The clock on the clocktower of the Blair County Courthouse doesn’t exactly match the clock that was mentioned in the 1967 hit “Twelve Thirty” by the musical group The Mamas & The Papas.

That ’60s hit referred to a clock on a steeple outside the window of an apartment in New York City where “everything was dark and dirty,” according to the song lyrics — a stalled clock that always said 12:30.

Of course, Hollidaysburg isn’t dark and dirty — not by a long shot — but, for some older residents of Blair County, the courthouse clock might conjure up musical memories from when they were growing up amid music, not only like The Mamas & The Papas’ hit, but also groups of the “British Invasion” and artists like guitarist Jimi Hendrix, remembered at least in part for his hit “All Along the Watchtower.”

And, county government’s clock doesn’t always read 12:30.

Regardless, a large, nonworking clock for an extended period of time projects a message, rightly or wrongly, that the owners aren’t hellbent on maintenance or are too financially strapped to make the needed repairs.

Also, regardless, such a prominent problem, although not earth-shattering, creates an unflattering image for what otherwise is a beautiful community — even if the problem itself is not the fault of the community but, rather, an entity “residing” in the community.

By the way, Blair’s county government, down through its history, never could be judged guilty of promoting a tawdry atmosphere or way of doing business. And that won’t be in the county’s future, either.

All that said, the Mirror’s May 1 article “Fundraiser will restore courthouse clocktower” was a fresh breath of what this county really is all about — that helping hands always are available, even if it comes in a non-traditional way.

The May 1 article reported that the Fort Fetter American Legion Post has collected more than $60,000 toward a fundraising goal of $75,000 to pay for the courthouse clock’s restoration and future maintenance. The article, which also provided a brief history of the clock’s problems, mentioned that the clock work would be carried out in three phases.

The first phase will center on bell-striker restoration work enabling the clock bell to ring on July 4 as part of this nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, while the additional phases will involve replacing the clock’s four faces and wooden hands and performing wiring repairs for interior and exterior illumination.

County government isn’t “swimming” in excess cash, so the Legion Post’s efforts are a godsend, as are the generous people and entities who already have contributed toward the fundraising and, ultimately, the repair work itself.

Each time in the future when the bell rings, or whenever someone looks up at the clock, a feeling of pride will be justified about what was able to be accomplished without accessing tax funds paid by county residents.

Many places are not able to muster such support.

The stage is set now for no repeats of when different times were displayed simultaneously on the clock’s four faces. The clock will epitomize victory over potential embarrassment, especially in regard to those visiting Hollidaysburg for the first time.

Sixty thousand dollars-plus and still accepting contributions: The correct time almost is within reach.