TOWN CLOCK - Revision history

Randylyon at 18:24, 20 April 2026

2026-04-20T18:24:44Z

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	intervals and not make one glass crowd close		intervals and not make one glass crowd close
	upon another. (32)		upon another. (32)

			In April 2026 the announcement was made that Dubuque's historic Clock Tower could soon be lit up for the first time in its 153-year history.

			The city council unanimously approved a proposal to add lights to the landmark. The civic group Dubuque Forward hoped to have the project finished by Independence Day to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The Clock Tower has stood in Dubuque since 1873 but never had been illuminated at night. (33)

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	32. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		32. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

			33. Acosta, Hery, "City Approves Plan to Illuminate Dubuque's Iconic Clock Tower," KWWL.com, April 15, 2026

Randylyon at 14:50, 24 June 2024

2024-06-24T14:50:26Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 20:20, 14 October 2021

2021-10-14T20:20:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:20, 14 October 2021
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	In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (30)		In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (30)

	As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, ~~agree~~ editorializing		As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agreed editorializing

	A town clock is needed in that part of the city,		A town clock is needed in that part of the city,

Randylyon at 20:19, 14 October 2021

2021-10-14T20:19:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:19, 14 October 2021
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	''Dubuque Folklore''. American Trust and Savings Bank. 1976		'''Dubuque Folklore'''. American Trust and Savings Bank. 1976

	175 Years, Volume 2, "A Tour of Dubuque's Landmarks," Telegraph Herald, June 23, 2008		175 Years, Volume 2, "A Tour of Dubuque's Landmarks," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 23, 2008



	[[Category: Landmarks]]		[[Category: Landmarks]]

Randylyon at 20:18, 14 October 2021

2021-10-14T20:18:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 14 October 2021
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	Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Contractors were given the option of removing the clock by "conventional methods" from the top of the building at 825 Main St., refurbishing it at the city-owned storage yard at the foot of 11th Street and relocating it to 7th and Main. Another possibility was using a helicopter to move the clock directly to the columned pedestal where it could be refurbished in place. This is thought to be the least expensive method. The city had also faced the possibility of having to remove the steel beams that supported the clock and ran through the building--if they were not part of the building itself. An engineer hired by Mrs. Anne Gallogly, the owner, revealed that the beams were an important part of the building and therefore did not need to be removed. Only minor repairs to the roof would be needed. (27) Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (28)		Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Contractors were given the option of removing the clock by "conventional methods" from the top of the building at 825 Main St., refurbishing it at the city-owned storage yard at the foot of 11th Street and relocating it to 7th and Main. Another possibility was using a helicopter to move the clock directly to the columned pedestal where it could be refurbished in place. This is thought to be the least expensive method. The city had also faced the possibility of having to remove the steel beams that supported the clock and ran through the building--if they were not part of the building itself. An engineer hired by Mrs. Anne Gallogly, the owner, revealed that the beams were an important part of the building and therefore did not need to be removed. Only minor repairs to the roof would be needed. (27) Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (28)

			On August 24, 1970 the city council voted unanimously to award the clock contract to [[WALSER RAPID TRANSIT COMPANY]] with the date of starting the project about September 15th. The council's action came as a surprise since it had previously wanted to raise all the money before awarding a contract. Service club leaders who had been raising money pleaded for the council to make the decision since $47,000 of the target amount of $62,830 had been raised. City engineer John White commented that the amount raised would be enough to finance moving, renovating, and returning the clock to a pedestal at the former intersection of Seventh and Main [[STREETS]]. The $15,00 to be collected would finance architect's fees, constructing access to the clock in the new location and other work which might be needed. (29)

	After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.		After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.
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	The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about vibrations caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.		The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about vibrations caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.

