The Great Pumpkin

Even though we're having summer weather here in Los Angeles (90 degrees yesterday), our thoughts have turned to fall, carving pumpkins, preparing our Halloween costumes, etc. I am reminded of Smilin' Jack in Wilmington, a sight to behold!  To get you in the Halloween mood, check out this UnoCal storage tank at the refinery in Wilmington!

Photo by Thomas Kelsey, 1986 for the L.A. Times

Photo description in the L.A. Times:   Oct. 23, 1986: Painter applies last-minute touches to 3.3-million-gallon storage tank at the Unocal (now ConocoPhillips) storage tank at the company refinery in Wilmington. The tank, nicknamed ‘Smilin’ Jack’  has been painted every Halloween since 1952.  About 100 gallons of paint are used to freshen up the 73-foot-long smile and 18-foot-tall eyes.  ‘Smilin’ Jack’ is located at 1660 West Anaheim Street in Wilmington.

Photo by John Malmin, 1965 for L.A. Times

Photo description in the L.A. Times:  Smilin’ Jack’ sits among storage tanks at the Union Oil (now ConocoPhillips) refinery in Wilmington. Photographer John Malmin took this photo from a low-flying helicopter while on his way to a financial assignment in Los Angeles Harbor. 

Smilin' Jack will be on display this year!  Let's visit!