ROCKPORT — If all goes as planned this evening, July 23, Rockport Village will again  have a large clock atop a public building. Earlier in the day, contractors unpacked a new tower clock that had been shipped from Ohio, and mounted it into place in the new Rockport Public Library.

It was a major milestone for project manager Charlie Frattini, of Phi Builders and Architects, and architects Steve and Justin Smith, of Stephen Smith Architects, who were all at the construction site Thursday morning.

Its installation represents a step toward the completion of a $3.5 million building project that has occupied the public’s attention for more than six years. 

There was no ceremony, and around the site, carpenters and painters and new elevator installers, as well as landscapers working in the park across Limerock Street, continued toward meeting their own construction deadlines. Nonetheless, the moment was heralded, as the clock, which is to be illuminated with 168 LED bulbs, was positioned into its circular slot.

According to Frattini, the clock will be illuminated this evening, and into the night, with a “warm glow,” said Justin Smith.

Verdin Clock, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in business since 1842, manufactured the clock and shipped it to Rockport. 

The company is one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the U.S., with six generations and 175 years of experience under their belt.

Rockport’s new tower clock is made of plastic and metal, to, as the company said, “withstand extreme weather conditions.” The clock is waterproof and windproof.

The Village used to have a public clock atop the old Rockport High School (now condominiums) on Franklin Street, high above Rockport Harbor. It was decommissioned decades ago, and the new library clock will now stand in its stead for all wondering what the time might be.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com; 207-706-6657