Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Every year, millions of people around the world tune in to watch the iconic spectacle of the Times Square ball drop, a dazzling display of light and sound that marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. But how did this tradition start, and what does it mean?
The origin of the ball drop can be traced back to the 19th century, when time balls were used to synchronize clocks and watches. Time balls were large metal spheres that were hoisted up a pole or a tower, and then dropped at a precise time, usually noon. The first time ball was installed in 1829 at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, and soon, other cities followed suit. Time balls were especially useful for sailors and merchants, who relied on accurate timekeeping for navigation and trade.
In New York, the first time ball was erected in 1845 at the United States Naval Observatory, located at the Battery, the southern tip of Manhattan. In 1877, the time ball was moved to the Western Union Building on Broadway, where it became a popular attraction for New Yorkers and tourists alike. The time ball was visible from miles away, and people would gather to watch it drop every day at noon.
In 1904, the New York Times newspaper moved its headquarters to a new building on 42nd Street and Broadway, which was then known as Longacre Square. The newspaper’s owner, Adolph Ochs, decided to throw a lavish New Year’s Eve party to celebrate the opening of the building, which was the second tallest in the city at the time. He obtained permission from the city to set off fireworks from the roof of the building, and he invited the public to join the festivities. The event was a huge success, attracting over 200,000 people, and Ochs decided to make it an annual tradition.
However, in 1907, the city banned the use of fireworks, citing safety concerns. Ochs had to come up with a new way to entertain the crowds, and he found inspiration in the time ball. He hired a sign maker, Jacob Starr, to design and construct a ball that would be lowered from the flagpole of the Times Building at midnight. The ball was made of iron and wood, and weighed 700 pounds. It was covered with 100 light bulbs, and measured five feet in diameter. The ball was operated by a team of six men, who used ropes and pulleys to lower it down. The first ball drop took place on December 31, 1907, and was greeted with cheers and applause by the spectators.
Since then, the ball drop has become a symbol of hope and celebration, and a fixture of New York’s culture and identity. The ball has also undergone several changes and improvements over the years, reflecting the advances in technology and design, as well as the social and political events of the times. Some of the notable milestones of the ball’s history are:
In 1920, the ball was replaced by a lighter version, made of iron and weighing 400 pounds.
In 1942 and 1943, the ball drop was suspended due to the wartime blackout. Instead, a moment of silence was observed, followed by the ringing of chimes.
In 1955, the ball was replaced by an aluminum sphere, weighing 200 pounds and featuring 180 light bulbs.
In 1976, the ball was painted red, white, and blue, to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States.
In 1981, the ball was transformed into a red apple, to symbolize the “Big Apple” nickname of New York City.
In 1988, the ball was adorned with a white peace dove, to promote the global campaign for peace.
In 1995, the ball was upgraded with computer controls, allowing for more elaborate lighting effects and patterns.
In 2000, the ball was redesigned by Waterford Crystal, featuring 504 crystal triangles and 600 light bulbs. The ball also had a new home, the One Times Square building, which replaced the Times Building in 1963.
In 2007, the ball was fitted with LED lights, which were more energy-efficient and colorful than the previous bulbs.
In 2008, the ball was enlarged to 12 feet in diameter, and weighed 11,875 pounds. It was also covered with 2,688 crystal triangles and 32,256 LED lights, making it the brightest and most dazzling ball ever.
In 2009, the ball became a permanent fixture on the roof of One Times Square, and was displayed year-round.
In 2020, the ball drop was held without a live audience, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, the event was broadcast online and on television, and featured performances by celebrities and frontline workers.
The Times Square ball drop is more than just a spectacle, it is a tradition that connects generations and cultures, and that inspires optimism and joy. As the ball descends from the sky, it signifies the end of one chapter and the start of another, and it invites us to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. The ball drop is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we can always hope for a better tomorrow.
