Little Joe Tower
A towering monument to glassmaking innovation, Little Joe Tower showcases Corning's pioneering vertical draw process.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Less crowded for viewing
Little Joe Tower
Best Time
Less crowded for viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering monument to glassmaking innovation, Little Joe Tower showcases Corning's pioneering vertical draw process.
"A landmark for Corning right next to the Corning Head Quarter. It was part of the old factory that occupied the area."
📸 Best Photo Angles
Cross the Chemung River for stunning panoramic shots of the tower against the hills.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Walk the grounds around Corning HQ; the mosaic inside the archway is also worth a peek.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Little Joe Tower
Corning, NY
A towering testament to glassmaking innovation, this 185-foot structure once drew glass vertically for thermometers.
The Gaffer Symbol
Base of the tower
The iconic blue gaffer symbol, a Corning trademark since 1880, adorns the top of the tower.
Chemung River Views
Across the Chemung River
Capture postcard-perfect holiday scenes or scenic river views with the tower as a backdrop.
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Planning Your Visit
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Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Angles
Cross the Chemung River for stunning panoramic shots of the tower against the hills.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Walk the grounds around Corning HQ; the mosaic inside the archway is also worth a peek.
🚫 No Access Inside
Unfortunately, you can't go up the tower as glass drawing stopped in 1973.
💡 Learn the History
Read the memorial plate at the base to understand its significance in glassmaking.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Angles
Cross the Chemung River for stunning panoramic shots of the tower against the hills.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Walk the grounds around Corning HQ; the mosaic inside the archway is also worth a peek.
🚫 No Access Inside
Unfortunately, you can't go up the tower as glass drawing stopped in 1973.
💡 Learn the History
Read the memorial plate at the base to understand its significance in glassmaking.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
The tower looks magical blanketed in snow during the holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Little Joe Tower to be an interesting historical landmark, appreciating its unique design and its representation of Corning's glassmaking heritage. While the inability to ascend the tower is a common point of note, its visual appeal and the historical significance make it a worthwhile stop for many.
""Little Joe" Thermometer Tube Draw Tower
Little Joe draw tower
The old thermometer-tubing draw tower stands as a monument to
Corning's technology leadership. When built in 1919 the tower replesented a great step forward in tubing
production technology-the vertical draw.
Before Corning introduced the patented vertical draw, tubing was made on the factory floor. First a gather of glass was shaped into a cylinder, which was then stretched horizontally between two
workmen as they backed away from each other.
The last tubing was drawn in the tower in June 1973.
The 185-foot tower is now restored and preserved as a historical landmark. The blue gaffer symbol painted at the top is affectionately known as Little Joe.
Gaffer Symbol
The Little Joe gaffer symbol dates back to
1880. It was taken from a sketch made by an itinerant painter who visited a glass factory in Pittsburgh. The symbol has undergone a series of graphic modifications, and today is a Corning trademark.
The vertical draw process revolutionized the production of
Prior to the draw tower innovation, thermometer tubing was made by hand.
The Little Joe tower is a
familiar landmark to visitors and
Cornina. N.Y
Since its origin in 1851, Corning has been renowned for its expertise in glass technology. One of the company's earliest products was thermometer tubing, which was hand-drawn for many years. In 1897, Corning patented a vertical tube-drawing process, beginning a series of innovations that would drive thermometer tubing sales to more than S2 million by 1968.
Over the years, Corning has manufactured many drawn-glass products, including neon tubing, electronic component tubing, and its current flagship product:
optical fiber.
In 1954, Corning employees produced the largest piece of thermometer
tubing ever made.
Corning still makes drawn-glass
Products, Including optical fiber for
telecommunications."
Abhijith A
"The tower actually used for making glass tubes by pulling up melted glass to the very top of the tower."
Andrey Salyakhov (Andreisadventurechronicls)
"One of the best historical attractions in Painted Post. We went on a weekend and it was less crowded."
Neby Mariam Varghese
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Joe Tower is located in Corning, NY, adjacent to the Corning Headquarters. It's easily accessible by car and is a prominent landmark visible from various points in the city.
Parking is generally available around the Corning Headquarters grounds, though specific availability might vary. It's recommended to check for visitor parking signs.