	In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (29)		In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (30)

	As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing		As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing
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	whereby a man could take his beer at regular		whereby a man could take his beer at regular
	intervals and not make one glass crowd close		intervals and not make one glass crowd close
	upon another. (30)		upon another. (31)

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	28. "Bid is Over Estimate on Clock Move," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 8		28. "Bid is Over Estimate on Clock Move," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 8

	29. "Council Votes Not to Move Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 2001, p. 16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en		29. Bulkley, John, "It's Official: Town Clock is Moving," ''Telegraph-Herald'', August 25, 1970, p. 1

			30. "Council Votes Not to Move Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 2001, p. 16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en

	30. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		31. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Randylyon at 16:58, 27 February 2021

2021-02-27T16:58:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 27 February 2021
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	In 1878 the tone of the town clock bell was increased by the addition of a "hydrodynamic machine." It was said that the tone of the bell could be made louder by adding power to the strike apparatus. (18) A motor to wind the chains replaced the two boys in 1918. (19) In 1887 the new building was the home of [[SULLIVAN AND STAMPFER]], a dry goods store, which advertised itself as "under the Town Clock." (20)		In 1878 the tone of the town clock bell was increased by the addition of a "hydrodynamic machine." It was said that the tone of the bell could be made louder by adding power to the strike apparatus. (18) A motor to wind the chains replaced the two boys in 1918. (19) In 1887 the new building was the home of [[SULLIVAN AND STAMPFER]], a dry goods store, which advertised itself as "under the Town Clock." (20)

	In 1923 the financial cost estimated at between $4,000 and $5,000 of repairing the tower led the city council to decide to have the clock removed. This action was rescinded when a poll conducted by the ''Times Journal'' found that the citizens wanted the clock maintained. The repairs were made. In 1927 a new Seth Thomas mechanism was added. The clock was electrified by [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]] and synchronized by Western Union. (21)		In 1923 the financial cost estimated at between $4,000 and $5,000 of repairing the tower led the city council to decide to have the clock removed. there was some suggestion made that the TOWN CLOCK should be removed from its tower and placed on the new building. The thought was the tower would not be as stable and in its new position, the clock could be seen from a further distance. Fans of the tower rejected the idea.This action was rescinded when a poll conducted by the ''Times Journal'' found that the citizens wanted the clock maintained. The repairs were made. In 1927 a new Seth Thomas mechanism was added. The clock was electrified by [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]] and synchronized by Western Union. (21)

	~~[[File:townclock.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|This iconic photograph of~~ the ~~relocation~~ of the ~~town clock was taken by~~ [[~~SHAFFER, James\|James SHAFFER~~]] ~~and used as a cover for his memorable and photo-laden book with [[TIGGES, John\|John TIGGES]]]] In 1967 designers of~~ the ~~[[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]] decided~~ that the ~~site~~ should ~~have some vertical feature which~~ would ~~"recall some object~~, ~~event or person important in~~ the ~~history of Dubuque or of the Dubuque central area~~.~~" They advised the use~~ of the ~~town clock because of its historic relationship to~~ the ~~area, classical appearance, and function~~. (22)		Following the construction of the [[FEDERAL BANK BUILDING]] in 1935 the suggestion was made again that the Town Clock should be removed from its tower and placed on the new building. The thought was the tower would not be as stable and in its new position, the clock could be seen from a further distance. Fans of the tower rejected the idea. (22)

	The city council agreed to the clock if funds for the relocation were raised through donations. (23) Several service club leaders told the council that funds had already been received. [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]] contributed $5,000, [[JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS]] gave $2,500, and [[DUBUQUE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION]] had pledged $1,000 toward the estimated cost of $62,830. The project planner assured the council that the beams which had been installed to support the bell at its present location (825 Main) would not have to be removed. (24)		[[File:townclock.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|This iconic photograph of the relocation of the town clock was taken by [[SHAFFER, James\|James SHAFFER]] and used as a cover for his memorable and photo-laden book with [[TIGGES, John\|John TIGGES]]]] In 1967 designers of the [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]] decided that the site should have some vertical feature which would "recall some object, event or person important in the history of Dubuque or of the Dubuque central area." They advised the use of the town clock because of its historic relationship to the area, classical appearance, and function. (23)

			The city council agreed to the clock if funds for the relocation were raised through donations. (24) Several service club leaders told the council that funds had already been received. [[INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY]] contributed $5,000, [[JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS]] gave $2,500, and [[DUBUQUE SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION]] had pledged $1,000 toward the estimated cost of $62,830. The project planner assured the council that the beams which had been installed to support the bell at its present location (825 Main) would not have to be removed. (25)

	On July 16, 1970 the "Your Town Clock Committee" was organized with the goal of relocating the Town Clock to the Town Clock Square.		On July 16, 1970 the "Your Town Clock Committee" was organized with the goal of relocating the Town Clock to the Town Clock Square.

