Iconic Tulsa Landmark: The U-Haul Truck that’s Been Sitting Pretty on the Skyline Since 1978
The Mysterious Case of the Tulsa Truck: Unveiling a Four-Decade-Old U-Haul Mystery
In the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a peculiar landmark has been piqued the interest of locals and visitors alike. A U-Haul truck, to be specific, has been perched on top of a building for an astonishing 46 years. This isn’t just any ordinary truck; it’s a part of a unique advertising campaign that dates back to the 1970s.
The Birth of a anomaly
In the 1970s, U-Haul was known for placing its trailers on top of buildings as part of its advertising campaign. However, in 1978, the company took it to the next level by placing an actual truck on the roof of a building in Tulsa. This was the first instance of a U-Haul truck being placed on a building, as opposed to a trailer. The building in question, located at 504 E Archer Street, was constructed for the National Supply Company in 1930, making it a local landmark already. But for the last half-century, it’s been famous for having a box truck on its roof.
A Modern Makeover
Fast forward to 2011, when the truck was given a refresh, complete with a modern orange-and-white U-Haul livery and spotlights to illuminate its grandeur at night. While it may seem trivial to some, loyal followers of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture’s Facebook post shared nostalgic sentiments about seeing the truck bathed in its new, radiant glow.
A Feat of Engineering
What’s truly remarkable is the roof’s remarkable ability to support the truck’s weight over the years. Commercial roofs aren’t usually designed to handle concentrated loads in small areas; instead, they’re geared towards broad loads like accumulated snow. Weighing the empty weight of a modern 15-foot U-Haul (8,115 pounds), it’s astonishing to think that the roof has withstood this pressure for nearly five decades without creaking or collapsing. It’s a testament to the building’s sturdy construction and the expertise of its original architects.
A Lasting Legacy
As we marvel at this peculiar phenomenon, let’s hope it continues to shine brightly for many years to come, serving as a beacon of nostalgia for locals and out-of-towners alike. Who knows? Maybe it’ll continue to be a beloved landmark, a symbol of innovation and ingenuity, for generations to come.
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