Just a little something to tide you, both of you, over .
Clock articles
Transcribed by Matthew Rice - errors were left in the copy as printed unless otherwise noted
The following are articles which originally ran in the Granville Sentinel from between the fire which destroyed the old Granville national Bank building, then home of the town clock, to the dedication of the clock less than one year later detailing the efforts that went into brining the clock to being.
-Matt
- from Dec. 3, 1942 Granville Sentinel
Former Bank building Swept by Fire Monday
Damage estimated at $30,000 mark
Appreciation
The Granville Sentinel expresses appreciation to the Granville fire department and the Penrhyn Hose company for their efforts in saving its building. Due to the fine work of the men the Sentinel experienced no fire, smoke or water damage.
The former Granville national Bank building and what was known as the Hughes block adjoining it, on the corner of Main street and North street, went up in fire and smoke Monday morning at 8:30 o’clock and within an hour nothing remained of it bit the veneered brick walls of the building.
The block was one of the oldest in this village, having been erected in 1875 by Hugh W. Hughes, “The Slate King of America,” when the Granville National Bank was opened by Daniel Woodard.
The corner block adjoining that of the former Bank building wasn’t quite as old as the bank building. It was erected about 1890, soon after the old wooden building which housed the “Granville Republican,” a local weekly newspapers, was torn down. This block was also erected by the H. W. Hughes slate company.
The fire which was of unknown origin evidently started on the upper floor of the building. Mrs. Anna Labas, who was working in the building on the second floor, heard noises on the third floor and while investigating opened a door into a hall which was all aflame. Before she could turn in the alarm, smoke was seen coming from the building by outsiders who summoned the fire department.
Once the fire did break out it was seen coming out of the dome of the building and the roof caved in in a short time. The Granville fire department responded at once, as did the middle Granville department, but the fire made such headway that it was impossible to save any part of the building except to protect the adjoining buildings from catching fire.
Firemen were stationed on top of the Granville Sentinel office on the north pouring water down into the bank building to keep the fire from igniting the local newspaper office. The property of Mayor Hugh G. Williams, adjoining the burning building on the east, was also under constant guard and neither of the two buildings were affected by the fire, although they were both close to the burning building.
The town clock in the dome fell into the building while bricks and debris were falling towards the sidewalk, compelling the firemen to be constantly on guard against possible injury from bricks and roofing slate.
The building house the following offices which were burned out: The Washington County Welfare Department; Victor Mancini’s shoe shop; George Roberts’ barber shop; the Sussman dry cleaning establishment; the county nurse’s office; child welfare department; old age department; the Sheldon Slate Products company; S. E. Everts’ law office and the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Murphy. Mrs. Murphy being confined in the local hospitals with her baby fortunately was not at home when the fire broke out.
All the official records of the Granville Chapter of the American Red Cross were destroyed in the office of Charles R. Barker who is treasurer of the organization.
The building was the property of the Washington County National Bank and the loss is estimated at about $30,000.
As the Sentinel goes to press, the offices which were located in the former Granville National Bank building have located at the following addresses: The Washington County Department of Public Welfare’s several offices are divided between the upstairs rooms in the New York Telephone building on North street and the first floor rooms in the Masonic building, corner of Main and Church streets. It is reported that plans are underway to occupy the former E. E. Paul’s store building of two floors.
Attorney S. E. Everts’ office has been moved to the rooms over the Allen Electrical store, and Vic Mancini has moved his shoe repair equipment to the L.A. Rathbun garage but his permanent location is not known at this time.
(entered into blog 4/20)
- from Jan. 17 Granville Sentinel
Suggests Plan to Restore Old Town Clock
January 7, 1943. editor of the Sentinel, The Granville Sentinel, Granville New York. Dear Sir:
Not long after the recent fire which destroyed most of the block on the corner of Main street, I spoke to some one of the possibility of restoring that part of the building which supported the old clock, and of doing so as a separate “Clock Tower.” Since that time I have suggested the idea – purley as a matter of conversation – to a number of people. I have been surprised and pleased to have others say essentially the same thing to me – unsolicited. As I go about the town these days, in the weeks since the fire, I am impressed with the feeling that there would be considerable popular support for some sort of restoration of the old clock and its tower. If it is not too presumptuous and entirely out of order,I would therefore like to propose a definite idea – purely as a preliminary talking basis:
1. Restore the old clock tower, as far as it is feasible from a structural point of view so that it shall look as nearly like the original tower as possible. (It does not seem to me it need be, necessarily, as lofty as the original.)