Yes, the tower is situated in a walkable area, especially if you are exploring the Gaffer District or the Corning Museum of Glass.
For the most impressive views, consider crossing the Chemung River to get a different perspective of the tower against the landscape.
The tower is a historical landmark near the Corning Headquarters and is often visited in conjunction with the Gaffer District and the Corning Museum of Glass.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Little Joe Tower is an outdoor landmark and can be viewed freely from the surrounding public areas.
As an outdoor landmark, the tower is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best viewing experience.
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside the tower. The glass drawing operations ceased in 1973, and it is preserved as a historical monument.
There is no admission fee to view Little Joe Tower from the outside.
The last tubing was drawn in the tower in June 1973.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from across the Chemung River for a full view, or from the grounds of the Corning Headquarters.
Yes, the Gaffer symbol at the top of the tower is a key feature and can be photographed.
Absolutely! The tower looks particularly picturesque when covered in snow during the holiday season.
Any camera, including smartphone cameras, can capture great shots. Consider a wide-angle lens for panoramic views from across the river.
Generally, there are no restrictions on photographing the exterior of the tower from public areas.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Built in 1919, the tower utilized a revolutionary vertical draw process to create glass tubing for thermometers, marking a significant technological advancement for Corning.
The blue gaffer symbol painted at the top is affectionately known as 'Little Joe', a symbol that dates back to 1880 and is a Corning trademark.
This process involved pulling melted glass upwards to the top of the tower to create long, uniform glass tubes, a major improvement over the previous horizontal stretching method.
The Gaffer symbol is a stylized representation of a glassblower, originating from a sketch by a painter in 1880 and now a recognized Corning trademark.
Corning is globally renowned for its expertise in glass technology, producing items like optical fiber, laboratory glassware, and its famous CorningWare dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a visit to the tower with the Corning Museum of Glass makes for a fantastic family outing. The museum offers interactive exhibits that will captivate children and provide a deeper understanding of glassmaking. The tower itself serves as a visual anchor to Corning's industrial heritage, making it a memorable part of the trip.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with time of day for varied lighting conditions. The tower can look stark and imposing under midday sun, or warm and inviting during golden hour. Winter scenes, with snow blanketing the landscape, offer a particularly unique and atmospheric photographic opportunity.
Don't overlook the details, like the Gaffer symbol at the top, which adds character to your shots. 🏛️ History Buffs
Take time to read the memorial plate at the tower's base for historical context. Consider visiting the Corning Museum of Glass to delve deeper into the company's evolution and its contributions to various fields, from scientific instruments to telecommunications. The tower is a powerful symbol of that enduring legacy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Innovation of the Vertical Draw
The tower's design enabled a revolutionary approach. By drawing the molten glass upwards to the top of the 185-foot structure, Corning could produce significantly longer and more uniform tubes. This innovation not only boosted production efficiency but also cemented Corning's reputation as a leader in glass technology, paving the way for future advancements in products like optical fiber.
While the tower ceased operations in 1973, its preserved state allows visitors to appreciate the ingenuity behind this industrial marvel. It's a tangible link to a time when Corning was at the forefront of technological breakthroughs in glassmaking.
The Iconic Gaffer Symbol
Over the years, the Gaffer symbol has undergone various graphic modifications, evolving into the streamlined design seen today. Its presence atop the tower serves as a constant reminder of the skilled artisans and the rich heritage of glassmaking that defines Corning.
Seeing the Gaffer symbol, affectionately nicknamed 'Little Joe' by some, adds a personal touch to the industrial monument. It connects the tower's technological significance with the human artistry that has always been central to Corning's identity.
Capturing Little Joe: Photography Tips
Consider visiting during different times of day to experiment with lighting. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can cast a warm glow on the tower, while daylight hours offer clear visibility. For a truly magical shot, the tower looks stunning when dusted with snow during the winter months, creating a picturesque holiday scene.
Don't forget to explore the grounds around the Corning Headquarters. While you can't go inside the tower, the base often features a memorial plate detailing its history, and the surrounding area offers different angles. Some visitors also note the interesting mosaic within the archway of the headquarters' front gate, which can make for a complementary photo.
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