What’s up with that?

Photograph: Martha Williams

Q Does the weather bell above the Walgreens at Clark and Monroe Streets really predict the weather—or is it just a joke?

A Think only the weatherman can predict cold fronts? Since January 22, 1951, many Chicagoans have gotten their forecasts from the Weather Bell (79 W Monroe St). When Bell Savings opened its headquarters here, it wanted something “eye-catching and gimmicky,” says cultural historian Tim Samuelson. Bell Savings’s namesake gizmo figured in the bank’s TV ads with a jingle that began, “When Weather Bell is emerald-green, no change in temperature is foreseen.” Glowing red means “warmer weather is ahead”; gleaming gold: “a temperature drop is foretold.” Historian Nicole Donohoe says, “As TV became popular, outdoor ads tried to compete by turning to technology.” Although in 1997 ABN AMRO acquired the savings company, the bell still tolls—just without the original Bell Savings logo.

—Alicia Eler

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