The water tower for the former Frick Co., now Johnson Controls, is believed to have been erected in 1922 or 1923.
The demolition drew onlookers at several points during the day. The tower, which has its base not far from Pa. 16, often proved to be the first thing motorists saw on their way into town, coming up what is often referred to as "Frick hill."
"It's a landmark. It's not a historic landmark, but a landmark that a lot of people saw coming in from the west," said Mayor Richard Starliper, who understands the company's decision to no longer maintain the structure.
"When we have strangers come to town, I always say, 'Look for the Frick water tower on your left,'" said Allen Porter, a member of the Waynesboro Planning Commission and former councilman.
Once the tower is down, efforts will start to repair the area that once served as its foundation, Fortune said.
"There are three things I remember when I took my first tour of Waynesboro. ... The Frick water tower kind of stood out in my mind," Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger said. The other two things are Memorial Park and Center Square with the Candy Kitchen spire, he said.
