 By Troy Taylor of Weird Illinois
The city of Niles was generous enough so that you no longer have to go to Europe to see the Tower of Pisa – you can see it right here in Niles, Illinois! In 1933, the city constructed a half-scale replica of the famous leaning tower as a reservoir to supply water to the three swimming pools of industrialist Robert Ilg. Architect Albert Farr was criticized for what was considered a silly building – it was commonly called “Farr’s Folly” – but it has become a popular attraction in Niles and a novelty that just might outlast its namesake, which leans a little more every year (Farr’s tower is still at the angle on which it was originally built). The tower remains an attention-getter for the local YMCA, but it’s no longer filled with water. A park has been built around its base, complete with reflecting pools and a European-style telephone booth.
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