A Brief History: Seth Thomas Tower Clock in La Grange

Visiting downtown La Grange, most people will get a glimpse of the La Grange State Bank Clock—it’s an icon in our village. It’s beautiful, stately, an to local artists and a landmark on La Grange Road. Have you ever wondered the history behind the clock?

The , 444 S. LaGrange Road, was able to give me information on the history of the clock from the wealth of information they have after years and years of painstakingly documenting La Grange and its history.

The Seth Thomas Tower Clock was manufactured for the La Grange State Bank in 1912. The clock was installed at the south east corner of Burlington Avenue and LaGrange Road. in 1913. It stands about 17 feet high and was placed there to be far enough out so it was not hidden by the trees and the large dials could be seen in all directions. Yes, back in 1913 there were large trees in that area.

In 1928, the clock was moved to its present spot on LaGrange Road and Calendar Avenue because the bank moved. When the bank eventually sold to a larger conglomerate, all the employees were given a battery operated replica of the clock. See a picture of the replica—now in the posession of the La Grange Area Historical Sociey—by clicking the "View the Gallery" link on the picture of the present-day clock, above.