Blowin' Smoke For The Sabes
While walking to the Swannie House for lunch today I passed this neat sight. Michael Madia (not pictured), President and CEO of Nicholson and Hall Corporation (established 1922), has added functionality to his 'Herd of Buffalo' roof ornament. This thing is totally tricked out too. The fog machine is operated via remote control, so when the Sabres score, the buffalo blasts 'smoke' out of its nostrils. The smoke also appears before and after the games, much to the enjoyment of everyone parked at the massive parking lots below. The fog machine can be operated from just about anywhere too - like Michael's living room for example. On top of that, the rigging includes a strobe that lights up the molded statue from underneath. There're also two stadium speakers that blast Sabres sound clips before and after the games. You might even hear Homer Simpson yelling at people as they pass by. And the beast's eyes light up like nobody’s business. Plans are in the works to have the 'smoke' blow out of the animal's butt when the opposing team scores - Michael wants to know if people would like that or not. Pete Wirch (not pictured) was the guy who implemented the operational requests, and a mighty fine job he did.
Nicholson Hall is celebrating 85 years and Michael wanted to give something back to the community. So when you're parking anywhere around 41 Columbia St., look for the buffalo blowin' smoke (in either direction), and shout along with the sounds of the Sabres as they take it to the opposition. Just wait 'till you see this new installation. It's pretty darn cool!
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platt4
That is too funny- YES on the smoke out of the butt!
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Medina_Sandstone
I'm sorry, but didn't the Surgeon General release a report about the hazards of smoking for bisons? Is that buffalo old enough to purchase its smokes? Isn't it being a terrible role model?
Just kidding. It's goofy and unexpected--just what the doctor ordered! Congrats to Nicholson & Hall on surviving not only the Great Depression but the Great Buffalo Collapse.
Now, when are you going to tell us what Nicholson & Hall actually does?
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Medina_Sandstone
P.S. Skip the smoke out the butt. Takes it from goofy to gross.
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curmudgeon
They make boilers and all sorts of steam fittings, pipes, etc.
Great work on the Buffalo!
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stephenjames716
very cool! thanks for the story
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bflorox
Who will actually see the smoke? If it is " Game On!", you'd better either be at the game or inside someplace watching it! : ) Go Sabres!
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tinker
I hope this becomes a year-round attraction! I am going to have to take a special detour to check it out one of these days.
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nicoleshoe
this is awesome. kudos to them for taking in the sabres spirit
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flyguy
That is an amazing creation and it ties in so well with that area of the city as well. I give Nicholson and Hall alot of credit for this unnecessary (from a business standpoint) contribution to our community. Three cheers!!! Its the little things that when incorporated into a larger scheme and some big attractions creates unique places with unique identities. Very cool stuff.
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WilliamZabkaAllStars
Nicholson & Hall... exactly the type of business Buffalo should be spending money on, rather than throwing $66 million to some big box retailer that - by observing their actions - clearly doesn't REALLY want to be here.
Imagine if 66 companies such as this were given $1 million each...
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berniep
ithink that cool idea also should do every game and play oofif hopefully were in them this for the cup
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