The other day, I tweeted @thesquare (KGW’s evening news program) about the status of the Weather Machine in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Much to my surprise, some who work in the Square didn’t even know the Weather Machine existed. Hmmm.
The Weather Machine was installed in Pioneer Courthouse Square when it first opened in 1984. I remember it distinctly because every day at noon, it would report the weather. When I say report the weather, I mean it announced the next day’s weather with a fanfare of trumpets, flashing lights, and a spray of mist. The orb opened to reveal one of the following – a golden sun, for a clear day; a great blue heron, to forecast a rainy day; or an open-mouthed dragon, when storms are forecast.
I haven’t seen the Weather Machine perform in a couple of years. It is obviously shut down. Recently, I noticed a fence around it and some construction equipment. Are they repairing it? It is hard to get any information on the status of the Weather Machine. Hopefully, it is on the road to repair.
Another tidbit of Square trivia – in the photo, to the right, there is a small amphitheater. If you stand on the round spot at the center of the round and speak, you will hear your own echo. Try it sometime, it is truly cool.
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The Weather Machine is one of the first memories I have of Portland. If it’s broken, they better damn well fix it.
If they don’t…well then, I’m leaving!
Yeah, yeah, you’re all quaking in your shoes at the thought.
ya it is being repaired,keep an eye out,we are workin on it
I remember when I was a kid, and was on field trips to wherever downtown, lunch was always at the square, and we would take turns screaming in that spot
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