Bronxville's Village Clock 'Officially' Returns to Service at Ribbon-Cutting Celebration September 25
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
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours
Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends
Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400
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