Time not right for fixing off-kilter iconic courthouse clocks

Butler County officials say they want to fix clocks, but they struggle to find money in budget.

The historic courthouse in downtown Hamilton features four clocks displaying four different times. The most drastic difference in times are pictured here, with the left clock reading 10:10 and the right reading 4:55.

Staff photo by Nick Daggy The historic courthouse in downtown Hamilton features four clocks displaying four different times. The most drastic difference in times are pictured here, with the left clock reading 10:10 and the right reading 4:55.

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 3:19 AM Wednesday, August 11, 2010

HAMILTON — When the clocks atop the Historic Butler County Courthouse chimed noon Tuesday, Aug. 10, the hands on the four clocks differed. The east-facing clock said it was 12:05; the south-facing clock said 12:07.

The clock facing High Street said it was 10:10. But that’s what it always says. It has been broken for months.

County officials say they would love to fix the icon that is the centerpiece of the county seal, but they aren’t sure they can afford it.

Clock repair companies have told the county it would cost $2,800 just to diagnose the problem — it would have to be completely disassembled — and up to $28,000 to replace the broken clock, according to county management and budget director Pete Landrum.

“It is the symbol of the county. It’s on our stationery. It is important to the commissioners. But we’re trying to make the best budgetary decisions now,” Landrum said. He added that the county may be able to budget for it next year.

“It’s an antique, and antiques take a lot to be restored,” said county commission president Gregory Jolivette. “I think it’s kind of a symbol of the county and I wish we could get it fixed, but $28,000 is a lot of money.”

Jolivette said the county would gladly accept donations if the public wants it fixed. While the broken clock is at least right twice a day, the other three have been slipping since they were last calibrated when the nation sprung forward in March this year. Landrum said Tuesday that workers will start re-calibrating it once a month. The historic courthouse was completed in 1889 at a cost of $305,000, according to the historic marker outside the building. It has since been remodeled and restored several times and completely rebuilt after a fire in 1912, according to local historian Jim Blount. People walking past the courthouse Tuesday praised its beauty, but said they knew better than to use it to tell the time.

“Not if I really want to know what time it is,” said local attorney Mike Braun. “One side can be one time and one can be another. I’ve learned not to rely on it.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.

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