Popular Fort Myers Beach clock, once a centerpiece of Times Square, could return

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·4 min read

Hundreds of images of the tall clock that once stood in the middle of Times Square on Fort Myers Beach have been appearing on social media for more than a month.

The photographic memories being shared on Facebook and other platforms are all that remain of the clock purchased and installed in 2001 by The Verdin Company based in Cincinnati.

The clock and chimes were built in Verdin's Ohio factory.  Verdin has provided onsite maintenance of the clock when needed, according to Brian Straits, The Verdin Florida representative since 1999.

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The clock was torn off its base when a ferocious Hurricane Ian clobbered the beach community on Sept. 28, its powerful surge of water proving to be too much for the grand time piece that was a favorite photo opportunity for tourists.

Also known as a "post clock", the top of the clock was knocked off its base and remains either lost among the piles of rubble left behind in Ian's aftermath, or it could have been sucked back out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The Verdin Company, which has been making clocks and bells since 1842, is well aware of the emotional ties residents and tourists had to the landmark.

We will do our very best to help Fort Myers replace the Times Square Clock and carillon and restore the vibrancy of Times Square," said Catherine Ross, Marketing & Business Development Director for The Verdin Company. "Our hearts are with Fort Myers and all the Florida communities that suffered so much damage during the hurricane. We look forward to working together to replace the Times Square Clock and restore the sense of spirit that this iconic clock brings to Fort Myers."

Times Square clock: Did you know?

This is a diagram of The Verdin Company clock that had been in Time Square on Fort Myers Beach before Hurricane Ian destroyed it on Sept. 28, 2022.
This is a diagram of The Verdin Company clock that had been in Time Square on Fort Myers Beach before Hurricane Ian destroyed it on Sept. 28, 2022.

According to The Verdin Company website:

  • The American “street” or “post” clocks like the Fort Myers Beach clock were an early form of advertisement adapted from popular public clocks of Victorian England.

  • They first appeared in the eastern United States about 1870.

  • Then and now, street clocks stand out against buildings and signage, and are frequently placed in front of city halls, train stations, banks, jewelry stores, and other public locations.

  • Today, the street clock stands as an American tradition. It’s a symbol of our pride in workmanship, our stability, and our sense of community. The street clock is both a dignified reminder of our past and a legacy for the future.

Ross said to expect a 5-6 month turnaround time for making a replacement clock once it is determined the time is right to do that. She said that timeline would fluctuate based on demand and supply chain conditions.

The Fort Myers Beach model, knowns as the Four Score III, has customization options like color, dial face graphic, accent paint details and bell chiming systems.

Also as noted below, the Times Square clock included a Sonata Digital Carillon system that can ring out the Westminster Chimes and Hour Strikes along with seasonal bell music.

How was the Times Square Clock powered?

Marie Pier posted this photo of herself standing next to the clock in Times Square on Fort Myers Beach. It was taken in August 2021. She wrote in the caption "Forever in my heart."
Marie Pier posted this photo of herself standing next to the clock in Times Square on Fort Myers Beach. It was taken in August 2021. She wrote in the caption "Forever in my heart."

Ross said Verdin post clocks are hard wired for power. Verdin will provide an electrical diagram, but the customer is responsible for providing electric service and installing an appropriate foundation for the clock.

What is the cost of a clock like this?

Each Verdin clock is made to order and pricing will vary depending on the features and amenities included in each clock, Ross said. The Verdin Company will work with the appropriate officials at Fort Myers Beach to determine the specifications of a replacement for the Times Square Clock.

Did you know?

Straits said The Verdin Company also made the tides clock that stood outside the Fort Myers Beach Library. Good news. Strait has learned that clock made it through the hurricane.

The bell at the Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church? It was also made by The Verdin Company.

"It had been rolling around in the ocean," Straits said. "The church has the bell now but no decisions on what they are going to do or when.We have several bell and clock installations along the coast and I’m sure we will be hearing from others over time."

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Hurricane Ian: Fort Myers Beach Times Square clock destroyed in storm