Coastal Clock and Chime Refurbishing Cape May Mall Clock
One minute it’s there. A couple of hours later and time stands still. Coastal Clock and Chime Refurbishing Cape May Mall clock as planned by the city.
Coastal Clock and Chime of Cinnaminson New Jersey, came, dismantled and hauled away the beloved clock on the 300 block of the Washington Street Mall. Otherwise know as the block at the clock.
Coastal Clock is one of those craftsman run companies, which though the website says you have a choice, there are not too many that do this kind of work. This would explain the sudden dismantling and disappearance of the big green clock. Originally installed in 2000 as a donation from the local Rotary Club. Some locals referred to it as the millenium clock according to Hillary Russell Pritchard of the Whale’s Tale Store.
City officials tell me the work has been planned for some time. Once funding was secure through capital appropriations the go ahead was issued. With a tight schedule, last Thursday presented a narrow window of time Coastal Clock could pick up the time piece.
According to their website, Coastal performs clock maintenance and repair throughout the United States. “Since the invention of the timepiece, large clocks have been installed in public places, so that the public can regulate their comings and goings. Church and other towers were commonly used for this purpose, and as time has gone on, we are accustomed to see them on city and town buildings, shopping centers and wherever people will congregate.”
But Who Will Notice?
It’s a peculiar thing about public space changes, some people don’t even notice. A guest staying for the weekend commented at check out: “I didn’t notice till today there’s a box where the clock once was.” I am told you can set your watch for early spring when the time piece returns.
Till then the 300 block of the mall will be know as the block with the box.
While the Mall is all spruced up for the holidays, it will be interesting to note whether people ask what’s in the box or what was there before? Only time will tell.
It’s funny, I walked past that clock so many times, have all kinds of pictures of it over the years, and I never realized how big the actual clock face is. It’s a beautiful piece and I look forward to seeing it all spruced up.
Well done to all involved and thanks to the Rotary Club for donating it. For some reason, I always thought Chuck and Hilary Pritchard donated it. Not sure why I got thought that, but I was wrong. Great blog, John.
Author
Thanks Ben,
I did touch base with Hillary on the timing of the installation around the year 2000.
I just have to wonder why of all times, a large historic clock that adds to the mall’s Cape May charm and ambiance was removed for repair just in the midst of Christmas shoppers and visitors bustling along the mall. Just a few more weeks and all will be quiet, why not take it down then? I hope it returns soon, bad timing (no pun intended 🙂 in any case.
Author
Hello Jackie, I think what it came down to was a narrow window of “time” that Coastal had available for pick up. They are one of the few remaining companies that are still ticking in this line of work.
Hi John,
I know that I call it the Millennial Clock. The Rotary gave it that name during their fundraising efforts to honor the new Millennium with this new focal point for the mall. I feel it is worth giving credit to the person I specifically remember doing a lot of the boots on the ground fundraising for this clock; William “Wimmy” Scott. Wimmy was the owner and manager of Artisans Alcove who passed away tragically a few years ago. I am sure others in the Rotary deserve just as much credit for the clock. But, I felt compelled to highlight Mr. Scott’s efforts.
Author
Mr. Wenzel,
This was exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I checked in with a couple of local historians first. Not to much out there. Harry Kezjman’s name is on the clock. I work for his family.
Thank you so much for replying with this information.
Wimmy Scott was very dedicated to raising funds for the clock , so thanks for pointing that out , Bill.