Smiling Water Towers

From Selma, Ala., to Oconto Falls, Wis., at least 21 U.S. cities have water towers with painted-on smiley faces. But Calumet City, Ill., with two such towers, claims it was the first. It all started with 8-year-old resident Kim Fornero, who sent a letter to the city council in 1972, claiming that a smile would be more fun to look at than a plain, old water tower. Fornero’s simple suggestion proved catchy indeed.