In a loving Los Angeles Times piece last week on the occasion of Saturday’s celebration, Mike Boehm remembers the time 50 years ago when L.A.’s idiosyncratic, cathedral-like folk art monuments the Watts Towers were almost torn down. Built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921 and 1954, the property was slated for demolition, but rescued by N.J. Goldstone. Now, as the monumental artwork celebrates its 55th year and 50 years since almost falling to city officials incapable of recognizing the value of architectural eccentricity, we look back with these 17 Soaring Shots of the Watts Towers.

With creator, artist and architect Simon Rodia.