Written by Carol P. Bartold

Oct. 1, 2014: Cloudy skies and the threat of rain couldn't dampen the festivities at People's United Bank on Thursday evening, September 25, where Bronxville residents and friends gathered to celebrate the restoration of the iconic village clock.

The culmination of a three-year project and a collaboration between the bank and The Bronxville Historical Conservancy, the clock that has stood at the bank building since the early 1920s is fully functioning and was brought back to its original appearance using much of the original copper facing.

Electric Time Company Inc., of Medfield, Massachusetts, restored the clock and performed repair work as needed and rebuilt elements of the clock's head.

"We are so pleased that People's United Bank restored a vital landmark in our community," said Bill Dowling, co-chair of the Conservancy. "Their support was fabulous, and they consulted our village historian, Eloise Morgan, every step of the way so the restoration would be accurate."

Stephanie Weston, People's United Bank vice president and market manager in Bronxville, echoed Dowling's statement that the project couldn't have proceeded without Morgan's tireless efforts and assistance. "She held my hand every step of the way," Weston said. "She even went to the planning board meeting with me. I wish she was here tonight," Weston added, noting that Morgan was unable to attend the celebration.

Conservancy co-chair Judy Unis commented that the successful partnership between People's United Bank and The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was as important as the clock. "We are indebted to you," she said, addressing Weston and several bank officials on hand for the celebration. "I think it has been a wild success and I thank you," Unis said.

Mayor Mary Marvin echoed Unis's remarks and added that 2014 has been a "banner year" in terms of collaborative projects among the Conservancy and other entities. "There probably wasn't a day that went by when someone didn't say, 'Mayor, can't you fix a clock?'" Marvin said. "It's the gateway into our village. It was worth every bit of your time and effort."

"We are committed to the community," Weston stated. She laughed and said that she almost had a T-shirt made with the slogan "It's right twice a day" as a retort to people who questioned her about its repair.

The party moved outside under clearing skies where Marvin, Weston, Dowling, and Unis joined in cutting the ribbon that officially marked the restoration of Bronxville's clock.

Pictured here (L to R): In front, Judy Unis, Stephanie Weston, and Mayor Mary Marvin, and to the right of the mayor, Bill Dowling.

Photo by Neely Bower