The bell inside the Blair County Courthouse clocktower is set to ring again this year thanks to a fundraiser by the Fort Fetter American Legion Post to pay for the clock’s restoration and future maintenance. Mirror file photo by Patrick Waksmunski

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The bell inside the Blair County Courthouse clocktower is slated to ring again this year when the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding.

The Fort Fetter American Legion Post has collected more than $60,000 toward a fundraising goal of $75,000 to pay for the clock’s restoration and future maintenance, post commander Sam Dunkle announced Thursday during the commissioners meeting.

Commissioners, at the meeting, voted to contract with Elderhorst Bells of Palm, Montgomery County, for $12,250, to begin the work.

“That’s enough to fix and install a striker to make the bell ring for July 4,” Dunkle said.

Additional work — to be handled during second and third phases of the project — will involve replacing the clock’s four faces and wooden hands, plus wiring for interior and exterior illumination.

Any money raised beyond the $75,000 projected expenses and fundraising goal will be set aside and designated for future clock-related expenses, Dunkle said.

Commissioners Dave Kessling, Amy Webster and Laura Burke endorsed the contract and the developing efforts to get the clock running again.

“A few years ago, I had people ask me about fixing the clock,” Burke said as she spoke of a mother whose young son is now saving coins to contribute.

Kessling praised the Legion and Dunkle’s leadership in raising money for this specific project.

“As a county, we’re always struggling with money and finding ways to pay for things,” Kessling said. “So I really appreciate that the Legion has taken up this effort.”

When Dunkle announced the fundraising initiative in February, he said the idea had drawn in $20,000 in donations. While those who contribute at least $250 are to be recognized by having their names on a plaque at the courthouse, Dunkle on Thursday offered his appreciation for donations of all sizes.

“We’re happy to receive $5, $10, $50, whatever,” he said.

The courthouse’s clocktower and bell are located in the original portion of the structure built in 1875 and 1876. Mirror records show that the commissioners arranged in the mid-1990s for repairs to the clock.

And in 2006, when the Mirror published a picture taken inside the belltower of a county employee cleaning the clock faces, the bell was reported to be ringing on the hour and quarter hour.

In 2017, commissioners approved contracts for emergency repairs to the clocktower, which included the removal of concrete finials, located above the clock faces. The finials were deemed to be in danger of falling. Those contracts also paved the way for maintenance to the clocktower louvers and for caulking and stabilization of the clock’s faces. But it didn’t include operational repairs to the clock which, prior to the emergency work, displayed different times on its four faces.

Kessling said he’s glad to see the collaboration developing for this project.

“It’s satisfying to live in a small community where there’s support for preserving history and to once again have the clocktower lit and to once again hear the bell ring, not only for us but for future generations to come,” Kessling said.

Those interested in donating can make checks payable to: American Legion Post 516, Clocktower Campaign, 118 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.