PORT ANGELES — Clallam County just had its clock cleaned.
The historic tower clock that graces the county courthouse in Port Angeles is up and running after a brief shutdown for scheduled maintenance.
James Androuais of Ballwin, Mo.-based Americlock disassembled the iconic E. Howard Co. Boston Model No. 2 clock last week and cleaned, polished and waxed the century-old components piece by piece.
“There’s no reason it shouldn’t last for another 100 years,” Androuais said.
The $5,115 clock, which was designed and installed by Joseph Mayer in 1915, was “already in good shape,” Androuais said.
“It just was overgreased,” he said.
Adjustments to the clock resulted in the 1-ton bell having a cleaner, crisper sound, county Parks, Fair and Facilities Director Joel Winborn said.
Androuais, who repairs historic clocks all around the country, wrapped up the repairs Tuesday.
Unique clock
He said Clallam County’s landmark clock is unique because of its gravity escapement mechanism and auto-wind system.
Androuais said it is only the third gravity escapement clock he has worked on in the past nine years.
Winborn climbs the creaky wooden ladder that leads into the clock tower every two or three months to make minor adjustments because changes in the temperature will speed up or slow down the clock.
Ongoing upgrade
The clock repairs are one of the final elements of an ongoing upgrade to the century-old courthouse at 223 E. Fourth St.
Commissioners in February awarded a $243,642 contract to Aldergrove Construction of Port Angeles to repair the interior and exterior of the original courthouse on Lincoln Street.
The board approved a $8,674 change order with Aldergrove on Tuesday.
Final completion is expected by July 20.
Clallam County received a $139,400 grant from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation for the restoration work.
The remainder comes from real estate excise taxes.
Prior grants from the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation have supported a roof replacement project, energy-efficiency upgrades and a major remodel on the main floor of the courthouse.
The courthouse was built in 1914 and opened in 1915.
A centennial celebration is planned for later this year, but no date has been set.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
