Hickam AFB Water Tower 8x10"

Original watercolor

Mixed media:  8"x10" matted watercolor on acid free quality watercolor paper. 

Completed in 1938. Designed by Moorish design, similar to the tower at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Its Octagonal shape with a radius of 18 feet 5 inches. Originally built as a water tower, serving as an enclosure for a water storage tank.  Used as a radio transmitter facility before and during World War II. Dec. 7, 1941: Although not directly hit by bombs, the tower's internal tank and staircase were damaged due to surrounding bombings. Its use as a water tower was discontinued after the attack. Renamed "Freedom Tower" on May 15, 1985, during Hickam's 50th Anniversary, in honor of those who served and died for freedom.

Remains a historic landmark and icon of Hickam. Still serves its original purpose as an enclosure for a water storage tank, and the upper room is used to store equipment for transforming the tower into a large Christmas tree each year.  Every December since 1969, lights are strung from the top to the base, creating Oahu's largest Christmas tree. (2025)