The name "Sunsphere" for the structure in Knoxville was derived from its design and the theme of the 1982 World's Fair for which it was built. The golden orb atop the tower was meant to represent the sun and the energy of the sun. The original base of the structure was blue to blend with the sky, further reinforcing the solar theme.
The Sunsphere is a 266 foot tall hexagonal steel truss structure located in World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. It is topped with the 75 foot gold-colored glass sphere that served as the symbol of the World's Fair. Directly across a man-made pond from the Tennessee Amphitheater. They are the only remaining structures from the fair.
The Tennessee Amphitheater
The 1,400-seat amphitheater was designed by structural engineer Horst Berger and Geiger Berger, engineers of New York City. They were known for their work with tensile architecture and the artchitectural design of the amphitheater is notable for the tensile fabric membranes that hover over the theatre.
The amphitheater was condemmed to demolition in 2002, but was renovated between 2005 and 2007, reopening in 2007. The amphitheater was voted one of the top 15 architectural works of East Tennessee by the East Tennessee chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Since its reopening, the amphitheater continues to be used for concerts including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera and the Tennessee Children's Dance Ensemble.
The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Richman performing at the annual Independence Day concert on the south lawn of the World's Fair Park for the City of Knoxville's Festival on the Fourth.
July 4, 2011
The Sunsphere under construction
View from the Top
Photo Credit to Ron Plasencia
Photo taken at twilight, merging three separate exposures to create a high dynamic range image.
"The lighted fountain caught my eye, so I walked around to find the best angle to capture it. This one has become my favorite image of Knoxville."
Ron Plasencia
Knoxville at Night
Knoxville News-Sentinel
May 1, 1982
Opening Ceremonies at the World's Fair
May 1, 1982
The World's Fair theme was "Energy Turns the World".
Dinah Shore, Governor Lamar Alexander, President Ronald Reagan and Jake Butcher
May 1, 1982
The Rule High School Marching Band marches in Knoxville one year to the date of the opening of the World's Fair.
May 1, 1981
The World's Fair Construction Site
December 13, 1981
Postcards from the World's Fair
Charles and Helen Hutchinson of Cincinnati, Ohio were the 11th millionth visitors to the World's Fair. Helping celebrate the occasion are World's Fair Commissioner General Dortch Oldham, Knoxville International Energy Exposition President "Bo" Roberts, Jr. and World's Fair Board of Directors Chairman Jake Butcher.
October 30, 1982
Singer-actor, the late Kenny Rogers in town to promote the opening of his new movie "Six Pack" took time out on July 6, 1982 to survey the World's Fair from the top of the United States Pavilion in Knoxville. With him was his wife Marianne Gordon, a regular, at the time, on the popular television series, "Hee Haw".
The United States Pavilion pictured at the World's Fair near the Amphitheater.
May 2, 1982
An aerial view of the World's Fair Site
The Strohaus (formerly The Foundry)
October 2, 1982
Musician and singer, Glen Campbell taped a television show during the World's Fair at the Strohaus.
May 3, 1982
Knoxville's Rick Kuhlman and a handful of partners resurrected World's Fair Beer for the 35th anniversary of the 1982 World's Fair.
An aerial view of the Sunsphere and World's Fair
May 2, 2019
Allie Clouse jumps in front of the Sunsphere at the World's Fair
May 21, 2019
Sunday, June 15, 2025
The Roanoke Star
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Mill Mountain
2000 Fishburn Parkway SE
Roanoke, Virginia
At 8:22 p.m. on November 23, 1949 on a chilly Thanksgiving Eve Roanoke Mayor, A R. Minton threw a switch and illuminated the Roanoke Star for the first time. At that moment, Roanoke earned the nickname, "Star of the South" and the star has been a part of the landscape of Mill Mountain ever since.
