Fort Fetter American Legion Post 516 will rededicate the Blair County Courthouse clocktower at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in Hollidaysburg. Courtesy photo

Time will no longer stand still in Hollidaysburg as the American Legion rededicates the Blair County Courthouse clocktower the morning of July 4 following a successful fundraising campaign that saw donations exceed $100,000.

The Fort Fetter American Legion began fundraising efforts in early February in the hopes of repairing the tower’s clocks and installing a striker to ring the bell on the hour in time for both the nation’s 250th anniversary and the courthouse’s 150th anniversary. Constructed in gothic revival and Italian gothic styles, the courthouse was completed in 1876 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Post Commander Sam Dunkle wrote in a news release that the campaign exceeded its donation goal of $100,000, collected from private citizens, nonprofit organizations and local businesses.

“We obviously touched the hearts and minds of several patriotic members in our community,” Dunkle said. “We can’t thank the 120-plus donors enough for contributing to this noble undertaking to keep history alive in Blair County. The sponsors are truly the unsung heroes of this campaign. Their generosity is overwhelming, allowing us to reach our goal and beyond.”

Any funds leftover from the repairs and restoration “will be earmarked for maintenance and repair” of the clocktower for years to come, Dunkle said.

The rededication ceremony will feature music by the Altoona Brass Collective Brass Quintet and speeches by Dunkle, Senior Judge Jolene Kopriva and Blair County Commissioner David Kessling.

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

If you go

What: Fort Fetter American Legion Post 516

What: Hollidaysburg Clocktower Rededication Ceremony

When: 9:45 a.m. Saturday, July 4

Where: Blair County Courthouse along Union Street, Hollidaysburg

Cost: Free