	A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (25)		A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (26)

	Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Contractors were given the option of removing the clock by "conventional methods" from the top of the building at 825 Main St., refurbishing it at the city-owned storage yard at the foot of 11th Street and relocating it to 7th and Main. Another possibility was using a helicopter to move the clock directly to the columned pedestal where it could be refurbished in place. This is thought to be the least expensive method. The city had also faced the possibility of having to remove the steel beams that supported the clock and ran through the building--if they were not part of the building itself. An engineer hired by Mrs. Anne Gallogly, the owner, revealed that the beams were an important part of the building and therefore did not need to be removed. Only minor repairs to the roof would be needed. (26) Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (27)		Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Contractors were given the option of removing the clock by "conventional methods" from the top of the building at 825 Main St., refurbishing it at the city-owned storage yard at the foot of 11th Street and relocating it to 7th and Main. Another possibility was using a helicopter to move the clock directly to the columned pedestal where it could be refurbished in place. This is thought to be the least expensive method. The city had also faced the possibility of having to remove the steel beams that supported the clock and ran through the building--if they were not part of the building itself. An engineer hired by Mrs. Anne Gallogly, the owner, revealed that the beams were an important part of the building and therefore did not need to be removed. Only minor repairs to the roof would be needed. (27) Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (28)

	After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.		After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.
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	The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about vibrations caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.		The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about vibrations caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.

	In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (28)		In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (29)

	As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing		As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing
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	whereby a man could take his beer at regular		whereby a man could take his beer at regular
	intervals and not make one glass crowd close		intervals and not make one glass crowd close
	upon another. (29)		upon another. (30)

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	21. Kruse, p. 34		21. Kruse, p. 34

	22. Miller, Jim. "Hearing on Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 7, 1970, p. 20		22. "Dubuque's Famous Town Clock," ''Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal'', August 4, 1930, p. 21

			23. Miller, Jim. "Hearing on Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 7, 1970, p. 20

	23. Ibid.		24. Ibid.

	24. Bulkley, John. "Council Okays Clock Switch," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 28, 1970, p. 1		25. Bulkley, John. "Council Okays Clock Switch," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 28, 1970, p. 1

	25. "Clock Telethon Date is Switched," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1970, p. 21		26. "Clock Telethon Date is Switched," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1970, p. 21

	26. "New Bids to be Sought for Town Clock Project," ''Telegraph-Herald'', August 4, 1970, p.3		27. "New Bids to be Sought for Town Clock Project," ''Telegraph-Herald'', August 4, 1970, p.3

	27. "Bid is Over Estimate on Clock Move," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 8		28. "Bid is Over Estimate on Clock Move," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 8

	28. "Council Votes Not to Move Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 2001, p. 16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en		29. "Council Votes Not to Move Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 2001, p. 16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en

	29. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		30. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Randylyon at 20:41, 28 January 2021

2021-01-28T20:41:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:41, 28 January 2021
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	[[Image:townclockbutton.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:townclockbutton.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]
	The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about ~~[[VIBRATIONS]]~~ caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.		The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about vibrations caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.

	In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (28)		In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (28)

Randylyon at 20:40, 28 January 2021

2021-01-28T20:40:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 28 January 2021
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	Asa Horr received a letter from the clock manufacturer, E. Howard & Company, on January 6, 1873 saying that the clock would not be ready for shipment until the middle of February. The reason given was that new plans were being used and that the clock would be guaranteed to run for ten years. (11) Late arrival of the clock was not the only problem. On February 3, 1873 around 9:00 p.m. residents realized that the new tower was on fire. It was discovered that the blaze had been started by a tinner's furnace left among some wood shavings. The fire was extinguished before serious damage could result. (12) Late minute recalculations included whether to illuminate the dials of the clock. The committee responsible for the clock apparently thought the cost could be cut; the ''Dubuque Herald'' supported the additional price which it considered small. (13)		Asa Horr received a letter from the clock manufacturer, E. Howard & Company, on January 6, 1873 saying that the clock would not be ready for shipment until the middle of February. The reason given was that new plans were being used and that the clock would be guaranteed to run for ten years. (11) Late arrival of the clock was not the only problem. On February 3, 1873 around 9:00 p.m. residents realized that the new tower was on fire. It was discovered that the blaze had been started by a tinner's furnace left among some wood shavings. The fire was extinguished before serious damage could result. (12) Late minute recalculations included whether to illuminate the dials of the clock. The committee responsible for the clock apparently thought the cost could be cut; the ''Dubuque Herald'' supported the additional price which it considered small. (13)