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Why was the "Star" constructed in the first place? The purpose for erecting the star was to serve as a seasonal, Christmas decoration to shine over the city during the brisk holiday shopping season of 1949. The project was sponsored by the Roanoke Merchants Association. The original plan was to dismantle the star when the holiday season ended. John Payne, a Roanoke native and, at the time, a Hollywood leading man came to Roanoke to add his celebrity status to the formal lighting ceremony. Less than 100 braved the cold night to stand under the star as it was switched on. Payne had made the movie, Miracle on 34th Street in 1947 prior to the visit to his hometown.
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John Payne with Edmund Gwenn and Maureen O'Hara
Miracle on 34th Street
Circa 1947
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Roy C. Kinsey, then owner of Kinsey Sign Co., built the Roanoke Star along with his three sons, Roy Jr., Bob and Warren. Bob and Warren designed and built the 2,000 feet of neon tubing still used today. The "Star" is actually three stars. A small star in the center, enveloped by a larger, mid-sized frame surrounded by the largest outer frame. Each frame contains three to five sets of clear neon tubes.
The Roanoke Star stands at 88.5 feet, weighs 10,000 pounds and requires 17,500 watts of power to illuminate. It is the world's largest iluminated man-made star. As the largest, free-standing star in the world, the Roanoke Star is one of the most photographed attractions in the area. The scenic overlook at the base of the structure is a popular stop for an incredible view of the region.
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In 2024, the iconic Roanoke Star celebrated its 75th birthday. It is illuminated each night until midnight. The height above the City of Roanoke is 1,847 feet.
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Visibility from the air is 60 miles and several possible color combinations can illuminate the Star.
The Roanoke Star is a symbol of the progressive spirit of Roanoke.
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Saturday, June 14, 2025
Circus Parade Day! .. in Baraboo!
This year, the Big Top Parade will be held on Flag Day Saturday, June 14 2025.
11:00 a.m.
Baraboo is most often known as "Circus City" for several reasons and not just for the fact the Ringling Brothers called Baraboo home and had their original winter quarters here through 1918. In 1884, the young Ringling Brothers gave their first official circus performance in Baraboo, Wisconsin .. and the rest is history! .. Ringling history!
Guests at the Al Ringling Mansion can view the parade from the home's historial veranda.
Friday, June 13, 2025
Tennessee Theatre
604 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, Tennessee
All The Way Home
Starring Robert Preston and Jean Simmons
Initial Release: September 14, 1963
The magnificient Tennessee Theatre first opened its doors on October 1, 1928 and was hailed as "the South's most beautiful theatre." When the first patrons stepped inside downtown's movie palace to see their favorite stars on the silver screen, they paid only 40 cents for matinees and 60 cents for evening shows (children paid only 10 and 15 cents).
The Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, Tennessee has a rich history initially opening ij 1928 as a grand movie palace. It evolved into a premier performing arts venue, hosting both live performances and films, particularly during the Great Depression and WWII. The theatre faced challenges in the post-war era, but was revitalized through a major renovation in the early 2000s. As with many theatres of its era, the rise of suburban multiplexes and changing entertainment trends lead to those challenges for the Tennessee Theatre.
In 1928, the Tennessee Theatre, designed by Graven & Mayger in the Spanish-Moorish Revival style opened its doors as a "motion picture palace". The original seating capacity was 1,996. The grand lobby, designed by the same architects features Czechoslovakian crystals in the French-style chandeliers, Italian terrazzo flooring and Asian-inspirred carpets and drapery.
The Tennessee ceased showing premier films and temporarily closed in 1977, only to be revived and reopened in the early 1980s with a renovation in preparation for Knoxville's World's Fair in 1982. A comprehensive $30 million renovation project restored the theatre to its historic grandeur. The theatre reopened in 2005 as a premier performing arts venue, hosting Broadway shows, concerts and opera. In February 1935, the Tennessee Theatre hosted the legendary Ziegfeld's Follies. In 1938, the Tennessee Theatre screened movies for decades including popular films like Disney's "Snow White" in 1938.
