Get our free mobile app

NOTE: One year ago this weekend we celebrated National Corn on the Cob Day with this story about finding a name for our amazing piece of history! You came up with the funniest names!

----

Today (Friday, June 11, 2021) is National Corn on the Cob Day. What better way to celebrate than to begin finding a name for the most beloved ear of corn in Minnesota, and maybe the world:

Rochester's Iconic Corn on the Cob Water Tower (or Ear of Corn Water Tower, or Corn Cob Water Tower...or whatever you prefer as a description).

Renovations under way. (James Rabe)
Renovations under way. (James Rabe)
loading...

The water tower has a rich history in Rochester, dating back to the 1930's:

The ear of corn water tower was "constructed in 1931 as a nod to one of the two main vegetables processed at the Rochester cannery", according to the Olmsted County website. The water tower "was originally built to provide water to the Reid, Murdoch and Co. cannery" according to Atlas Obscura. That cannery was eventually purchased by Libby Foods in 1948 and then Seneca Foods in 1982 until 2018 when Seneca closed. (Keep Reading About Corn on the Cob Water Tower)

The water tower is now owned by Olmsted County and going thru renovations. There's no plan to use it as a water tower, but the workings have been updated so that's not out of the question in the future.

So...a name. Now that it's "our" water tower, what should we name it? I asked on Facebook and these are the names so far...is there one you really like?

15 Suggested Names for Rochester's Ear Of Corn Water Tower

The Ear of Corn Water Tower is now owned by the people of Olmsted County, so maybe its time we name it? What do you think of these suggestions?

As always, if you have a comment, complaint, or concern about something I wrote here, please let me know: james.rabe@townsquaremedia.com

attachment-YEMS PODCAST GRPAHIC
loading...

Listen On-Demand with the Y105FM app, and on the following podcast platforms: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify

It's less than a month away

It seems a way away, but you know it'll be here lickity-split! Make your plans, schedule an event, make your own event (The Ostrich Walk Pub Crawl?)...

List of Events and Fun in Rochester on July 4th, 2022

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks and celebrate the 4th of July at 4th Fest, a free event happening at Soldier's Field Park in Rochester, Minnesota. According to the City of Rochester, here are the events planned for the day and evening.

More From KDHL Radio