2. in this tower, under the same type roof as it originally has, put a clock, as nearly a replica in outward appearance as it is possible for us to procure.
3. Let the first floor of the tower be of the “open-arch type of design, so that memorial plaques, various items of commemoration, etc., could be gathered from sundry places and assembled here, to maze for Granville a central memorial or ‘shrine’ for all time of the sons and daughters of which Granville is so proud.
4. Build the tower as the the interior with such provision for the future that a suitable set of chimes might be later installed to strike the hours and quarters in conjunction with the operation of the clock, and which could also be played separately on suitable occasions.
5. Locate the tower by all means, on the exact site of its former foundation –i.e., on the same foundation of that corner of the old building where George Roberts’ barber shop used to be. (That is the only site from which the clock can be seen from all parts of Main Street, particularly if it is not built as high as before.)
6. Build it of old brick, some from the old building, some from other significant former Granville buildings (where they can be recovered); ornament it with Granville slate, and of course, roof it with Granville slate.
7. Pave the “walks” about its base with Granville slate.
8. Garden the remaining are about the site of the old building so as to be a beaty spot and a local center for our village of which we shall all be proud.
I sincerely believe some idea as this could well be worked out and would receive considerable popular support. I was surprised and pleased the day of the fire to have one of the younger men in town say to me, “You know, it’s too bad it had to be that building. That old clock stood for some thing around here.” It is my impression that that sentiment is rather general.
I would therefore respectfully submit to the “Village Fathers”, in this public way, the suggestions that they conduct a careful survey of the matter with a view to doing something definite towards restoring perhaps the most essential thing which game “character” to our village. Some residence abroad in other countries taught me many years ago the fact that much of the charm and interest of these other places lies in the peculiar type of their buildings and the significance certain ones have for the people of those communities. The old red block and its clock tower stood for Granville to many thousands of people – native and visitor alike. I believe we ought to keep it so.
If there is anything I can do for the furtherance of this or any similar scheme for the perpetuation of one of Granville’s most significant features, please consider me as No. 1 to enlist in the cause.
Sincerely Malcolm F. Kelley
- from March 25, 1943 Granville Sentinel
Town Clock To Be Erected
Granville is about to realize a new town clock to replace the one lost in the fire last October (Actually, Nov. 30 - editor). At a meeting of a committee of the American Legion held Wednesday evening, plans were made and the order authorized, for purchase of an electric, four way town clock.
Not only have the directors of the Washington County national Bank given their permission to install the clock on the corner of the bank building but they also offered the American Legion $1,000 with which to start the drive for funds in this community. All interested people will be given an opportunity to share in this project in the next two weeks.
The clock is to bear an appropriate inscription as a memorial to the boys who are now fighting America’s battles in defense of democracy, the particular inscription, or slogan, to be decided on later.
A special meeting of the members of the Granville post of the American Legion has been called for Sunday afternoon at which time the plan will be announced and the drive started at once.
More details will be published in next week’s issue of the Sentinel.
- from the May 27, 1943 Granville Sentinel
Tag Day Sat. To Start Town Clock Drive
Michael T. Minogue, chairman of the town clock committee, announced that Saturday has been designated as “Tag Day” for the purpose of launching the campaign for funds with which to purchase the new electric town clock to be erected on the corner of the Washington County National Bank building.
At a meeting held this week plans were made for the campaign to solicit funds in a door to door canvass in the village and to make an appear to out of town people to send in their donations to the chairman.
The sum of $1,000 donated by the Washington County National Bank is already on hand together with the $100 donated by the manufacturers of the clock and several other subscriptions and donations.
The clock is to be erected as a memorial to the Granville men who are now in the armed forces of the United State and is to bear a proper inscription of slogan commemorating the principles for which they are fighting.
The slogan is not to exceed three words and it is for this reason that a contest is to be held for which a cash prize of $5 will be offered to th winner and entries are to be made with Morris Rote-Rosen.
A committee of five judges will e chosen to select the winner. The winning slogan will be imprinted on the fancy glass just above the face of the clock. The clock is about 10 feet high with a face 32 inches in diameter. It will strike each quarter hour and on the hour and it will be illuminated at night.
The cost of the clock is $2,450 and nearly $1,500 is available toward this sum, counting several large donations which have been promised to Chairman Michael T. Minogue.
