Smilin’ Jack, an Enormous Jack-o’-Lantern Painted on the Side of an 80,000-Barrel Storage Tank Each Year Since 1952

“Smilin’ Jack” is a massive jack-o’-lantern face painted on a squat, ellipsoidal storage tank at the Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington, originally built by Union Oil in 1952.

Inspired by the tank’s orange primer and pumpkin-like shape, a plant executive proposed painting a festive face on it, which was approved and executed as a Halloween surprise for the community. Holding up to 3.36 million gallons, the tank is one of the largest jack-o’-lanterns on the West Coast and has been repainted annually for over 70 years. Over time, Smilin’ Jack became a beloved local icon, attracting thousands of visitors and even donning a giant face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the refinery slated to close in 2025, the future of this seasonal landmark remains uncertain.

h/t: vintag.es