9 replies to this topic

[johnlp]

Who remembers the scale model skyline that was at the Noble Planetarium at the FW Museum of Science and History back in the 70s?
(image from Ft. Worth Library)
It was complete with a revolving CNB clock and WSL sign and the lights in the windows worked as well. It was very cool and a thrill to see when I was a kid.
Other buildings include Montgomery Wards and the Will Rogers Tower. Some buildings I am not sure about.
It is sad to know that they threw the skyline in the trash after it got "too out of date" and damaged by water from a roof leak.

I've thought about makeing one. I can not tell if they did a photo cut of the skyline or an architectural model. Anyone know for sure? Knowone at the FWMoS&H seems to know. I'd like to know who made it!

[RD Milhollin]

Who remembers the scale model skyline that was at the Noble Planetarium at the FW Museum of Science and History back in the 70s?

I had completely forgotten about that aspect of the planetarium until you brought it up. That WAS a cool touch, and I definitely remember noticing it while visiting as a kid. When they dimmed the lights simulating the setting sun the downtown lights came on complete with signs. In the late 70's/early 80's when I would occasionally go to see the Pink Floyd laser light shows there I don't remember the buildings being there. Of course it could be that I was distracted by other things.

[johnlp]

Who remembers the scale model skyline that was at the Noble Planetarium at the FW Museum of Science and History back in the 70s?

I had completely forgotten about that aspect of the planetarium until you brought it up. That WAS a cool touch, and I definitely remember noticing it while visiting as a kid. When they dimmed the lights simulating the setting sun the downtown lights came on complete with signs. In the late 70's/early 80's when I would occasionally go to see the Pink Floyd laser light shows there I don't remember the buildings being there. Of course it could be that I was distracted by other things.

LOVED thoses laser light shows, man!

This version of the skyline replaced the one that was a simple black silhoette cutout of the skyline. They estimate the one in the picture went up around 1973 (maybe why the Medical Arts is not seen). They removed the Skyline around 1979 or 1980 because it looked out of date. There was actually a city-scape around the entire planetarium showing not only Downtown but residential areas too.
They stored the skyline in a closed next to the entry of the planetarium. Sometime around 1990 there was a roof leak in the dome of the planetarium and the water leaked along the backside down into this closet where they say is damaged the skyline. They threw it in the trash! That breaks my heart!
They have talked about doing a new skyline that reflects the newer look of Downtown Ft. Worth.

EDIT----

I came across another pic from the mid 60s of the same skyline model and it had the Conoco sign and not the SLC sign in this photo. Also, it included the Medical Arts. I will try and get a scan.
Seems like they tried to keep it current and then gave up.

[johnlp]

I was trying ID the buildings in the replica model that was once at the FWMoSH. Most are obvious but there is one between Wards and the Burk Burnett building that I can not ID. Anyone care to take a stab at it?

[Buck]

Hunter Plaza...

[RD Milhollin]

Hunter Plaza...

or the Grain Elevator along the FWWRR between Wards and Downtown? Hunter Plaza sits on higher ground so it is probably more likely to be represented though.

[johnlp]

Hunter Plaza...

or the Grain Elevator along the FWWRR between Wards and Downtown? Hunter Plaza sits on higher ground so it is probably more likely to be represented though.

Is that a water tower on top or would it depict one behind it? I also thought it was Ralston Purina. I wish I had payed closer atten to it's detail when it was at the Planetarium! LOL but what was i thinking, I was a 10 year old kid!

UPDATE


Yep...Hunters Plaza. I just got an original Bill Wood Photo with HP in the background and that is a cooling unit on the roof (a big one too).
Now I am pretty sure that modle was simply a large photo cut out.

[Giraffe]

I worked in the Noble Planetarium for five years during the '80s. Started in the summer of 1984. I think they had just taken down the FW city skyline when I began my tour of duty because I remember seeing it in the back room. It was already out of date even then.

I have no idea who made it or when it was first put up. I still have friends working at the museum who might know, so I'll ask.

Although having the Fort Worth city skyline in the Noble was a good idea, in the end I was glad they removed it. It sometimes interfered with the planetarium shows. It was hard trying to convince people they were standing on the surface of Pluto when you've got the First National Bank next to that crater.

[RD Milhollin]

I have no idea who made it or when it was first put up. I still have friends working at the museum who might know, so I'll ask.

When you ask around mention the name Rod Perry and see if that gets a reaction.

[Giraffe]

When you ask around mention the name Rod Perry and see if that gets a reaction.
[/quote]

Oh, most definitely, it will! Rod worked at the museum for many moons. I learned a lot about electronics from him.

Do you remember "The Visible Woman" exhibit in science museum? That was the transparent plexiglass mannequin of an adult woman whose internal organs would light up whenever you pressed a button on a panel. (For some reason, the "mammary glands" button kept wearing out faster than all the others.) Rod told me that once they had to remove The Visible Woman for maintenance and the only way he could carry it without all the old, brittle plastic shattering was to wrap one arm around her chest and put his other hand... uh, downstairs. Made for some interesting glances from people as he danced down the hall with her.