Clocktower restoration and history in Blair County, PA

After nearly two decades of silence, the Blair County Courthouse clocktower in Hollidaysburg is set to chime once more, thanks to a dedicated restoration effort.

 

Beginning this Saturday, the historic bell will ring hourly between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., marking a significant milestone in the revitalization of this cherished landmark.

 

The restoration journey was spearheaded by Nick Burket, the county's facilities director, who navigated the complex process of refurbishing the clocktower's intricate mechanisms.

 

Accessing the tower involves traversing steep stairs and ladders, leading to the 1876 bell from West Troy, New York.

 

Originally equipped with a hand striker and pull rope, the bell now features an electronic striker, ensuring consistent hourly chimes.

 

Historically, the clocktower included openings intended for messenger pigeons, a feature that became obsolete with the advent of the telegram.

 

These openings have since become nesting spots for birds, which will be addressed in the ongoing restoration.

 

The clock faces, original to the 1876 construction, have undergone repairs to their gears and hands, many of which had succumbed to rust over the years.

 

Previous restoration efforts in 2015 focused on essential repairs, leaving the clocktower untouched due to budget constraints.

 

The current project gained momentum when the American Legion Post 516 in Hollidaysburg, led by Samuel Dunkle, initiated a fundraising campaign.

 

Surpassing their initial goal of $75,000, the campaign raised over $100,000, enabling comprehensive restoration work.

 

Dunkle, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and district court administrator, recalled the clocktower's significance from his youth and was motivated to restore its function in time for America's 250th anniversary.

 

The community is invited to a celebratory event this Saturday outside the courthouse.

 

Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with a brass quintet performing patriotic songs, followed by a program at 9:45 a.m.

 

Speakers include Senior Judge Jolene Kopriva, who will discuss the courthouse's history, and Dave Kessling, chair of the Blair County Commissioners, outlining future maintenance plans.

 

This restoration not only revives a historic timepiece but also symbolizes the community's commitment to preserving its heritage.

 

As the clocktower resumes its role, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Blair County.