My Dad helped build the Space Needle. He was a lead Welder and Burner. He worked for Pacific Car and Foundry. He told me when they were building it they were never tied down to any thing due to the welding leads. He also said when they were almost finished one day they dropped a bolt down from the top. It went down and right threw a car that was parked below. The bolt went threw the car and into the cement foundation. My Dad past away in 1998 but I always have the Space Needle to remember him by. I am very proud of my Dad.
My dad, Jim Torrey, was the signalman on the Space Needle project. That means that he "talked" every piece into place by talking to the crane operator via a very antiquated mic and head set, with over 700 feet of electrical cord. Dad is in 4.07 minutes, directing one of the legs into place. at 6.00 minutes at the far left with the head gear on, telling the crane operator what to do. The man in the plaid shirt is Jack Edwards. Dad's also at 7.04 minutes. So nice to see dad again and Jack Edwards, truly in their element, being their true, authentic selves.
That is a great story i just seen it now your comment your dad like the connectors and crane operator make the whole job go hats off to them you must be proud i am a recently retired union structural ironworker out of Local 25 Detroit be well and safe
Your DAD and Jack Edwards were two bad asses the signal man and a connector i am a retired union structural Ironworker a connector out of Local 25 Detroit and the Space Needle is a wicked project just beautiful i would love to know more about your dad Jim and Jack be well and safe
I remember that Seattle! I saw the Space Needle being built...two things that always meant "home" to me: the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier. Thanks for posting this.
You are so lucky. Im just kid born in Seattle in the future year 2001. I live in Montana now for family reasons. But that Space Needle will always remind me of my childhood golden days of home.
Went to Latona Elementary on north side Lake Union while space needle was being built. You could see it growing every month or so from several classrooms.
Simply beautiful! I proposed to my lovely bride there. The staff was amazing.... lots of folks on dates or anniversaries that night. There were notes written on sugar packets left on the window sills to various diners.... "my date's prettier than yours" or "I love my girlfriend".... a memorable evening on Seattle's most iconic structure. Nothing like Seattle. Nothing.
Whew! Did anyone else notice the glory of the 60's with almost no safety gear required of the workers? It would likely be a bit different now. I remember when they built the St. Louis arch and it was about the same situation. Thanks for the video. This is history!!
Yes it is a piece of history. My Dad never was tied to anything and would walk all over the place up there. Now I'm not afraid of heights but I have to say doing what my Dad did took a lot of guts.
My fiance works at the Space Needle and he never seen this video. Sadly there isn't much history of the building on display there, but he said this video was really awesome to watch thanks for posting this!
I wish these documentaries were made for more towers, I really wanna know how SO many buildings were made. This is such a quality documentary into how it happened.
Thanks for the video! It is interesting to see that back then they had horrible intrusive terrible music just as we so often do today! We Americans never will be able to make dignified videos such as those made by the Brits.
I went to Seattle last October (2022) and looked up at the Needle from the ground (have a severe fear of heights which prevented me from going to the top). It was impressive and I can only imagine what it would have been like to see it for the first time at the Fair
I knew there used to be a rotating restaurant. Last time I was at the Space Needle was 1976... Back to Seattle in 92 with the military but we didn't have a lot of time. Was lucky to go see the thieving cats at the Pike Street Fish Market a couple of times. I hope to go back just for a visit - hopefully take the Amtrak from Mississippi. I also seem to remember that at the bottom of the Space Needle, or some place close by, they had a food court of various foods from around the world. Was only there for 6 days and the relatives took us everywhere...Mt Rainier, Point Defiance Park & Zoo, Olympia... so I might have mixed something up... and there was someplace in the "desert" that had "Sylvester" the mummy ?
I guess it's impressive for not having actual engineering, hvac, plumbing, electrical or mechanical plans to speak of. I do wonder how all the suppliers figured out lengths, thickness, curve, radius, live/dead load, thread, bolt, nut, coupling, finish, floor, ceiling, outer skin, inner skin, truss, cantilever, spin, bearing, axle, shaft, foundation, rebar, windshear, glass, elevator, cable, motor, pump, hinge, and about ten thousand other things one needs in blueprint and materials engineering scope, detail and approvals. But hey, at least we have elevation plans, we'll take it from here and have it on site next week😂
Ahh, yeah, back when it was okay to be openly racist, homophobic and misogynistic, when black people weren't allowed to vote, and white males had all of the power instead of just most of it. Great times!
Awesome day back then! No global warming existed and cars never needed air conditioning, just open windows with fresh American air. Then the immigrants came and took all that air. Make America Great Again!!!
@@MuffDiver408 idk what your talking about, i live just outside Seattle and my air is fine, maybe the "fresh American air" just didn't want your racist ass breathing it
I've been up it once. I wonder if it meets modern seismic standards or has been upgraded. The construction workers didn't seem to be wearing safety harnesses. One strong gust of wind, and they wouldn't be around for the grand opening.
Nope my Dad didn't wear a harness with welding and burning there leads would have gotten tangled and cause more harm than anything so nothing while working up there. They were brave.
Disc jockey Bobby Wooten of country music station KAYO-AM lived in an apartment built adjacent to the Space Needle's broadcast studio for six months in 1974, which required a permit variance from the city government.
This music is all about "We can do it!" Who wrote this music? It's perfect. Whoa! Look how LOW that hand rail is on the outside observation deck! Not like that anymore, that's for sure.
stitch16261 sadly it had to be removed due to constant repairs to the rides. They have turned the areas into parks and a glass gallery called Chihuly Garden and Glass. I used to work at the Space Needle for about 4 years. It was sad to see them go but the replacements are beautiful at least.
As far as I know you really can't own the video unless they release the video to the public. All ya do is google the making of the Space Needle and videos should come up.
The Seattle center complex where the worlds fair was in 1962 is today a very interesting aspect of the city. At night it's a bleak somewhat depressing place. And now that the amusement park is gone it just seems like a rusting hulk waiting to be turned into upper class apartment buildings.
My Dad helped build the Space Needle. He was a lead Welder and Burner. He worked for Pacific Car and Foundry. He told me when they were building it they were never tied down to any thing due to the welding leads. He also said when they were almost finished one day they dropped a bolt down from the top. It went down and right threw a car that was parked below. The bolt went threw the car and into the cement foundation. My Dad past away in 1998 but I always have the Space Needle to remember him by. I am very proud of my Dad.
Sandra Danjanic that’s pretty dam cool something great to be proud of ..
I bet the Space Needle reminds you of your dad’s hard work
@@jonwright1513 I am very proud of my Dad.
@@BlendedMozart Yes it does. When it comes New Years Eve and I see it lit up with fireworks I get all emotional.
@@hiediho8693I will, no doubt, think of this post the next time I pass under the needle. A touching tribute to a loving dad. I miss mine, also.
My dad, Jim Torrey, was the signalman on the Space Needle project. That means that he "talked" every piece into place by talking to the crane operator via a very antiquated mic and head set, with over 700 feet of electrical cord. Dad is in 4.07 minutes, directing one of the legs into place. at 6.00 minutes at the far left with the head gear on, telling the crane operator what to do. The man in the plaid shirt is Jack Edwards. Dad's also at 7.04 minutes. So nice to see dad again and Jack Edwards, truly in their element, being their true, authentic selves.
That is a great story i just seen it now your comment your dad like the connectors and crane operator make the whole job go hats off to them you must be proud i am a recently retired union structural ironworker out of Local 25 Detroit be well and safe
Your DAD and Jack Edwards were two bad asses the signal man and a connector i am a retired union structural Ironworker a connector out of Local 25 Detroit and the Space Needle is a wicked project just beautiful i would love to know more about your dad Jim and Jack be well and safe
My dad once drank a few cans of beer up there and then peed on the pedestrians below 😎👍
I love documentaries like this, and of this era, with positive forward looking energy.
The Seattle Space Needle is almost as tall as building 7 th-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/w-d-xo.html
I remember that Seattle! I saw the Space Needle being built...two things that always meant "home" to me: the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier. Thanks for posting this.
You are so lucky. Im just kid born in Seattle in the future year 2001. I live in Montana now for family reasons. But that Space Needle will always remind me of my childhood golden days of home.
@@aznmozez2214 Yes the Space Needle will always be home point for Seattle.
