Ashland Rotary clock dedicated marking 100 years of club's service to community

ASHLAND − The Rotary Club of Ashland held a dedication ceremony Tuesday evening for the new clock that was installed on East Main Street near Foundation Plaza.

The clock is the club’s gift to the Ashland community, commemorating the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2022.

The theme of the club’s centennial celebration is Celebrating the Past, Present and Future. The timepiece is considered a perfect symbol to mark the club’s 100 years of service and for those efforts to continue well into the future.

More than $53,000 was raised for the project — over $43,000 from current and past Rotarians and a $10,000 challenge grant from the Ashland County Community Foundation.

The lead gift came from JoAnn Ford Watson, in honor of her parents Larry and Dr. Lucille Ford. Larry was club president in 1957-58. Other major donors include Bill and Martha Buckingham, Jan and Bob Archer, Rick and Kim Spreng and Matt and Melanie Miller.

"What was particularly inspiring was that not only did current Rotarians generously contribute to this project, but also many past Rotarians and their families," said club past President Ted Daniels. "I think that is a testament to the impact the Rotary Club of Ashland has had over the years."

The clock was manufactured by the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, a renowned manufacturer of clocks, carillons and bells. Crews from BCU Electric and Simonson Construction Services contributed by handling the installation of the 16-foot tall clock, with a face that measures 3 feet in diameter.

The Rotary Club of Mansfield installed a similar clock in 2020, marking its 100th anniversary. The Mansfield club sponsored the Ashland Rotary when it was founded in 1922.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Ashland Rotary Club clock dedicated in downtown ceremony