Why Illinois Built a Leaning Tower | The Leaning Tower of Niles

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Күн бұрын

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Chapters:
00:00 - What is the Leaning Tower of Niles
00:53 - A short history of Niles Illinois
01:25 - Who Built the Leaning Tower of Niles?
01:44 - Why The Leaning Tower of Niles was built
02:20 - The construction of the Leaning Tower of Niles
03:26 - Why Does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?
04:33 - What was the Leaning Tower of Niles Used for?
05:13 - Why the Leaning Tower of Niles was almost demolished
06:25 - How Pisa Italy saved the Leaning Tower of Niles
07:45 - Why the YMCA sold the Leaning Tower of Niles to the township
08:18 - How the Leaning Tower of Niles Became a National Historic Landmark
09:04 - What’s inside the Leaning Tower of Niles?
Welcome to our video about the Leaning Tower of Niles. In this video, we will take a closer look at one of the most unique and fascinating landmarks in Illinois.
We'll start by exploring what the Leaning Tower of Niles is and its significance to the history of Niles, Illinois. You'll learn who built the tower, why it was built, and how it was constructed.
Then, we'll delve into the mystery behind the leaning tower phenomenon and compare it to its more famous counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. You'll discover what the Leaning Tower of Niles was used for and why it was almost demolished.
You'll also learn how the people of Pisa came to the rescue of the tower and saved it from destruction. And we'll tell you the story of how the YMCA sold the tower to the township and how it eventually became a National Historic Landmark.
Finally, we'll take you on a virtual tour of the inside of the tower and reveal what's inside this iconic structure.
IT’S HISTORY - Weekly tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.
» CONTACT
For brands, agencies, and sponsorships: itshistory@thoughtleaders.io
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» CREDIT
Scriptwriter - Bex Weinstein,
Editor - Patrycja Klimczuk
Host - Ryan Socash
» NOTICE
Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

Пікірлер: 99

@jeffjay9350 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Niles. In the 70's my dad took us up to the top. There used to be a gift shop in the base. The YMCA charged a fee to go up. Btw, niles started as an overnight destination for funerals. Folks would travel "out" to Saint Alberts cemetery, and stay overnight in the local inn. Before going back to Chicago.

@pghrpg4065 Жыл бұрын

I stayed not far from the Leaning Tower the first time I was ever in Chicagoland back when you used a 1-800 number to book a room. While my friends and I knew we were going to see major landmarks in Chicago like the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and Navy Pier, the Leaning Tower of Niles was a quirky surprise (one of the best things about traveling). Thinking of that trip (which was only two nights) brings back good memories, and the Leaning Tower is part of those memories.

@XprPrentice Жыл бұрын

I've driven past this many times and always wondered what in the world it was all about. I had no idea it was as old - or notable - as it is. What a weird, fascinating thing!

@basshorseman998 Жыл бұрын

I also grew up in Niles, now in NJ. My late wife and I went back with the intent of moving back home. I did get many good photos of the tower, MTHS (My high school), and many other personal landmarks. I was told by local friends the tower would be rededicated and open but, apparently that did not happen. My wife passed away so I never got back as planned sadly.

@Will-me8zw Жыл бұрын

Hey Ryan, love your show! Maybe do an episode on the pyramid in Gurnee, IL. It's pretty cool and I think people would enjoy the site.

@chrisbankhead9669 Жыл бұрын

Where in Gurnee? I live in the NW burbs and don’t know where it is… 🫣🙈🙈🙈

@Will-me8zw Жыл бұрын

@@chrisbankhead9669 its off Dilleys Rd. Technically Wadsworth but just down the road from six flags. Google it. Its even cool on maps.

