Atlanta in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

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. 40° 15.621′ N, 89° 13.927′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Illinois, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection

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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 is at or near this postal address: 100 S E Race St, Atlanta IL 61723, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bushnell Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Public Library-Museum (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta High School Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker); 1870 Atlanta Public School Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Drinking Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheels of Fortune on 66 (within shouting distance of this marker); Field Marker Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Knights of Pythias "Memorial Tree" Stone (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

2. Library Clock Tower Marker

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

Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 180 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.