Revelers have long gathered in Times Square to celebrate the dawn of a new year. Amidst the glitz and glamour, the iconic tradition of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop holds a lesser-known yet significant Jewish heritage, intertwined with the ingenuity of Jacob Starr and the vision of Adolph Ochs, the jewish publisher and former owner of The New York Times.
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In 1907, the inaugural New Year’s Eve Ball descended from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Crafted by Jacob Starr, a Ukrainian Jewish immigrant and metalworker, this 700-pound iron and wood creation marked the beginning of a century-long legacy. Starr’s firm, Artkraft Strauss, became synonymous with the ball, overseeing its descent for most of the 20th century.
This idea sprang from time balls, devices popular in 19th-century maritime navigation, aimed at synchronizing ship chronometers. While sources credit both Adolph Ochs and the New York Times’ electrician Walter Palmer for the concept, Starr’s granddaughter, Tama, believes it was her grandfather’s brainchild. The ball, adorned with the new year numerals, illuminated the night sky as it lowered, captivating audiences with its magic.
This iconic event emerged as mentioned in 1907, as an innovative alternative to the once-popular fireworks that had graced the skies of Times Square in celebration of the impending year. Ochs, known for attracting crowds to the newspaper's new skyscraper home through pyrotechnics and fireworks, faced a hurdle when city officials swiftly prohibited the use of explosives after just a few years. Determined to create an equally captivating visual spectacle, Ochs sought out Starr.
The journey of the Times Square Ball saw several transformations over the years, from a 700-pound structure to a lighter aluminum frame post-World War II. It even metamorphosed into a “Big Apple” during Mayor Ed Koch’s tenure. However, its essence remained unchanged, maintaining a continuous tradition, save for the wartime years of 1942 and 1943 when the event paused due to New York City's wartime light restrictions. Despite this pause, Times Square still drew crowds during these years, ushering in the New Year with a poignant minute of silence followed by resonating chimes from sound trucks stationed at the tower's base
The progression of the ball mirrored societal shifts. In 1995, adorned with rhinestones and computer controls, it embraced modernity. Yet, this evolution spelled the end for Artkraft Strauss, marking a new era in collaboration between Waterford Crystal and Philips Lighting, birthing today’s stunning creation—a six-ton, 12-foot marvel adorned with 2,688 crystal triangles and 32,256 LEDs.
Tama fondly recalls her years atop One Times Square, dangling with her feet from the rooftop overseeing the ball drop. The synchronized countdown and meticulous lowering of the ball epitomized a minute “outside of time,” echoing the spirit of New Year’s resolutions—a moment to embrace change.
Historical records estimate the installation of approximately 150 public time-balls worldwide. While only a few survive and remain functional, the tradition endures. Notably, the United States Naval Observatory in Washington DC, upholds this tradition by releasing a time-ball from a flagpole at noon daily. Similarly, in Times Square, the descent of the time-ball at midnight resonates not just for a handful of ship captains but for an audience exceeding one billion worldwide.
Though this year’s celebrations have been adjusted due to prevailing circumstances, the timeless tradition of the ball drop endures, inviting the world to witness the dawn of a new chapter.