Vallejo in Solano County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Alibi Clock
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 14, 2016
1. The Alibi Clock Marker
The clock became nationally known after the San Francisco Preparedness Day Parade on July 22, 1916. During that parade, a bomb was set off, killing ten bystanders. Labor radicals Tom Mooney and Warren Billings were accused of the crime, although a photograph of the clock and Mooney showed that he was nowhere near the bombing. Despite this alibi, Mooney and Billings were convicted in a notorious trial that became a national cause celebre'. It was later revealed that evidence was tampered with and several prosecution witnesses lied. Mooney was pardoned in 1939 and Billings was pardoned in 1961.
In 1932, the clock was moved to Simon's Jewelers, 320 Georgia Street. When Simon's closed in 1984, the clock was purchased by the City of Vallejo, moved to 316 Georgia Street, overhauled, and restored. It is now leased and cared for by Brown's Jewelers.
This beautiful landmark was made possible by the generosity of Simon's Jewelers, Brown's Jewelers, the City of Vallejo and everyone who assisted in the restoration.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is July 22, 1916.
Location. 38°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Empress Theater (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carnegie Library (about 400 feet away); Power & Fleming Grocers (about 400 feet away); Vallejo As State Capital (about 600 feet away); Red Men's Hall (about 600 feet away); First Catholic Church (about 600 feet away); Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum (about 700 feet away); Battle Station Torpedo (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vallejo.
Also see . . .
1. Preparedness Day Bombing - Wikipedia. By mid-1916, after viewing the carnage in Europe, the United States saw itself poised on the edge of participation in World War I. Isolationism remained strong in San Francisco, not only among radicals such as the Industrial Workers of the World ("the Wobblies"), but also among mainstream labor leaders. At the same time, with the rise of Bolshevism and labor unrest, San Francisco's business community was nervous. The Chamber of Commerce organized a Law and Order Committee, despite the diminishing influence and political
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 14, 2016
2. The Alibi Clock and Marker
The marker is behind glass, near the base.
2. Mooney-Billings Case - Spartacus Educational. (Witnesses) claimed that they saw Warren Billings plant the bomb at 1.50 p.m. Oxman saw Tom Mooney and his wife talking with Billings a few minutes later. However, at the trial, a photograph showed that the couple were over a mile from the scene. A clock in the photograph clearly read 1.58 p.m. The heavy traffic at the time meant that it was impossible for Mooney and his wife to have been at the scene of the bombing. (Submitted on December 16, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, December 14, 2016
3. The Alibi Clock Marker
Designated on
September 20, 1984
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 649 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
