Lewes town clock unveiled on Second Street

A large crowd met on Second Street Feb. 12 to get the first glimpse at Lewes’ new town clock. 

Standing in front of the former Citizens Bank building at Second and Bank streets, the clock towers about 15 feet above the sidewalk. 

The idea was brought to the city by residents Steve and Lorrie Walker. The couple did the legwork before taking it to the Greater Lewes Foundation for fundraising support. 

“It all started for us a little over a year ago. We were in Warrenton, Va., walking down their main street and saw this beautiful old post clock,” Lorrie said. “We turned to each other at the same instant and said Lewes should have one of these.” 

After doing the research, the couple decided the Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, was the perfect choice. 

“They’ve been making clocks since 1842, and the company has remained as a family business for six generations,” Lorrie said. 

As retirees from the film industry, Lorrie said they were used to researching and finding things as part of their job. 

“But we had no experience in funding a project,” Steve said. 

They said Mayor Ted Becker recommended they work with the Greater Lewes Foundation, which set up a fund and helped get the word out about the project. 

“The Verdin Company tells us that Lewes raised money faster than any other town they had ever worked with,” Lorrie said. “And not only did we raise the money to purchase and install the clock, there was enough to start an endowment to cover the annual maintenance fees for many years.” 

Becker reiterated something he often says, that Lewes is a town of volunteers. But that spirit also translates to giving. 

“This is a great illustration of your philanthropic efforts, and I thank every one of you for your contribution to making this happen,” he said. 

Becker noted that the city has had town clocks in the past. For many years, there was a clock mounted on the facade of what is now M&T Bank on Second Street. Another was in the middle of Savannah Road at the intersection with Second Street.

“I don’t know what happened to it, but I suspect it might have gotten run over,” Becker said jokingly. “This clock has a perfect place to live for many, many generations.”