For Immediate Release.
09/28/2010
Lawrence’s Ayer Mill Clock Tower, Merrimack Valley’s Landmark and Sister to London’s Big Ben, Turns 100 on October 3rd
September, 24, 2010 – Lawrence, Mass. -- The Ayer Mill Clock Tower, the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world will celebrate its centennial anniversary on October 3rd. At 267 ft high, the Clock Tower has been located beside the Merrimack River as a symbol of the courage and revitalization of Greater Lawrence, since its construction in 1910. During the last 100 years, the story of the Ayer Mill Clock tower has echoed the story of Lawrence; from its construction at the height of New England’s textile industry to its decline following the closure of the mills to its incredibly moving restoration in 1991.
The tower rises above the restored mill on South Union Street in Lawrence which is owned and occupied by New Balance, the Boston-based global athletic company. New Balance is a major contributor towards the clock tower’s endowment which is owned and managed by the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF). Through the endowment, ECCF also manages maintenance of the tower, employing Charlie Waites as keeper, cleaner and tuner of the clockworks for the last 19 years.
The Ayer Mill clock tower first rang at 9:00 pm on October 3rd 1910. At 2:00 pm on Sunday October 3rd 2010, the Ayer Mill clock will ring 100 times to mark its centennial year. Area residents, historians and clock lovers are invited to join the Lawrence History Center, Essex County Community Foundation and fans of the clock at the Lawrence History Center on 6 Essex St., to celebrate the stories of its past and present. The legendary Bruce Arnold will be master of ceremonies.
The Ayer Mill Clock Tower in Lawrence, MA and Big Ben in London are the largest four-faced chiming clocks in the world. These two landmark towers are sisters as the two largest clock towers of their kind in the world. One was built as a working monument to the parliamentary heritage and permanence of old England, while the other was built as a working monument to the industrial heritage and permanence of New England.
“New Balance is proud to join area residents and visitors in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower, greater Lawrence’s unique and enduring symbol of work, industry and hope,” says Amy Dow, Corporate Communications Manager.
Please visit www.lawrencehistory.org to learn more.
Thank-you!
Jonah Ruh
Essex County Community Foundation
Danvers, MA 01923
978-777-8876
www.eccf.org
j.ruh@eccf.org
Barbara Brown
Lawrence History Center
Lawrence, MA
978-686-9230
Barbara@lawrencehistory.org