Anyone wishing to send in donations toward the purchase of the clock may do so either by mail or in person to Michael T. Minogue, Chairman Town Clock Committee, Granville.
- June 3, 1943
Slogans Sent For New Clock
Michael T. Minogue, chairman Town Clock committee announced that the first tag day receipts totaled $107 which will add a substantial sum to the $2,450 necessary for the purchase of the clock. The drive for funds will continue until the goal has been attained and the clock dedicated to the service of the Granville men in the armed forces.
In the meantime slogans are being received for contestants for the 45 cash prize for the most suitable inscription for the clock which will express the sentiments of the principles for which America is fighting in the present conflict.
To give contestants an idea of the kind of slogan which will be suitable for the inscription over the face of the clock the following may be used as an example: “Liberty, Fraternity, Equality,” and the slogan is not to exceed three words. There will be a committee of five impartial judges selected and their decision will be final.
Donations are being received in the mail by Chairman Michael T. Minogue. One woman who mailed a $10 check for the Town Clock Fund stated in part as follows: “It gives me great pleasure to enclose my check for a contribution to the Clock Fund. The loss of the old one has been felt keenly and I am sure that everyone will be glad to see a timepiece on the corner.” In closing she refers to Granville as the “Town of Kindness.”
The contestants in the slogan are requested to mail their entries to Morris Rote-Rosen, Granville so that he can turn them over to the judges’ committee for deliberation.
- June 10, 1943
Granville First To Erect Memorial For Service Men
The drive for funds for the town clock is progressing satisfactorily according to Michael T. Minogue, chairman of the Town Clock committee and results are most gratifying. Mr. Minogue, who has his committee soliciting funds, feels that the quota necessary for the purchase of the clock will be reached soon.
James Brodie who is the solicitor on Main street reports a good collection, many volunteering a larger sum than they are expected to give and he too feels that if the present pace of funds continues the town clock will be realized.
In the meantime slogans are being received from various sources, from this town and from those living out of town. Judging from the entries registered so far with the committee there will be keen competition for the $5 cash prize which the judges committee will award for the best slogan expressing the ideals which the Granville men in the armed forces are fighting to preserve.
The new town clock will positively be dedicated as a memorial to the Granville men in the service in the present war and no other printing, slogans, or advertising, is to appear on the clock.
The Washington County National Bank has not only offered the use of its building for the installation of the clock on the corner of the building, it is giving a substantial amount for the purchase of the clock, as well as the offer to maintain it and to furnish electricity for its operation.
The town clock is so constructed that if at any time the electric power is turned off, in case of an emergency, the clock will automatically switch over to its own power which has a capacity of 24 hours operation. In this way the clock will run continually without a stop.
The winning slogan will be imprinted on the three sides above the face of the clock. Granville is the first community in this section to erect a memorial to the boys at such an early stage of the war and those contributing to the general fund of the clock endorse whole-heartedly the sentiment behind the drive for funds.
Mail contributions to Michael T. Minogue, chairman Town Clock Committee, Granville, N.Y.
- June 24, 1943
Firemen Stage Carnival As Town Clock Benefit
With the Town Clock campaign in its final drive the Granville fire department will stage a carnival and entertainment on the Mettowee Grange lot, W. Main St., Saturday night, July 3, with all the proceeds gleaned from the night’s entertainment to be contribute to the Town Clock Fund.
Co-operating with the war effort, the firemen have decided to forego their annual carnival in August, and will, instead, stage a one-night’s entertainment for the town clock.
Among the games and attractions will be bingo, duck pond, the high striker, fish pond and such others as the lot will accommodate. A hot dog sand will also be open and an ice cream booth if possible.
Contributions are being received by Michael T. Minogue, chairman of the Community Clock committee, and slogans for the inscription on the clock are being received and filed by Morris Rote-Rosen, secretary of the committee.
The town clock will be erected as a memorial to the men in the service. Chairman Michael T. Minogue has reported that every one of the committee soliciting funds has met with a generous response and it is expected that the one night carnival may bring the total up to the amount required for the purchase of the clock.
The carnival was decided upon as the best means for many who may wish to contribute in this way to the clock fund by attending the carnival on the night of the 3rd of July. There are many children who have requested that they be given an opportunity to pay their share and no better way can be found that with the program scheduled for a week from this Saturday night.
It is expected that within two weeks after the carnival full announcements will be made to the public about the probable date of the dedication of the electric town clock on the corner of the Washington County National Bank building.
