This iconic clock has kept time for Lexington since the '20s.
A lot of folks have been wondering lately, what happened to the almost-iconic downtown street clock that was located on Main Street, in front of Bellini’s restaurant?
This well-known and now-missing landmark was designed and manufactured by the Brown Street Clock Company of Donora, Pennsylvania. Only 20 of these Brown Street clocks are known to still exist, including one at Fanueil Hall in Boston. Lexington’s own cast iron Brown Street clock has kept time on Main Street since the 1920s.
So what happened? Is this a case of tempus literally fugit?
Not at all, according to Win Meeker, the chair of the LFUCG Historic Preservation Commission. Turns out, the well-known clock was recently removed to allow for the Main Street streetscape improvements and so that the clock could be properly repaired and made fully functional, with all of its missing features restored, including its original neon lettering and the whimsical three dimensional eye glasses that were suspended just below the clock face.
In order to make this restoration a reality, the Historic Preservation Commission is asking downtown supporters to help meet the $25,000 repair bill. Donations of any amount will be greatly appreciated (and are tax deductible), but donors of $2,500 or more will be recognized on a brass plaque to be placed at the base of the clock.
Donation checks should be made payable to: LFUCG (memo: HPC Street Clock). Donations should be sent to: Historic Clock Project, Historic Preservation Commission, LFUCG, 200 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40507.
For more information, contact LFUCG Division of Historic Preservation at 859-258-3265.