During the Great Deprression and WWII, the Tennessee Theatre served as a sanctuary for the community, providing a place to escape and stay informed. The theatre played a role in Knoxville's transition from segregation to integration.
The Tennessee Theatre is a National Register of Historic Places landmark and was added April 1, 1982. The Tennessee Theatre is home to the Knoxville Opera and to the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
The Mighty Wurlitzer
Tennessee Theatre
The instrument is a 3/17 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Oran and is set apart by its magnificent console, an original red Balaban 2 Style Wurlitzer done in a French Moorish motif. Only one other Wurlitzer organ in the world was manfactured with such a console, the 4/24 Mighty Wurlitzer installed at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama.
Mighty Musical Monday with organist, Freddie Brabson
February 1, 2021
For decades, a favorite elemtn of the Tennessee Theatre experience has been the golden-voiced Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer was installed in the Tennessee Theatre at the time of the bulding's opening in 1928. The organ was built by the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in North Tonawanda, New York and cost about $50,000 at that time. Today, it is one of the few theatre organs still installed in its orginial location.
Miss Jean Wilson was the Tennessee Theatre's first house organist and whose name appeared on the marquee alongside early films. Since then, many organists have followed her, mostly notably Billy Barnes who entertained at the console four times daily in the 1930s and 1940s. Tennessee's emeritus organist, former Chancellor and Dean of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Dr. William T. Snyder graced the organ for decades before current House Organist, Freddie Brabson joined the team. Matthew Fisher is currently the Associate House Organist and the theatre's Development Associate.
In October 2000, virtually the entire organ with all the pipes and the console with its manuals, stops and pedals were shipped to Reno, Nevada to master theatre organ rebuilder, Ken Crome. Mr. Crome and his technicians painstakingly restored the instrument piece by piece. Artisans and craftsmen returned the organ's appearance to its original 1928 color scheme and design. The chambers on either side of the stage, which house the pipes, have been replastered to fully ensure the protection and preservation of the restored instrument.
While the organ originally came from the factory with 14 ranks of pipes, Mr. Crome expanded these to 17 ranks during the rebuild, giving the Mighty Wurlitzer a world-class voice.
The Wurlitzer returned to Knoxville on August 27, 2001 and was re-installed by Mr. Crome and his staff during the entire month of September. Acclaimed theatre organist, Lyn Larsen was involved in much of the configuration and tonal regulation of the organ Larsen was the first to publicly perform on it as a sold-out gala concert on October 1, 2001.
"I am so excited about the newly restored Wurlitzer organ in the Tennessee Theatre and I consider it to be among the handful of the very finest 'in-theatre' installations in the country. The unsurpassed craftsmanship of Ken Crome and his expert team of artisans, the perfect match ofthe auditoriium's acoustics to the organ sound and the commitment to 100% quality by everyone at the theatre have all combine to produce this 'new-old' pipe organ that is absolutely sublime. I hope to be a part of the Tennessee Theatre for many years."
Lyn Larsen
Dr. William T. Snyder
Organ Emeritus, Tennessee Theatre
Sidenote: I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Synder several years ago while visiting friends in Knoxville. He gave Bill and myself a tour of the Tennessee Theatre and played the organ while we sat in the auditorium.
A memorable moment!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Image from 1927 Kling literature
Kling Factories was founded in May 1911 when John A. Kling, an immigrant from Sweden purchased the bankrupt Chautauqua Spring Bed & Lounge Company in Mayville, New York and renamed it the Chautauqua Cabinet Company. John Kling immigrated at age 17 to Jamestown, New York in 1885 and worked in several furniture factories in the area as a cabinet maker, cabinet room foreman and plant superintendent before getting the opportunity to own his own business.
By 1928, John Kling had purchased four additional factories in Chautauqua County, New York and the company was reorganized as the Kling Factories. These additions were The Frewsburg Furniture Company in Frewburg New York, The Herrick Manufacturing Company in Falconer New York, The Brocton Furniture Company and the Crandall Panel Company in Brocton, New York.