A patriotic program will be arranged and the public will be invited to participate in the dedication ceremonies.
Contributions are being received from various sources, many being sent from people residing out of town. These are greatly appreciated and checks or money orders should be made payable to Michael T. Minogue, chairman.
There are 40 slogans filed with Morris Rote-Rosen, secretary of the committee and more are being received almost daily. The best slogan, selected by the judges, will be inscribed above the face of the clock. A $5 cash prize will be presented to the winner at the dedication exercises, and if there is a tie, the judges will decide about duplicating the award.
The Saturday night entertainment on the West Main street parking lot will open about 7 o’clock and will continue until 12 o’clock midnight. Music will be furnished by the Granville band which is also donating its services for the benefit of the clock. A complete list of those who contributed for the town clock will be published in the Sentinel upon completion of the drive for funds.
-July 1, 1943
Plans Complete For Carnival Saturday
The firemen are meeting on the old carnival lot this evening for the purpose of brining out their tents and paraphernalia to be erected on the Grange lot on the corner of Quaker and West Main streets for the one night carnival which is to be staged Saturday evening for the benefit of the town clock fund.
The response for the clock fund as met with enthusiasm by the people of the community and barring a rainy night Saturday it is expected that the goal for the necessary amount for the purchase of the clock will be reached.
The soliciting committee has made its report to Chairman Michael T. Minogue and if the Saturday night carnival is a success the full amount of the cost of the clock will have been reached. Slogans for the inscription on the clock as a memorial to the Granville men in the service are still coming in and contestants may send in as many as they wish.
The carnival will open about 7 o’clock Saturday and will continue until midnight. Arrangements are being made to have square dances with the other entertainments which will include bingo, high striker, fish pond and other games.
All of the proceeds will be given to the clock fund and anyone wishing to make a donation may do so with any members of the fire department associated with the carnival on the lot Saturday night.
July 8, 1943
Town Clock Assured for Granville – Carnival Saturday Boosts Total
The new town clock is now assured for Granville, particularly since the announcement made by the fire department that they had turned over more than $530 to Michael T. Minogue, chairman of the community town clock committee, as a result of the successful one-night carnival which was staged on the Mettowee Grange lot last Saturday night.
A tremendously large crowd turned out Saturday night, many of whom were from out of town, to assist the firemen in their efforts to reach the necessary amount required for the $2,500, the price of the electric town clock.
The carnival in miniature presented many of the regular games and attractions usually staged by the firemen at their annual carnival, and which, because of the war, has been postponed for the duration. But the one night affair was just as attractive to the general public and their patronage helped to put over the realization of a new town clock which has been greatly missed since the corner building fire last November.
The hot dog stand as usual sold out everything even to the last roll. The high striker did a fine business and so did the fish pond, the bingo game and all the attractions. The ice cream booth also sold out long before the show closed.
It takes the firemen to put over a local entertainment, judging by their past ten years’ record, and they showed a fine public spirit when through John S. Gunther, the reputy chief of the Granville fire department, they offered to raise the necessary balance to reach the prescribed quota for the purchase of the clock.
With the Washington County National Bank donating $1,000 towards the clock; $100 from the president of the McClintock Clock company, manufacturers of the clock; and from the many other voluntary sources, Saturday night’s $530 put it over the top so that plans are being made for the selection of the proper slogan which will be inscribed on the town clock as a memorial to the Granville men who are serving their contry in the present world conflict.
About 50 slogans are now being coded for submission to the judges’ committee which will select the winner and the winning slogan. Some very appropriate slogans have been received and only those will be considered by the judges which have a bearing on the principles for which the Granville men are fighting.
The slogan is to express the sentiment of the ideals of the present conflict. These will be turned over to the judges’ committee on Monday. The contest closes Saturday (this week) at 12 o’clock noon. No entries will be considered after this hour. Anyone who wishes to enter the contest may still do so now.
The judges committee selected by the town clock committee is: Mrs. R.E. Brown, chairman; C.F. McMaster, principal of the Granville schools; Mrs. Louis D. Goldberg, Miss Matie Minogue and Mrs. Jennie T. Nichols. The ladies have been particularly selected because of their service as officers in various patriotic organizations in Granville.
Mrs. Brown, the chairman, will call a meeting of the committee some time next week to choose the winning slogan so that the inscription may be turned over to Maynard D. Goodfellow in time to be sent in with the order for the clock. Further dedication ceremonies are being planned of which further announcement will be made public in the near future.
