He immigrated to the United States as a teenager and began working as a construction worker.
He began by digging a foundation, then made the rest up as he went along.
He used steel rebars, wire meshes, and concrete as the main support.
Sometimes the neighborhood children brought him junk.
Other times, Rodia walked as far as 20 miles searching for material.
Photo:Scott Hess/Flickr
In the summer of 1954, Rodia suffered a mild stroke.
Shortly after the stroke, he fell off a tower while working.
Although the fall was short, Rodia sensed the end.
He was at that time 75.
A group of concerned citizens, intent on saving the towers, organized a strength test.
The Watts Tower passed the test and the city agreed not to demolish it.
So far the towers had withstood earthquakes and inclement weather with only minor damages.
Related:The Rock Garden of Chandigarh
Simon Rodia on a tower.
Photo:Kent MacElwee/Flickr
Photo:TravelingMan/Flickr
Photo:hollywoodsmile310/Flickr
Photo:Steve Silverman/Flickr
Photo:eatswords/Flickr
