Concord Clock Tower

In 1872, a Civic committee raised $1200 to purchase the clock from the E. Howard Co. of Boston Massachusetts. The clock, its dials and weights were hoisted into place and on July 26, 1873 the hands moved for the first time. The steel bell, that was cast in Sheffield, England, tolled for the first time in 1874.

In 1950 the bell, clock and Tower were removed and the pieces lost. Recently all the parts were recovered and an effort was made to showcase the clock-works and bell in a downtown location for all to see. The location of the new clock Tower punctuates Main Street and marks the entry into an outdoor urban square. The six-foot diameter clock face, which is internally lit, serves as a beacon, shining up and down Main Street. The clock mechanism is located at eye level so that children and pedestrians may see the actual workings in motion. The 2000 pound bell is suspended on a cradle made from 150-year-old heart pine, salvaged from an old area barn. The Tower is built of local materials: Granite, brick, glass and copper. On December 18, 1998, for the first time in 48 years, the dials of the clock were illuminated, the hands were set in motion, and the bell rang.

Take a look at the making of the Clock Tower from Sketch to the final product - click on a photo for a larger view: