Towns throughout the United States had clocks along main streets during much of their early history. Many of these clocks were erected by banks and were either stand-alone structures on the sidewalk in front of the bank, or were high-up, embedded in the facade of the building. This example, from Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, is of a clock erected by the Miners Deposit Bank, with an explanation of its purpose.
In this article from the Lykens Standard, August 7, 1925, the bank president decribes the “gift” the bank was giving to the Lykens community:
MINERS DEPOSIT BANK ERECT CHIME CLOCK
The Miners Deposit Bank has erected a magnificent electric illuminated clock in front of its bank building on Main Street, not only adding materially to the appearance of the busiest section of town, but providing a convenience that will undoubtedly be greatly appreciated by the general public.
The most distinctive feature of the clock, other than its unusual appearance, is the compete set of Westminster chimes with which it is equipped. These ring every quarter hour and may be hears practically as far as the clock may be seen.
The clock has been installed at a sufficient elevation to be plainly visible from all parts of the middle section of Main Street. It is 19 feet high, and three feet in width, of bronze, copper and brass statuary finish. Both faces of the clock are alike, the dials being surmounted by the words, “Miners Deposit Bank” in large illuminated letters made up in art glass work. The dials of the clock are 30 inches in diameter on pure white glass, with crystal glaze on the outside. The clock is operated by electricity from a master clock inside the building.
President J. N. Baker, of the Miners Deposit Bank offered the following explanation of the beautiful Westminster Chimes, consisting of five tubular chime bells, with which the clock is equipped, giving interesting information regarding, as well as explaining the objects which have prompted the bank to offer the public the many advantages to be derived and enjoyed from this beautiful clock:
“As a home institution serving the people of this locality, enjoying your good will and business favors, we have in the past endeavored to show our appreciation by presenting our patrons with calendars and novelties,, and otherwise recognizing your cooperation in making this a serviceable and successful banking house.
“Years of prosperous banking have been made possible only by your support. We wanted to show our appreciation in a substantial way and therefore have purchased this large, handsome clock, combined with a set of the softest and most beautiful chimes ever heard in any city of the old or new world.
The Chimes
“Lord through this hour,
Be Thou our guide,
So by Thy power
No foot shall slide.”
“May we hope that the chimes will mean something to all our people — that they will have a message for the youngster on his way to school — a thought for the business man who hustles thru his day; a solace for the old; an inspiration for all.
“Every day of the week the chimes will be sounding their message — the note of warning spoken in time; the chime of rejoicing; the lament in time of sorrow. This chime will be all things to all men for it is going to belong not to us alone, but to men and women and children of our community.”
Today, there is a clock in front of the bank building which was previously the Miners Deposit Bank. It is obvious that this current clock is not the not the one that was erected in 1925.