Local News

Historic Morganton clock being restored by community

MORGANTON, N.C. — Work is underway to restore a historic clock and bring its antique charm back to Morganton.

In the 1920′s, the old McClintock clock was placed at the Morganton First National Bank to help people set their watches and clocks at home.

For more than 100 years, the clock has been a fixture downtown. And as soon as this Christmas, it could be back to working again.

Already, a GoFundMe has raised more than $10,000 in hopes of getting the clock working again.

Some of the pieces of the clock are in bad shape, but Amy Brooks is hopeful she and others can bring back its antique charm. She has a shop called Paradise Glass in Morganton and is working on restoring the four faces that are showing different times.

“I think it’s really nice that it’s not a project that’s being paid for by an outside source, that it’s something that’s being considered by the people to be of the people,” she said.

According to the GoFundMe Page:

Morganton’s “Town Clock” is 100 years old and is in a terrible state of mechanical and cosmetic disrepair. Valdese Watch & Clock has been approved to restore this beautiful and historic four-sided O.B. McClintock clock and have volunteered their services for free, but costly parts are needed to get it running and chiming again after decades of neglect, along with stained glass repair and equipment rental. All expenses will be made available to the public on a line item basis for transparency as this project progresses, as we wish to make perfectly clear how every cent is used.

We are very excited to get Morganton’s Town Clock restored and operational once again, as have multiple other cities in our region. After 100 years, this rare O.B. McClintock masterpiece is truly a priceless part of Morganton’s heritage. Thanks so much for considering a donation to preserve it for future generations!