Library Clock Tower

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

1. Library Clock Tower Marker

Inscription.
The 1909 Seth Thomas clock housed in this 36 foot tall tower was originally located in the Atlanta High School building, and according to a May 29, 1909 Atlanta Argus article, was installed in the town's newly constructed high school thanks to "…generous contributions from the citizens of Atlanta and former students of the school".

When the AHS building was to be razed in 1979, concerned citizens began a "Save the Clock" fundraising campaign. The Atlanta Library Board eventually took on the project and used money left it from the H.T. Montgomery estate to pay for restoration of the clock and construction of the tower, which was completed in 1982.

Today, eleven "Keepers of the Clock", who live and/or work in Atlanta, take turns keeping the clock in operation by hand washing it approximately 55 turns, three times a week. Its 36-inch brass bell, weighing 1,200 pounds, sounds on the hour. The clock's mechanism can be viewed through the window in the door on the rear of this tower.

Erected by Atlanta, Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1909.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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It was located near 40° 15.621′ N, 89° 13.927′ W. Marker was in Atlanta, Illinois, in Logan County. It was at the intersection of SW Arch Street and South East Race Street, on the right when traveling south on SW Arch Street. Marker is on the grounds of Atlanta Public Library & Museum. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 100 S E Race St, Atlanta IL 61723, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

It was also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Atlanta Clock Tower (here, next to this marker); Bushnell Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Public Library-Museum (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Veterans Monument (a few steps from this marker);

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

2. Library Clock Tower Marker

Clock tower is in front of Atlanta Public Library & Museum.

a different marker also named Atlanta High School Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker); Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta (within shouting distance of this marker); 1870 Public School Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); "Bubbler" Drinking Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Other markers no longer nearby. Atlanta High School Cornerstone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1870 Atlanta Public School Stone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Drinking Fountain (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 478 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.