Grand Central Terminal’s enormous clock is a central meeting place.
So is the clock in New Canaan’s downtown.
Tomorrow, Westport will have its own clock. And its own easy-to-meet-up spot.
The handsome new addition — at the corner of Main and Elm Streets, where one-way Main Street becomes two-way near Gap — is a gift from the Westport Downtown Association. The flower bed at the site will be enhanced too.
Two views of the new clock.
The WDA is paying for the purchase, installation, insurance, maintenance and repairs.
The clock arrived recently. The site is being prepared today. Installation is set for tomorrow.
Just in time for the Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll on Saturday, it’s one more attraction for the 5th annual event (4 to 7 p.m.). Besides selfies with Santa and the town’s favorite piglet, visitors can take photos with the newest downtown attraction.
The clock is “a beautiful addition to Westport,” WDA president Maxx Crowley notes. Black with gold trim, and two-sided — saying “Town of Westport” and “1835,” the year of our founding — it fits in with the lampposts currently downtown, and is designed in the same style as the Grand Central clock.
Ready for installation.
“This isn’t just a clock. It is a symbol,” Crowley adds.
“It’s a symbol of our past, our progress, and our promise to future generations.
A symbol of the timeless charm that makes Westport more than a destination, it makes it home.”
Crowley — a lifelong Westporter — calls the clock “one of the greatest honors of my service” as Downtown Association president.
“It represents the elegance of old New England town centers, the character that defines our community, and the pride we feel every time we walk through our downtown.
“It will stand as a daily reminder that Westport’s story is still being written — and we are all a part of it.
The clock aligns with the WDA’s mission to beautify and enliven the town. They string the holiday lights and season greenery, and sponsor major events like the Fine Arts Festival, Westoberfest — and Saturday’s Stroll.
The clock will be installed here tomorrow.
Crowley says, “a project of this significance is never accomplished alone. Our thanks go to former selectwomen Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Candice Savin; and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich and assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne, whose leadership, support, and enthusiasm helped make this vision a reality.
“Enormous gratitude also goes to Jimmy Izzo of Izzo Electric and Marc Bolduc of Guinta Bolduc Masonry, whose craftsmanship and dedication brought the clock to life with extraordinary care.”
Crowley also thanks “the remarkable WDA board and team. Your passion for Westport is visible in every detail of this project.
“As Westport comes together this weekend, strolling, celebrating and sharing in the joy of the season, a new symbol of community pride will take its place. With every moment spent beneath it, this clock will remind us why Westport is such a special place to gather, shop, celebrate, and call home.”