In just seventeen years, John Kling built up the organization to sales of approximately $3 million in 1928. His idea to have each of the company plants specialize in a particular furniture style would make Kling Factories one of the nation's largest volume producers of bedroom furniture. The 1929 stock market crash and the ensuing great depression hit furniture manufacturers hard. In the depth of the depression in 1933, Kling Factories sales were reduced to $1.5 million due to price deflation and lower volume, but the company was marginally profitable.
In 1934, John A. Kling passed leaving the responsibility of managing the company to his sons Arvid (President) and Denold (Vice President). Arvid had considerable experience in the furniture business due to the fact he began working in the factory in 1911 at age 19 and rose to become national sales manager. Denold, the younger brother,had also been with the company since 1922.
Through sound business management, including the introduction of more affordable lines of furniture, the two brothers brought the company through the depression while many Jamestown area furniture companies went bankrupt. Kling Factories continued to introduce new lines of furniture and business was strong enough to justify an addition to the Mayville plant in 1933. During WWII, the company produced a utilitarian style of bedroom furnitre for the United States government.
The period from 1947 to 1960 represents the peak of the Kling Factories in volume and quality reputation. Like many post war venturesthecompany took off nationally andwas aided by advertising inmagazines such as House Beautiful and Better Homes & Gardens. In 1955, Arvid Kling retired and his brother, Denold took over as president. Denold's four sons entered the family business and were assigned to responsible management positions. The company continued to expand its lines into the early 1960s.
In 1961, Denold Kling passed. Kling Factories was sold in April 1962 to the Baumritter Corporation which later became Ethan Allen Furniture. For several years Ethan Allen featured "Kling Colonial" products though eventually phased out the Kling name.
Kling Factories was a 51-year family business success story. Itis also an example of how the hardwork, dedication and special skills of European immigrants contributed to the dynamic and prosperous nature of the U.S. economy in the 20th century.
The original factory was operated by Ethan Allen until it closed in 2003.
The Kling Factories Plant Float
July 4th Parade
Mayville, New York
Circa 1940
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Kittinger Company
The Kittinger Company was founded in Buffalo, New York in 1866 as "Thompson, Collie & Co." Around 1870 the company began crafting hand-made upholstered furniture and by this time had changed its name to "Colie & Son" after George and Oliver Colie took control. The furniture business proved so successful for the Colie's that in 1885 they built a factory specifically for the crafting of furniture.
In 1913, Irvine J. Kittinger, George Colie's son-in-law and his brother Ralph purchased the company from the Collie family and changed the company's name to the Kittinger Furniture Company. Under the Kittinger family's control, the company's primary focus was to craft the highest quality furniture possible with Irvine J. Kittinger saying "Our business is not primarily to turn furniture into money, but to produce something really worthwhile".
In 1966, the Kittinger family sold the company which began the era of "revolving door" ownership. Although respect for the furniture industry varied by various owners, the quallity of Kittinger Furniture remained excelltn and was always the pride of its skilled workers. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement and legal issues during one of the owners, Kittinger Funiture was forced to close its iconic Elmwood Avenue factory and the companies assets were scheduled for auction.
In 1996, Ray (a Master Cabinetmaker at Kittinger) and Karen Bialkowski purchased the Kittinger Furniture Company. They re-established the company and settled in a new factory in North Buffalo at 4675 Transit Road. Many of the original craftsmen returned to work for the re-opened company. Since taking ownership, Ray and Karen have expanded the Kittinger Furniture Company. In 2014, the Kittinger Furniture Company opened a new factory and headquarters where all furniture is still made to order by the hands of skilled craftsmen.
Kittinger Furniture Company has had the honor of helping recreate the Oval office and Cabinet Room several times over at the libraries of former presidents. Since the 1970s they have crafted pieces for the following: The Richard M. Nixon Library & Museum, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Libary, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, George H. W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, The William J. Clinton Library & Museum and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