	The town clock arrived on March 11, 1873 ~~and was shipped~~ in a heavy lumber box standing on cast iron legs. (14) Pieces of the clock were hoisted into place. The pendulum weighing 350 pounds was lifted into place on March 17, 1873. (15) ~~Residents were pleased with work on~~ the clock ~~dials, but were not pleased at~~ the ~~sound~~ of the ~~large bell which did not ring out as clearly as expected~~. ~~Theories ranged from~~ a ~~poorly constructed tower~~ to the ~~casting of the bell itself~~. ~~(16)~~		The town clock arrived on March 11, 1873 in a heavy lumber box standing on cast iron legs. (14) Pieces of the clock were hoisted into place. The pendulum weighing 350 pounds was lifted into place on March 17, 1873. (15) On Apri1 17, 1873, a new clock costing $5,309.45 graced the downtown area. (16) The clock operated by weights which hung from chains within shafts running to the basement of the building. Two strong boys were hired to wind up the weights--a task that took an hour and thirty minutes to operate the clock for a week.

	~~Architect [[HEER, Fridolin\|Fridolin HEER]] drew plans for a new brick building;~~ on ~~Apri1 17, 1873, a new~~ clock ~~costing $5~~,~~309.45 graced~~ the ~~downtown area~~. ~~(17) The clock operated by weights which hung~~ from ~~chains within shafts running~~ to the ~~basement~~ of the ~~building~~. ~~Two strong boys were hired~~ to ~~wind up~~ the ~~weights--~~a ~~task that took an hour~~ and ~~thirty minutes~~ to ~~operate~~ the ~~clock~~ for ~~a week~~.		Residents were pleased with work on the clock dials, but were not pleased at the sound of the large bell which did not ring out as clearly as expected. Theories ranged from a poorly constructed tower to the casting of the bell itself. (16) Concern about the tower led to the formation of a council committee and mechanics being appointed to determine the stability of the tower. On May 29th Aldermen Beach, Howard, and Pier joined H. L. Fulton, the architect for Rhomberg's mill; and local mechanics F. Demars; B. B. Provost; and J. Brophy to inspect the construction. (17)

	In 1878 the tone of the town clock bell was increased by the addition of a "hydrodynamic machine." It was said that the tone of the bell could be made louder by adding power to the strike apparatus. (18) A motor to wind the chains replaced the two boys in 1918. (19) In 1887 the new building was the home of [[SULLIVAN AND STAMPFER]], a dry goods store, which advertised itself as "under the Town Clock." (20)		In 1878 the tone of the town clock bell was increased by the addition of a "hydrodynamic machine." It was said that the tone of the bell could be made louder by adding power to the strike apparatus. (18) A motor to wind the chains replaced the two boys in 1918. (19) In 1887 the new building was the home of [[SULLIVAN AND STAMPFER]], a dry goods store, which advertised itself as "under the Town Clock." (20)
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	15. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', March 17, 1873, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18730318&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		15. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', March 17, 1873, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18730318&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	16. ~~"The Bells," ''Dubuque Herald'', March 25, 1873~~, p. ~~4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18730325&printsec=frontpage&hl=en~~		16. Kruse, p. 33

	17. ~~Kruse~~, p. 33		17. "Clock Tower Investigation," ''The Daily Herald'', May 29, 1873, p. 4

	18. "~~Caught on the Fly~~," ''Dubuque Herald'', ~~December 6~~, ~~1878~~, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=~~18781206~~&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		18. "The Bells," ''Dubuque Herald'', March 25, 1873, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18730325&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	19. ~~Kruse~~, p. 33		19. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', December 6, 1878, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18781206&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	20. "Sullivan and Stampfer" advertisement, ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', July 14, 1887, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YXhFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v7wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6574,236044&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en		20. "Sullivan and Stampfer" advertisement, ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', July 14, 1887, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=YXhFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=v7wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6574,236044&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en

