Clock Tower Fundraising Reaches Halfway Mark

Whether or not Hatboro receives the $25,000 matching grant sought to restore its historically significant clock tower, fundraising efforts are on pace to cover the borough match, an official told Patch.

"We’re better than halfway to our $25,000," said Hatboro Borough Councilwoman Patty Fleming, who sits on a committee overseeing the clock tower's restoration efforts. "I’m not worried about it. People have been generous. This projet has really gotten some nice attention from people."

The council submitted its latest Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant application last month. If received, that $25,000 grant, plus the local match, would cover construction costs associated with repairing and eventually restarting the hands of time.  

"We want to get in line," Fleming said of the next grant. "We never want to leave free money on the table."

Currently, the first phase of the process, which involves Keith Winship of Winships' Pieces of Time preparing a detailed report outlining the costs and repairs needed to preserve the borough's 200-year-old clock tower, is underway and is expected to conclude by year's end, officials said. 

With the second phase in sight, the council, during this week's meeting, unanimously approved structural engineering services from Knudsen Engineering.

Fleming said the engineer would be used on an "as-needed basis" and only if structural issues become apparent during Winship's analysis.

"We allocated money just in case," Fleming said, adding that a couple thousand dollars have been set aside. "It’s nothing we’re anticipating being a massive undertaking."

The quest to restore the clock–and have it once again tell time–began in 2008, when businessman Charles Roche' noticed the clock's hands had stopped.

Roche', along with local officials and residents, have pushed for several years to acquire funding for the clock in time for its 200th anniversary in 2012. With that date passed, Fleming said the goal now is to have the clock in good working order for the borough's tricentennial in 2015.

"Everybdoy wants it done yesterday," she said. 

How you can help

The Millbrook Society is leading fundraising efforts associated with the local match needed for the clock, which was installed by Horsham native Isaiah Lukens in 1812, prior to his completion of a similar clock for Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.

Donations can be mailed to: Millbrook Society P.O. Box 506, Hatboro, PA 19040. Checks should be made out to the Millbrook Society Clock Fund.