The Space Needle - Seattle

It was 1975, I was 10 years old and on a field trip to Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington. As we were loaded into the glass elevators at the base of the Space Needle, this small 5th grader was shoved to the back of the elevator and literally smashed up against a pane of glass in the wall.

I could see the ground vanishing as we ascended toward the observation deck some 500+ ft above. My heart was in my throat, and I think I left my stomach on ground level.

When the doors finally opened, the pressure of the throng of people holding me against the glass wall at the back of the elevator released so quickly, I almost fell. I exited the elevator and took a look around me. I swallowed my heart and got back on the elevator heading down. This is the story of my first (and last) trip to the top of the Seattle Space Needle. It was also the year I learned I was afraid of heights. After that, I stuck to the amusment rides at Seattle Center that never left the ground. The Matterhorn was my favorite...

When I came across VickiSims lens, simply titled Seattle Space Needle, these memories came rushing back and I was compelled to read.

Vicki lives near Seattle and enjoys writing many lenses about the city's sites as well as other sites in the Pacific Northwest. On this particular lens, she gives details, photos and the history behind one of the most recognized buildings in the country. The Space Needle was built as the centerpiece of the 1962 World's Fair themed "Century 21 Exposition". It's theme was a futuristic view of what life might be like in the 21st century. (Kinda funny now that we are in the 21st century.)

One of the first modules Vicki includes is a poll with a large photo looking up the Space Needle. My hand, shaking from the twinge of vertigo the picture brought on, clicked the radio button next to the phrase "I've been to the observation deck only". I assumed that my 10 seconds outside the elevator counted.

She also includes a great video of the elevator ride and the view from the observation deck. Honestly, I skipped through the rising elevator part, straight to the beautiful views at the top of the Space Needle.

The second video shows a fireworks display at the Space Needle for the 2010 New Year celebration. It starts with machine gun type blasts running up the structure and expoldes into colorful lights hearlding in the new year. Beautiful!

Vicki also points out the Space Needle will celebrate its' 50 anniversary in 2012. Hard to believe half a centry has almost gone by since that World's Fair icon was built. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Seattle, The Space Needle is a must see site. I know I will never forget my visit!

Image Credit: Travel Washington by skibbyb