Went to Latona Elementary on north side Lake Union while space needle was being built. You could see it growing every month or so from several classrooms.
The Seattle Space Needle is almost as tall as building 7 th-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/w-d-xo.html
We lived in West Seattle went it was being built in 1962…👍🏼😷
Simply beautiful! I proposed to my lovely bride there. The staff was amazing.... lots of folks on dates or anniversaries that night. There were notes written on sugar packets left on the window sills to various diners.... "my date's prettier than yours" or "I love my girlfriend".... a memorable evening on Seattle's most iconic structure. Nothing like Seattle. Nothing.
Whew! Did anyone else notice the glory of the 60's with almost no safety gear required of the workers? It would likely be a bit different now. I remember when they built the St. Louis arch and it was about the same situation. Thanks for the video. This is history!!
Yes it is a piece of history. My Dad never was tied to anything and would walk all over the place up there. Now I'm not afraid of heights but I have to say doing what my Dad did took a lot of guts.
Love to hear Jim French's narration. What a talent his is.
And an excellently written script to match. My kind of professionalism..
@zuutlmna "children are delighted, teenagers impressed"
When he said"hanging on to nothing" my palms got sweaty. My grampa had a big hand installing the plumbing. Nice video. Thanks!
My fiance works at the Space Needle and he never seen this video. Sadly there isn't much history of the building on display there, but he said this video was really awesome to watch thanks for posting this!
I wish these documentaries were made for more towers, I really wanna know how SO many buildings were made. This is such a quality documentary into how it happened.
At 10:50 Its D.B. Cooper.
5:35
u arrive for duty at the 500 ft level, if your knees a little shaky u keep it to yourself
Health and Safety procedures 1962 :D
Thanks for the video! It is interesting to see that back then they had horrible intrusive terrible music just as we so often do today! We Americans never will be able to make dignified videos such as those made by the Brits.
It looks even better now, since it was redone in glass last year!
The footage of the high altitude crew is first rate , courageous highly skilled workers from a different era that no longer exists.
Now that's the truth there.
The Seattle Space Needle is almost as tall as building 7 th-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/w-d-xo.html
I went to Seattle last October (2022) and looked up at the Needle from the ground (have a severe fear of heights which prevented me from going to the top). It was impressive and I can only imagine what it would have been like to see it for the first time at the Fair
Awesome documentary. Thanks for sharing!
your welcome there are not a whole lot of video's on the Space Needle.
Just watched this on a retro Panasonic TV at the top of the Space Needle last night. Very cool!
That was really cool. Thanks for sharing it.
Your welcome anything to show my Dad's pride and joy.
thanks for posting this. I had seen snippets but never the entire film.
your welcome maybe I will post another one soon.
cool.beautiful film
This makes me want to go back in time
Me to then my Dad would still be alive.
I love the old
I knew there used to be a rotating restaurant. Last time I was at the Space Needle was 1976... Back to Seattle in 92 with the military but we didn't have a lot of time. Was lucky to go see the thieving cats at the Pike Street Fish Market a couple of times. I hope to go back just for a visit - hopefully take the Amtrak from Mississippi. I also seem to remember that at the bottom of the Space Needle, or some place close by, they had a food court of various foods from around the world. Was only there for 6 days and the relatives took us everywhere...Mt Rainier, Point Defiance Park & Zoo, Olympia... so I might have mixed something up... and there was someplace in the "desert" that had "Sylvester" the mummy ?
I don't know if the food court is still going anymore.
The Seattle Space Needle is almost as tall as building 7 th-cam.com/video/LJPuWy9utss/w-d-xo.html
THE HISTORY CHANNEL MODERN MARVELS NEEDS TO MAKE A FILM ON THE SPACE NEEDLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes I think they should to. Good idea.
just great!!
I guess it's impressive for not having actual engineering, hvac, plumbing, electrical or mechanical plans to speak of. I do wonder how all the suppliers figured out lengths, thickness, curve, radius, live/dead load, thread, bolt, nut, coupling, finish, floor, ceiling, outer skin, inner skin, truss, cantilever, spin, bearing, axle, shaft, foundation, rebar, windshear, glass, elevator, cable, motor, pump, hinge, and about ten thousand other things one needs in blueprint and materials engineering scope, detail and approvals. But hey, at least we have elevation plans, we'll take it from here and have it on site next week😂
The good old days.