@chrisbankhead9669 Жыл бұрын

@@Will-me8zw Cool! I looked it up after I was done watching the video and how cool! I’m planning a trip there now! Gurnee Mills, the amusement park, and now the pyramid!!! Thank you

@miked51 Жыл бұрын

Um, 1:20. I live in the far northwest of Chicago less than a half mile from the Leaning Tower. I have never heard anyone say we had to "go down to Niles" unless they were up north...beyond Niles.🤔

@pices73 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in the area and now live in Niles. I worked at the leaning tower YMCA as the building engineer. By the time I got there the village owned it, could not get in. I was able to see some old pictures and plaque that the YMCA had up on but took it down after the ownership switched to the village. From my understanding the tower was to cover the stand pipe. The stand pipe helps create pressure for the jets, like a water tower. I do have a picture of what it looked like before it was the YMCA. It has all the old pools.

@rv1565 Жыл бұрын

I would love to see those photos! Drove by 2x today…isn’t the Y being demolished?

@ghost307 Жыл бұрын

So it was built for the same reason as the Chicago Water Tower?

@jamesvegeais6675 Жыл бұрын

The railway was extended UP to Niles. Niles is north of Chicago.

@renneedwards9826 10 ай бұрын

Yup! Not too far from the southwest Chicago Suburbs that I grew up around. 💯💙

@FarlesNCharge Жыл бұрын

I lived in Illinois 43 years and never knew this existed. Thank You.

@Frimsure Жыл бұрын

my grandfather was village clerk until 1989. when he retired. I spent my childhood there

@TheFibtastic Жыл бұрын

It currently signals that I’m at Costco, as it’s right in front of it in Niles.

@CortexNewsService Жыл бұрын

That's what I thought. I used to have a membership at that Costco

@johngreenlees Жыл бұрын

The Chicago surface-line railway was not extended DOWN to Niles. Niles is NORTH of the city. Which is UP. Your "Points of Interest" map insert STARTS with the current location of Niles at the far NORTH/top of the map to the upper left - and then pans further south as you say the surface-line was extended down. Just pointing that out.

@bzybny9697 Жыл бұрын

I pass by this everyday and always wondered why it was there, but never enough to google it. Thanks!

@claudiamann7111 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting. I hope they will do the needed upkeep. It's a shame that they can't open it to the public. Thanks so much.

@danieldipalma704 Жыл бұрын

This video was a nice surprise! I didn't know there was a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

@briangarrow448 Жыл бұрын

What a great story! Thank you for sharing this with us.

@stevenl9443 Жыл бұрын

As a tot this was the one building that always let me know I was getting close to my grandparents house in Skokie❤

@toyyoda3710 Жыл бұрын

I was the first civilian to try the looping water slide at action park. It was maybe 1985? I could see it moved to the left so i pointed my feet that way and could tell from my one run if you didn't it meant you would not make it through the loop as it was not a fast loop despite the small circumference. My bro and i did every ride there several times with our 3 or 4 visits to the park. We were very capable and never really got hurt but did get kicked off a few rides for being too rad which was freakin awesome! And Yes ... flipping guy was my brother on the rope swing and i went next and went way too high and nearly killed myself on the "pier"

@33Donner77 Жыл бұрын

I lived in the area and went to the YMCA there. It's probably best to keep it shut to the public. I was also at the Leaning Tower in Pisa in 1980, and there were no fences on the levels open to the public. I believe they now have fences do to some tourists who were not sure-footed.

@petermiesler9452 Жыл бұрын

WOW, how cool it's been saved. I was there around 1965ish (at 10) with the dad of some friends, who was familiar with it, closed, a little down run, but accessible. (Thanks, another fun forgotten memory comes back to life)

@awookiefromendor Жыл бұрын

Shout out to 8000 block represent.

@OmarAlohaDude Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! Having grown up in the area, I remember when it was in great disrepair? Glad to say that I think we will see tours again one day soon.

@JG-tt4sz Жыл бұрын

I grew up near Niles. A lot of Italians lived there. Some were mobbed up.

@lauraweiss7875 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Niles, and you are correct. Mayor for Life Nick Blase was about as corrupt as they come.

@alexys72904 9 ай бұрын

Oh Geez. That was your takeaway? Not sure that but was necessary.

@hiramlewis3873 Жыл бұрын

I remember seeing this in 1977 or so. It was near a baseball camp for MLB prospects. Fast Forward 22 years I would be working in Niles IL at Sears. I never knew that was in Niles. I know the real one is in Italy

@msbgone Жыл бұрын

Oh, awesome, had many camps at YMCA with scary stories there and I remember them like yesterday.... it was many decades ago! :) Great Vid!

@aaronhernandez2971 Жыл бұрын

Care to share a couple stories?😁

@msbgone Жыл бұрын

@@aaronhernandez2971 too scary to share, but I can say this place is haunted! LOL

@PeterTea Жыл бұрын

Lol. I just went by there the other day. My dad was going to Costco there and went a bit far so he cut through the leaning tower YMCA parking lot. I think that that Y isn’t in use anymore.

@oldodger Жыл бұрын

So much to learn from you....

@alex_stanley Жыл бұрын

King Spa in Niles is one of the best Korean saunas in the entire country. And, at $50, it's probably the cheapest place to stay overnight in Chicago.

@ntatenarin Жыл бұрын

I remember visiting the Leaning Tower of Niles for fun before visiting the real thing in Pisa. Those were good times, especially since it was my birthday when I went to Pisa!

@mikedrown2721 Жыл бұрын

I visited the leaning tower of Pisa in 1967

@TealCheetah Жыл бұрын

It's more interesting to look at then a water tower!

@JJW77 Жыл бұрын

Due to you, now I realize that the US have a copy of the Leaning Tower. Thanks for the history lesson!

@ramencurry6672 10 ай бұрын

Not from the Midwest but I did drive by it by accident during a Chicago vacation trip. It was interesting

@plisskenationbackfromthede3657 Жыл бұрын

I never knew about this til i had a job call in niles with a buddy a couple years ago. We thought maybe we got too baked and ended up in italy somehow 😂. Noone believed us that we saw a leaning tower when we mentioned it lol

@Robobot1 Жыл бұрын

I got this from the official website for the tower Hear the Restored Bells Ring Each day the historic restored bells ring for several minutes on the hour at at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM with familiar tunes and old favorites like Red River Valley, On Top of Old Smokey, My Favorite Things and a custom melodie just for Niles! A "clock chime" will ding every 15 minutes.

@user-kw3lr5yk5k 6 ай бұрын

Your video on Lake Shore Drive (LSD) was very good except for one mistake and one omission. The mistake is that toward the end of your video, you show the University of Illinois at Chicago but called it the University of Chicago. Hugh mistake. Please correct this. The omission is that you do not mention the notorious "S" curve near the Chicago River being re-constructed to a gentler curve between 1982 and 1987. This was a huge change for the people of Chicago.

@ojsimpin8346 Жыл бұрын

Right by my work!

@OHOWUNEEDIT Жыл бұрын

I was there yesterday! 😅

@MediaWest Жыл бұрын

I used to go to YMCA summer camp there!

@lih4326 Жыл бұрын

my wife and I’s first date was at that tower. i have a soft spot in my heart for that spot

@throttleblip1 Жыл бұрын

Living off Harlem Ave, it's just down the road.

@TyChee Жыл бұрын

I didn’t know about this one. Love stuff like this. Have you done a video about the building that looks like a picnic basket in Ohio?

@TheRandompaint Жыл бұрын

I live 10 minutes away 😂 I love seeing videos on it!

@Bob-B-. 11 ай бұрын

I love everything is faithfully replicated except the modern doors. Like any second the janitor is going to come out and start vacuuming.

@jwillisbarrie Жыл бұрын

Thanks for adding actual captions for the Deaf

@alexunderwood7899 Жыл бұрын

Used to go by this when I'd go to Grainger's data center.

@madderanger7838 Жыл бұрын

Nicholas Blase is STILL mayor !?! He's been mayor since the 70's. He does a good job.

@SuperNicktendo Жыл бұрын

I live close by so it's right where I get groceries. Butts right up to an Aldi.

@maxswagcaster5315 Жыл бұрын

Funny I see this video when I was over there yesterday and took a picture of my car infront of it to make people think I drove to Italy 😂

@Terinije Жыл бұрын

Hope you guys also do a video on the greatest landmark of the Chicago suburbs, the Baha'i House of Worship in Wilmette.

