The Fort Fetter American Legion is spearheading a campaign to restore the clock tower to its former glory in time for the county’s America250 celebration.

In 1876, Blair County residents raised more than $100,000 for the courthouse’s construction. Built in the gothic revival style, the courthouse had the clocktower as its centerpiece, with work completed in time for the nation’s 100th birthday.

Now, 150 years later, the American Legion in Hollidaysburg is aiming to raise $75,000 so the clock can be up and running again for the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Sam Dunkle, post commander at Fort Fetter American Legion Post 516, is a proud Hollidaysburg native who has been a “servant of the nation and state” his entire life, including 23 years in the U.S. Army.

The clock tower at Blair County Courthouse rises above snowy rooftops in Hollidaysburg. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

As part of the Legion, Dunkle said their “primary mission is to take care of our veterans … right behind that is to support our community.”

“I was walking down the street and I looked up at the tower and thought ‘that needs to be working,'” Dunkle said. “For the 250th anniversary of the United States, we need to bring that back online and restore Father Time back to the courthouse.”

Dunkle said he had the “epiphany” at the end of last summer. When he approached the Legionnaires, everyone bought into it right away “because I think all of us are very proud of our hometown and we want it to be at its peak.”

He also approached the commissioners, who were “all in.”

“I think we all see this as a positive thing that keeps history alive, keeps us focused on a symbol of law, order and justice,” Dunkle said.

Work should begin on the clocktower in March at the earliest, Dunkle said, “if everything falls into place nicely.”

“We hope to have the dedication ceremony on the Fourth of July,” Dunkle said.

The project already has $20,000 in the bank from eager donors, which will get the restoration off the ground. It will continue as more money is secured, as no taxpayer money is involved in the renovation.

If donations exceed the Legion’s goal of $75,000, the leftover funds will be given to the county and earmarked for future maintenance and repairs.

“This is an iconic building that’s on the national register of historic landmarks,” Dunkle said. “To not have the clock working is a great disservice to the community.”

As with any historic structure, there are guidelines that need to be followed to ensure compliance. Dunkle said John Rita, an artist and conservator, is on the project’s board and is making sure the restoration remains compliant.

“Obviously, some of the items going to be used today are not going to be of that era,” Dunkle said. “The clock faces will be different, but that’s an acceptable improvement.”

A new mechanism will also be installed to ring the bell automatically as currently there is simply a bell on a rope.

Once the restoration is complete, those who donated above certain thresholds will be able to see their names displayed on brass plaques outside the courthouse’s main exit door.

“I’m hoping to energize the community to come together and support this effort whether it’s $200 or $2,000,” Dunkle said.

Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor-Musselman is at 814-946-7458.

How to help:

Sponsorships are being accepted to help fund the restoration of the Blair County Courthouse clock tower. All donations are gratefully accepted, but contributors who donate above a certain threshold will have their names

displayed at the courthouse.

Private citizens

Bronze: $250

Silver: $500

Gold: $1,000

Platinum: $2,500+

Corporate donations

Bronze: $1,000

Silver: $2,500

Gold: $5,000

Platinum: $10,000+

To donate: Checks made payable to American Legion Post 516 Clocktower Campaign, 118 Allegheny St.

Hollidaysburg, PA 16648