Harris Tower Preserves Pennsylvania Railroad History in Harrisburg

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

aired; July 29, 2026

For decades, Harris Tower was one of the busiest railroad control centers on the Pennsylvania Railroad, safely directing trains through Harrisburg using a remarkable 113-lever interlocking machine. On The Spark, we spoke with members of the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society—including Chapter President Mark Eyer, Vice President Andy Ottinger, PRR historian Dan Cupper, and restoration lead Dan Rapak—about the tower’s history and the volunteers working to preserve it for future generations.

The conversation explored how Harris Tower functioned as an early analog computer, preventing train collisions while managing one of the region’s busiest rail corridors. Our guests also discussed the importance of the adjacent Power Director’s Office in the Harrisburg Transportation Center, the restoration efforts underway, and why these historic railroad sites represent a world-class piece of Central Pennsylvania history that deserves greater public attention.

To hear the full conversation, listen to The Spark podcast. To learn more about Harris Tower, upcoming tours, and the Harrisburg Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, visit the Harrisburg Chapter NRHS website.

Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation.