Construction Trivia, Holiday Edition
by Ron Kubitz
December 14, 2011
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all outside the job trailer,
Not a creature was stirring, not even an excavator.
The big yellow vehicles were parked in the mud with care,
In hopes that the operators would soon return there …
Yes, it is that time of year when construction vehicle crossing signs are replaced with (rein)deer crossing warnings, and elves at work become more common than men at work. Whether you work for the Christmas Construction Company (yes, Virginia there really is a Christmas Construction Company) or at the North Pole, this time of year is truly special for all, as hard work is replaced with a few days of some much-needed family time.
It is in this light-hearted vein that I share some interesting holiday construction facts for your enjoyment, and I encourage you to contribute some of your own as well. Let me dig into my stocking of goodies …
- About the last two weeks of July, a construction holiday is mandated in Quebec, Canada, at which time most construction activity ceases. Offices shut down and equipment goes quiet, during what many would deem prime construction days! This holiday has been in effect in Quebec since 1971. Quebec also has a construction holiday/shutdown for two weeks in late December and early January. The grass is starting to look a little greener over the border …
- The largest gingerbread house in the U.S. according to the Guinness Book of World Records was fittingly constructed inside the largest U.S. mall—the Mall of America. It took nine days to construct and topped off at 67 feet tall! I wonder how long it took to eat the house?
- Looking for a great gift for the kids/grandkids? Visit www.TwentyTrucks.com for music videos/DVDs including “Excavator Music Video,” “Bulldozer Music Video,” as well as “Truck Tunes” and “Name that Truck.”
- The Tinkertoy Construction Set was created in 1914 and was met with a strong lack of interest. Frustrated by the lack of interest with his new toy invention, Charles Pajeau hired several “little people,” dressed them as elves and had them play with “Tinker Toys” in a display window in a Chicago toy store during the Christmas season of 1914. This stunt led to the toys becoming an instant hit, and 1 million sets were sold the following year.
I enjoyed digging up these little known facts and look forward to hearing what you, the readers, have to share. Thanks for reading my Dirt Talk blog entries over the past many months and please accept my heartfelt greetings to each of you and your families for a happy holiday season!
Ron Kubitz
Ron Kubitz is the recruiting manager for Brayman
Construction Corporation, located in Saxonburg,
Pa. As an accomplished presenter,
Ron is often sought after in regard to his expertise within the world of social
media.
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Title: Christmas
By: Mike Wiley
Posted: December 14, 2011 12:50 PM
Enjoyed reading and thanks for sharing. We need to move to Cananda...Happy Holidays!
Title: Christmas and Construction
By: Virginia Jaye
Posted: December 16, 2011 7:52 AM
The XMAS tree at Rockefeller Center is one of the most historic and viewed XMAS trees in the US.
In New York, it's not officially Christmastime until the tree is lit at Rockefeller Center. Did you know that the first tree appeared in 1931, during the Great Depression, when workers placed a tree in the dirt of a construction site. That year, the tree symbolized Christmas as much as it did hope and the invincible human spirit.
Title: Christmas and Construction
By: Virginia Jaye
Posted: December 16, 2011 7:54 AM
THE XMAS tree at Rockefeller Center in NYC is one of the most historic and widely viewed XMAStrees in the US.
In New York, it's not officially Christmastime until the tree is lit at Rockefeller Center. Did you know the first tree appeared in 1931, during the Great Depression, when workers placed a tree in the dirt of a construction site. That year, the tree symbolized Christmas as much as it did hope and the invincible human spirit.
Title: Christmas
By: jesse chamblee
Posted: December 19, 2011 7:21 AM
Happy Holidays and thanks for your articles enjoy reading.
Title: Holidays
By: Brian
Posted: December 28, 2011 8:01 PM
Since when is NEw YEars Day not a holiday?