Copyright 2010 - 2018 NAWCC San Jacinto Chapter 139
Sorry about the glare in the foreground
Great location for a gathering.
Houston City Hall Tower Clock at the corner of Travis and Congress.
That is as close as we are going to get without a lift. Note counter weights on hands.
Louis and Annie Friedman Clock Tower
Bell tower
Only the pigeons have access.
Be careful when Ben has his finger in the air.
Beautiful movement.Fly wheel at front; pendulum rod at the back.
Pendulum on the suspension spring
Pendulum bob
Manufacturer plate
Side view
Other side
Escape wheel and verge.
Cable pulleys.  Note: the center one not properly aligned.
One of the weights housed in one of the tower columns
Close up view of verge and escape wheel
Fly wheel clutch
Suspension spring where the pendulum attaches.
Just one of the many oil sinks that require routine oiling.
Personalized instruction
Adjusting the hands for correct time.
Mike Helfrich doing the honors
Nice weather for the tour
Surrounding views
An article of this clock was published in the NAWCC Bulletin.  Use the following reference to access a pdf copy.  (You have to be logged in to the NAWCC web site for access.  Go to Publications once logged in and select Watch & Clock Bulletins, the second item on the left)  Bulletin December 1990, v.32, #269, p.563
Houston City Hall Tower Clock
Don thought you might enjoy this video of more Texas tower clocks:  History of McClintock Clocks 
Here are some photos of the old Houston City Hall provided by Don Bugh.  The last one was taken after 1939 – the city offices had moved and the building was turned into a bus station.  The towers were removed in 1948 and the building burned in 1960.  Fortunately the clock was stored in the basement and survived the fire (D. Bugh).
Below are photos taken during one of the nicest days Houston has offered in a long time.  Thank you Becky Bush for contributing toward the collection of photos.
This clock has not been serviced lately on a regular basis and several members of the Chapter would like to adopt it to insure that it is routinely oiled and kept clean.  The floors in and around the building need swept, light bulbs need replaced and window glass cleaned.  The clock movement will more than likely be oiled on a monthly basis by volunteers that have been thoroughly trained on the process.  We are presently conversing with the City on a contract that would be mutually acceptable to both parties.  Contact anyone on the Board or Ben Fulbright if you would like to participate in taking care of this special clock.
10/13/2012