Time standing still

Bethesda village officials bid to preserve landmark

By BETTY J. POKAS, Times Leader Area Editor
REFERRING to the town clock in Bethesda as “an historical monument,” Mayor Charles Lyons said different avenues are being explored in regard to the landmark’s future.

“We have to do something before fall,” added Lyons. “I don’t think it will last through the winter.” He spoke of the need to start immediately on the process of removing it from the privately owned building on which it is located.

The mayor is hopeful a special memorial clock or bell tower, which would stand alone, can be built eventually to house the clock.

Lyons said he has been in touch with clock restorers and clock builders about the clock, which dates from 1925.

“They’re all excited — it’s so rare,” he added.

The mayor said that he talked to a representative of The Verdin Co., which has been in the clock business since 1842. According to Lyons, the representative was amazed that the Bethesda clock is still working.

“It’s an actual weight and balance clock,” explained Lyons. “It operates like a cuckoo clock.”

He went on to stay that with workings like a grandfather or cuckoo clock, it has to be wound, and the weights go down the entire five stories of the building where it currently is located.

Mentioning the importance of the community being involved in saving the clock, Lyons said plans are to start an historical society to represent the clock tower. He explained such a group has a better chance of obtaining funding.

During the village council’s April session, architect Dan Popp said the clock was in very bad condition, and his advice was to have it removed as soon as possible. He added the clock tower is not supported well, and it is pulling away from the exterior wall and creating a gap between the wall and the roof structure.

Village officials, including council, Village Administrator Tim Zdanski and Lyons have been looking into the possibility of grants.

Lyons said officials hadn’t applied for specific grants, but had talked to the Ohio Historical Society about the possibility. He went on to say the society’s offer was low, because it doesn’t have the budget needed and cutbacks are being made.

The mayor again mentioned he thought an historical society would have a better chance of obtaining funding.

Popp’s estimate for removing the clock and tower and having the roof repaired is around $10,000.

Lyons is hopeful village funding and donations will result in that project.

Having a memorial clock tower constructed possibly would cost $30,000 to $60,000, according to the mayor. He added the Verdin Co. reported it would not be necessary to have a five-story clock tower built.

Lyons, who works in construction, said he has prepared three different designs for housing the clock. Plans are to store it after it is removed from the present site.

Emphasizing the rarity and historical significance of the clock, Lyons expressed the hope that a clock tower could be constructed in two or three years and that it would be a memorial for all veterans from Bethesda.

The present clock, which was placed into operation 83 years ago, is dedicated to “the honor and memory” of Bethesda service personnel who served in World War I.

Lyons asked that anyone interested in the clock or having questions about the proposed project attend the next regular meeting of village council. That session will be May 22 at 7 p.m.

Pokas can be reached at timesleader@timesleaderonline.com.