How a Firework Ban Created the Iconic Ball Drop at Time Square

Times Square Ball Drop

Adolph Ochs, owner of The New York Times, started the first ball drop on December 31, 1907. The newspaper headquarters at One Times Square hosted this new celebration.

This event replaced the fireworks shows that city officials had banned. The ball drop marked the arrival of 1908 in a spectacular way.

The tradition born that night continues today. Each year, millions watch as the ball descends to mark the new year.

When New York Banned The Fireworks

City officials stopped Ochs from using fireworks for the 1908 New Year celebration.

For three years since 1904, The Times had launched fireworks from their headquarters roof. These displays drew huge crowds but created problems.

Hot ash fell on the people below, making city leaders worried about safety.

Ochs needed a new spectacle. The newspaper’s popularity partly depended on these yearly celebrations.

How Walter Palmer Created The Ball Drop Concept

Walter Palmer, the Times’ chief electrician, found the solution.

He noticed the time ball on the Western Union building that dropped daily at noon. Time balls helped ship captains set their navigation tools accurately.

Harbors and observatories worldwide used them since the 1830s. Palmer suggested adapting this maritime tool for the New Year celebration.

His idea would be visible to crowds while avoiding the dangers of fireworks.

Jacob Starr’s Role In Building The First Ball

Jacob Starr built the first Times Square Ball. This Ukrainian immigrant worked for Artkraft Strauss, a sign-making company Ochs hired.

Starr used his metalworking skills to create something never seen before in Times Square. His work needed to shine brightly while standing up to winter weather.

This project launched a long connection between Starr and the New Year tradition. His company managed the ball drop for most of the next century.

How The First New Year’s Ball Was Built

The original ball stood 5 feet across and weighed 700 pounds. Starr made it from iron and wood, then added 100 light bulbs.

These 25-watt bulbs seemed magical in 1907 when many homes still used gas lamps. The ball contained wiring that would complete a circuit at midnight.

Starr balanced weight and strength in his design. The ball needed to be sturdy but not too heavy for the raising system.

Mounting The Ball On The Times Tower Flagpole

Six men hoisted the ball onto a 70-foot flagpole atop the Times Tower. They used only ropes and pulleys to raise the heavy sphere.

Some reports say the flagpole came from a battleship. This placement on New York’s second-tallest building made the ball visible from blocks away.

The high position turned Times Square into the center of New Year’s celebrations. People could see it clearly even in the crowded streets.

The Unique Light-Up Top Hats For Waiters

Waiters in fancy restaurants around Times Square wore special hats that night. These battery-powered top hats had “1908” spelled in tiny bulbs.

At midnight, the waiters “flipped their lids” to light up the year. This happened just as the main sign lit up on the Times Tower.

These high-end restaurants, called “lobster palaces,” served wealthy New Yorkers. The glowing hats brought the outdoor celebration inside for diners.

The Manual Lowering System For The Ball

Workers lowered the ball by hand using ropes and pulleys. More than six men worked together to control the descent.

The ball started moving exactly 10 seconds before midnight. The team needed perfect timing to reach bottom right at 12:00.

This hand-operated system continued for decades. The men practiced extensively to ensure the ball dropped smoothly each year.

Weather Conditions During The First Ball Drop

The weather helped make the first ball drop successful. December 31, 1907 reached 44°F during the day and cooled to 35°F by night.

No rain or snow fell.

The clear skies gave everyone a perfect view of the glowing ball. At midnight, the 35°F temperature with 20-mph winds felt cold but not unbearable.

People could stay outside comfortably to watch the new spectacle.

How Crowds Reacted To The First Ball Drop

Factory whistles across the city began blowing at 10 minutes to midnight. Thousands packed into Times Square, watching the glowing ball above.

When the ball reached bottom, the crowd erupted in noise. Their shouts drowned out even the factory whistles.

People blew horns, rang cowbells, and yelled “Hurrah for 1908.” The celebration grew so loud that some reports claim the noise reached towns ten miles away.

Visiting Times Square Ball Drop

You can watch the Times Square Ball Drop at One Times Square, located at 1475 Broadway at 42nd Street in New York City.

No tickets or fees are required for the public viewing areas, but arrive by early afternoon on December 31 to secure a spot.

Security checkpoints control access to viewing pens starting at 43rd Street. Bring valid ID but no large bags, alcohol, or folding chairs.

Subway stations near Times Square close early on New Year’s Eve. For a guaranteed view, book a package at restaurants or hotels overlooking Times Square.

These typically cost $200-$1000 per person. The Times Square Alliance website posts official details each year.

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