The Clock Tower

One of the more enjoyable aspects of being Town Manager is my responsibility for our community’s house- Town Hall. Many days, I actually spend more time in this house than in my own!

Built in 1888, Town Hall is a classic building in the Romanesque style. It was designed by the architectural firm of Rand & Taylor. It dominates Winchester Center’s landscape and is one of the most attractive public buildings in our region. The building was completely renovated in 1987. Many residents have commented on the scaffolding that is currently covering the clock tower. Following roofing and other exterior repairs to Town Hall, water infiltration was noticed in the tower. While the contractor was already mobilized, the Town had the work expanded to include re-pointing and other masonry repairs to the tower. This provided an opportunity to address the clock within the tower.

There are clock faces on each side of the tower and a large bell, all operated by a unique (and original) mechanical system. The Town is extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and competent citizen volunteer, Bradley Ross, who maintains the clock mechanics and ensures that they operate properly. Mr. Ross is truly an unsung hero of the Town of Winchester. Through the efforts of Mr. Ross and Claude Barden of the Department of Public Works, the clock faces and other components were repaired and protected from exposure to the weather. It is expected that the work will be completed and the scaffolding removed this month.

I am proud to work in this building and be a part of the team to keep it functioning as the seat of town government and the symbol of Winchester for many years to come.


For more information on the history of Town Hall, see Ellen Knight’s summary at http://www.winchester.us/ArchivalCenter/TownHall.html