Update on the City Clock

The city clock, located in the tower of the First Presbyterian Church, a tradition in Hudson that dates back to 1801, has not been tolling the hours for a while now. The clock is keeping accurate time; it's just not tolling the hours. Today, Gossips received an update on the situation from Rob Perry, superintendent of the Department of Public Works. 

The hour chimes have quit working mainly because the pull rods and chains to the bell are disarranged at the top end. This would not be difficult to repair but will require some experimenting to get the best action. The clock mechanism that governs the number of chimes per hour still functions as designed, but it has some worn pins and bushings that may need to be machined. I have shop facilities to do this kind of work.

The weight-driven clockwork mechanism has a 3/16 inch "aircraft" cable that has come off one of its pulleys at the top end. The iron weights will have to be temporarily supported and slack created in the cable in order to reset it. A careful inspection of the cable for wear, damage, or excessive twisting may indicate that it should be replaced. The chime mechanism uses its own set of weights, supported by 1/4 inch cable.

The initial assessment of the problem has been completed. The next step involves scheduling and fabrication of parts. It may be a while before the bells are tolling the hours again, but rest assured that the work to make it happen is underway.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CAROLE OSTERINK