This week we look at buildings in Waterbury. Opened in 1909, Waterbury‘s old Union Station building, famous for its striking clock tower, was built by the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad and was designed by McKim, Mead and White. The 245 foot campanile, or tower, was added to the building at the request of a railroad executive who wanted a copy of the Torre del Mangia, built in 1325-1344 in Sienna, Italy. The tower’s clock, the largest in New England, was made by the Seth Thomas Company and the bell was installed in 1916. The tower features eight she-wolf gargoyles, reminders of the story of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The former station now houses the offices of the Republican-American newspaper.
Waterbury Union Station (1909)
Contrary to popular belief, the Clock Tower movement was made by E Howard of Boston. The original movement was replaced by an electric motor. The original is now in working order in the entrance way to the Republican American on display.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the tower was
flood lighted at night to tell all who pass
through this city that they are in Waterbury,CT.
Maybe the city would find the money in the
budget to finance it and show that this is
the proud city of Waterbury.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Ayer Mill in Lawrence, MA is much larger. It’s 287′ tall with four 22 1/2 foot dials and is still operated by the Howard #4 Time and Strike mechanism. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lmgoblue/7332969448
Perhaps, the tower; should say slow down. I have my eye’s
on you! it worked in VT. with broken ? stoplights.