 affordable apartments.
Mondale was attracted to tower for the same reason I was - the tower & weatherball fascinate me. Nested atop the former brewery & massive sign, the ball sits 250 feet about street level, and with its simple lighting system informs thousands of people how to dress for the weather. Luckily for all of us, Mondale & Miller say they plan to give the people of New Orleans this historic icon back. The renovations are estimated to take 12 to 18 months, with the developers hoping to breakground in late 2006 or early 2007. I'll let you know when I see the light.