@andreweden9405 Жыл бұрын

Can you please do a tour of the Cupola of the US Capitol Building, and show the view from it? Thanks!

@rogerpenske2411 Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, the leaning tower YMCA. Certainly one of Chicago most interesting structures

@trentweyermuller6977 Жыл бұрын

You missed an opportunity to show the revitalization plan from niles

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

since 1966 the meteor shower numeric was indicated from non numeric evolution of instruction to gravitational leveling that was once projected by polar vortex draft and vertices timing that would be perfectly vertical

@skitz0phrenic 4 ай бұрын

The building behind it is literally haunted

@brianb69692003 Жыл бұрын

54 yo Navy Corpsman living in MO. Is it worth a 2hr Drive? I mean, is there anything else to Do There? The Superman Courthouse in Metropolis, IL (and the local shops) are Worth the Drive... :-) Please Google it...

@isaacvice8332 Жыл бұрын

I like that the town motto is "Where People Count". I was wondering though, are they doing anything else?

@MustacheDLuffy Жыл бұрын

I don’t even remember that being their motto

@betweenthepoles Жыл бұрын

@@MustacheDLuffy I only remember it being “The All America City.” I even have a charm for my charm bracelet commemorating Niles winning the All America City award in 1963.

@robbieshock5004 Жыл бұрын

I was just taking about this to a family member on Easter

@Fireball_ Жыл бұрын

I've been there and am going to the real one next year

@christophershoe9642 Жыл бұрын

Why have a bell if you can't ring it?! 🛎🙄

@christophershoe9642 Жыл бұрын

The Liberty Bell? A famous bell that could be damaged by using it. A crack, a swing at it could damage it? Hell yeah, we should ring that sucker every day. If it breaks, we'll fix it. That's what we do!!

@jenniferadams7582 Жыл бұрын

While not imoressive architecturally, Illinois has a now defunct water tower shaped like a ketchup bottle. Tower is still there.

@LanceGrey Жыл бұрын

Only seen it when driving past.

@butterfIyy1 Жыл бұрын

Lol cool, im like 5 min away from niles 😄

@ShelterCats Жыл бұрын

Being on the national register of historic places does not make this a national landmark. Its an honorary designation that does not protect it from anything. Landmark is something totally different. I was part of the team that got the ss United States on the national register so trust me on this.

@DZ-tj2qk Жыл бұрын

It would’ve probably looked cool back when it was built with the park and pools but now it looks out of place.

@huppercase 8 ай бұрын

i live in niles

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

you wanteducation written that way ; equations postulates abruptly

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

Galileoft?

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

one slice off the top ; c'mon

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

it's insulting to away that it doesn't have similar crafted laborers ; to Jesus

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

(what do think diablo)

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

half the cost ; right

@-Katastrophe Жыл бұрын

This man's background music before the drop is way too Joan Osborne, but I dig the content anyway.

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

do copy what don't understand in dew point time ; deja vu

@chardelraconner7324 Жыл бұрын

bouyancy you claimed

@celiagorleski2716 Жыл бұрын

I grew up in Illinois. Why ask why.

@ricefields9121 3 ай бұрын

Ma perché l'avete fatta pendere? 😭

@danielthoman7324 Жыл бұрын

The leaning Tower of Pizza. 🥺

@michaelpiwcewicz1412 Жыл бұрын

WHY NOT/// LETS NOT WASTE IT ON SCHOOL CHOICE OR FIXING PTOHOLES

@_Breakdown Жыл бұрын

Sheer folly (my opinion). Why didn’t they just build a STRAIGHT VERSION that didn’t lean ??? Then they wouldn’t have the structural problems

@Frank00 Жыл бұрын

This sounds more like a bunch of government overruns and blunders

@stephencurry8552 Жыл бұрын

Frank: You are stunningly illiterate. It was built with private funds by a businessman who most obviously cared deeply about his community and about beauty.

@MustacheDLuffy Жыл бұрын

Did you watch the video. It was created a hide a water aquaduct

@Frank00 Жыл бұрын

@@stephencurry8552 you need to watch the video again dear