Throughout much of the 1800s, street clocks were manufactured in the Eastern states and were costly to ship, making these clocks a sign of prestige in the West. By the turn of the century, however, street clocks could be found up and down Salt Lake City’s Main Street.
The last clock from the 19th century still in operation in Salt Lake is the Old Zions Bank Clock at Main Street and 100 South. In its early days, water diverted from nearby City Creek drove an underground water wheel that powered the clock.
From the nameplate on one side of the base of Lagoon’s clock, it looks like the clock was constructed by a company in Boston, Massachusetts. It’s unknown how old the clock is or how long it stood at its former location.
In 1977 the old clock was removed from SLC and restored by Lagoon. Only one of the original clock faces remained and it was used as a pattern to etch three other faces in glass. The original motor, operated by 100-pound lead weights, was removed and is now displayed in the tool collection. The restored clock now runs on electricity.
Source of text: www.lagoonhistory.com