Randylyon at 14:45, 14 August 2019

2019-08-14T14:45:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 14 August 2019
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	A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (25)		A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (25)

	Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (26)		Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Contractors were given the option of removing the clock by "conventional methods" from the top of the building at 825 Main St., refurbishing it at the city-owned storage yard at the foot of 11th Street and relocating it to 7th and Main. Another possibility was using a helicopter to move the clock directly to the columned pedestal where it could be refurbished in place. This is thought to be the least expensive method. The city had also faced the possibility of having to remove the steel beams that supported the clock and ran through the building--if they were not part of the building itself. An engineer hired by Mrs. Anne Gallogly, the owner, revealed that the beams were an important part of the building and therefore did not need to be removed. Only minor repairs to the roof would be needed. (26) Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (27)

	After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.		After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.
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	The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about [[VIBRATIONS]] caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.		The [[TOWN CLOCK PLAZA]], with its Town Clock, was formally dedicated on Friday, August 3, 1971, by Dubuque [[MAYOR]] Dr. [[COUCHMAN, Gaylord M.\|Gaylord M. COUCHMAN]] and George W. Romney, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Concern about [[VIBRATIONS]] caused by loud music and hundreds of dancers led to a feature story in the [[TELEGRAPH HERALD]] in 1989. City officials stated their confidence in the structural soundness of the tower. The Durrant Architects of Dubuque designed the pre-cast four-column pedestal that supports the clock since its relocation.

	In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (27)		In 2001 with the reopening of Main Street to traffic, the question arose whether to move the clock from its tower to the top of the Town Clock Building at 835 Town Clock Plaza. On August 20, 2001 the city council voted 6-1 to leave the clock where it was and direct traffic around it. (28)

	As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing		As a postscript--In 1880 the residents of the Fifth Ward along Couler also wanted a town clock. The ''Dubuque Herald'', tongue-in-cheek, agree editorializing
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	whereby a man could take his beer at regular		whereby a man could take his beer at regular
	intervals and not make one glass crowd close		intervals and not make one glass crowd close
	upon another. (28)		upon another. (29)

	---		---
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	25. "Clock Telethon Date is Switched," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1970, p. 21		25. "Clock Telethon Date is Switched," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 21, 1970, p. 21

	26. "~~Bid is Over Estimate on~~ Clock ~~Move~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~July 30~~, 1970, p. 8		26. "New Bids to be Sought for Town Clock Project," ''Telegraph-Herald'', August 4, 1970, p.3

	27. "~~Council Votes Not to~~ Move ~~Town Clock~~," ''Telegraph Herald'', ~~August 26~~, ~~2001~~, p. ~~16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en~~		27. "Bid is Over Estimate on Clock Move," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 30, 1970, p. 8

	28. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		28. "Council Votes Not to Move Town Clock," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 26, 2001, p. 16, Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EwpaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=b0sNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4793,4278359&dq=dubuque+town+clock&hl=en

			29. "Caught on the Fly," ''Dubuque Herald'', January 23, 1880, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=uh8FjILnQOkC&dat=18800123&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Randylyon at 01:04, 19 July 2019

2019-07-19T01:04:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:04, 19 July 2019
Line 28:		Line 28:
	A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (25)		A "Town Clock Telethon," the first telethon ever held in Dubuque, was presented on July 26, 1970. Joining in the fundraising were the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, and the "Your Town Clock Committee" made up of seven Dubuque service organizations. Several musical groups donated their talents to the broadcast when ran from 6:00 p.m. until midnight from the conference room of the Interstate Power Company. (25)

	Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Your Town Clock Committee chairman Thomas ~~Reilly~~ announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (26)		Disappointing news came on July 30, 1970 when the only bid for the removal and relocation project came in $12,000 over the estimate. Your Town Clock Committee chairman [[REILLY, Thomas J.\|Thomas J. REILLY]] announced that donations had reached $32,000 and that the 250 members of the committee would conduct a "Buck Night" on August 4, 1970. (26)

	After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.		After fourteen months, the necessary $70,000 was raised through voluntary contributions.