The New Year's Eve Ball

Description

What has become the most iconic celebration ringing in the new year takes place in Times Square. Millions of revelers assemble so that they can count the last 60 seconds as the Times Ball begins its descent from the top of the flagpole. The original ball constructed of iron and wood weighed in at 700 lbs. There have been 6 subsequent versions including a ‘big apple’ one. The current Waterford Crystal ball was designed for the Centennial in 2007.

Started, Dec 31, 1903

The New York Times was about to open their new headquarters, the city's second tallest building, in what was then known as Longacre Square. Adolph Ochs, the paper's owner, decided to commemorate the opening with a midnight fireworks show on the roof of the building on December 31.

Maiden descent, Dec 31, 1907

The City banned the fireworks. Ochs was undaunted and decided to create a bigger spectacle at the building to draw more attention to the newly-renamed Times Square. He hired an electrician to construct a lighted ball to be lowered from the flagpole. Instantly Times Square became the location to celebrate the New Year replacing Trinity Church.The ball has been dropping every year except during World War II since then.

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Revelers (Times Square Mural)

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