For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Restoration of the clock tower is now complete, and a rededication ceremony is set for Thursday, Sept. 28, from 5PM to 7PM.

According to the city, the clock mechanism has been restored to its original condition, thanks to Rory DeMesy of Mechanical Watch Supply of Minneapolis. According to DeMesy,

“The mechanism drives four clocks and should last about 100 years.”

In 2014, a committee was formed to address restoring the clock and bell tower (dedicated in 1991) to its original condition. After almost two years of work, the exterior and interior of the tower have been extensively reconditioned.

The September 28 clock and tower rededication ceremony will be held in honor of Paul Gross. Without his guidance and perseverance, the memorial clock and bell tower might never have been built.

“The Memorial Clock and Bell Tower is a landmark in our beautiful downtown riverfront area,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink, “…representing our history and the aspirations of future generations.”

Furthermore, according to city officials, the restoration of the Wisconsin Rapids Memorial Clock and Bell Tower would not have been possible without the generous support of the Mead Witter Foundation. For the history of the memorial clock tower, please check out Moment in Time: Memorial Clock Tower, 1892