Ahh, yeah, back when it was okay to be openly racist, homophobic and misogynistic, when black people weren't allowed to vote, and white males had all of the power instead of just most of it. Great times!
Tim Nelson
fuck you. He's right
Awesome day back then! No global warming existed and cars never needed air conditioning, just open windows with fresh American air. Then the immigrants came and took all that air. Make America Great Again!!!
@@MuffDiver408 idk what your talking about, i live just outside Seattle and my air is fine, maybe the "fresh American air" just didn't want your racist ass breathing it
MuffDiver408 i mean it was you white people that made cars 😂 you had to ruined the world and began global warming not immigrants
I've been up it once. I wonder if it meets modern seismic standards or has been upgraded. The construction workers didn't seem to be wearing safety harnesses. One strong gust of wind, and they wouldn't be around for the grand opening.
It went through the Columbus Day storm of '63 and just went through a 7.9 earthquake a few years back.
roachtoasties m, plus they wouldn’t get paid either
Nope my Dad didn't wear a harness with welding and burning there leads would have gotten tangled and cause more harm than anything so nothing while working up there. They were brave.
Now you've got the suicide barrier all around the outside deck.
It's been completely changed in the last year, Google it!
That does beg the question... Has there been anyone who tried to jump ?
@@baronedipiemonte3990 Yes if I remember right there was a lady that had tried but she was caught before she could other than that I have no clue.
I use to take all my dates there back in the day for dinner/ desert :)
Amazing
We watched get built from my grandmother's living room.
Awesome
Those guys don't even tie off to anything😬. OSHA would have a hay day now.
Heyday"
-hay- -day-
Heyyyyy heyy
Disc jockey Bobby Wooten of country music station KAYO-AM lived in an apartment built adjacent to the Space Needle's broadcast studio for six months in 1974, which required a permit variance from the city government.
Awesome!!!...Made it up there in 1999, what a rush!!!
So did I in 1995😊
awsommmme
Inspired by the Jetson's
This music is all about "We can do it!" Who wrote this music? It's perfect.
Whoa! Look how LOW that hand rail is on the outside observation deck! Not like that anymore, that's for sure.
the score is great! lots of energy and creative interest.
OSHA has a heart attack every time they watch this.
I always thought the space needle was a gift to us from another country , I guess I need a quick brief on my Seattle culture.
You must be thinking of The Statue of Liberty, it was a gift from the French
Soren Fisher
yes its the Statue of liberty
+Soren Fisher from Gustave Eiffel the architect of the Eiffel tower in Paris
Is that amusement park at the bottom of the needle ever open?
stitch16261 sadly it had to be removed due to constant repairs to the rides. They have turned the areas into parks and a glass gallery called Chihuly Garden and Glass. I used to work at the Space Needle for about 4 years. It was sad to see them go but the replacements are beautiful at least.
@@cytochallengegames8080 It seems nothing is the same as it used to be. So sad.
sigh. If only the symbol was the tallest tower in the modern world. Space Needle some day you will get there. In my imagination, it is always.
Hi was wondering where i could buy a copy of this or could I pay you to burn me a copy of this. Thanks
As far as I know you really can't own the video unless they release the video to the public. All ya do is google the making of the Space Needle and videos should come up.
Is there really a room to stay in?
mr fun at parties no it’s just a restaurant and a great place for a view
Maybe I would sound stupid but did anyone die then?
Ain’t a Lake Como…
I wonder how many workers got killed there...
I was wondering the same thing, as far as I can tell no one died during construction
@@_JellyDonut_ I guess the construction workers didn't have a Fear of Falling. I'm uncomfortable standing on the top of a ladder.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
Now the viewing area is covered with 10in. Plexy glass because modern day people are F'n crazy! Lol
The Seattle center complex where the worlds fair was in 1962 is today a very interesting aspect of the city. At night it's a bleak somewhat depressing place. And now that the amusement park is gone it just seems like a rusting hulk waiting to be turned into upper class apartment buildings.
Oh bite your tongue. Let's hope not. It is to beautiful for that.
did you the needle was 200 miles so a major earhquake would not know it down
#subhash_ka_fanda