Connect Bridgeport
Ad
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS
  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Community News
    • Anniversaries
    • Announcements
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Calendar
    • Churches
    • Clubs & Organizations
    • Directory
    • Farmer's Market
    • File Complaint
    • Greeting Cards
    • Library
    • Lost And Found
    • Obituaries
    • Parks & Recreation
    • Sponsorships
  • Trading Post
    • For Sale
    • Local Deals
    • Services
    • Yard Sales
  • Visitors
  • Relocation
  • Education
  • Jobs
  • Alumni
Ad

Decades-Old Clocktower on Bridgeport's Main Street Corridor Sees Repairs, Makeover, and New Feature

By Jeff Toquinto on January 27, 2023

Back in 1999, the City of Bridgeport put together a group of community leaders and elected officials with the goal to revitalize the downtown section of the city. Among the first projects that was done was a streetscape that took place in front of the Benedum Civic Center and stretched to Virginia Avenue.
 
Since that six-figure project that was done in tandem with a federal grant program administered by the West Virginia Department of Transportation, millions in streetscape and trail projects have emerged, and continue. Most recently, the trail expansion along Virginia Avenue toward the lakes is part of the same funding mechanism.
 
While that took place, other upgrades were done as well. One of those involved the donation of a vintage clocktower located on Main Street just below the East Chicago Pizza site and across from the Benedum Civic Center and the Dairy Queen and in front of the city’s parking lot.
 
The clock, according to City Manager Brian Newton, was given to Bridgeport by Centra. It sits near a public bus shelter for their vehicles that was also provided by Centra.
 
For years, the clock not only looked good during the day, but even better at night. The reason for that is that it featured an incandescent light, which although not terribly bright, that gave the clock a glow the helped light up that small portion of the Main Street corridor.
 
Many years ago, the clock essentially quit working. And time also faded its appearance. That, however, has changed.
 
Newton recently reported that the clock is back operating. On top of that, it is even better.
 
“The newly refurbished clocktower features an LED light, which is much brighter than the old incandescent light,” said Newton.
 
The work was done by the Bridgeport Public Works Department, said Newton. He added that the entire clocktower was repainted to match the clock’s original color scheme.
 
Part of the reason the clock was able to be repaired is that the manufacturer who did this particular clocktower is still operating. Newton said the company, located in Cincinnati, sold the city new parts to help refurbish it.
 
Editor’s Note: Pictured, from left, are Public Works employees Jason Kelley, Scott Critchfield, Ernie Cottrill, and Trevor Shreves.

Share

Leave a Comment
Login or register

Leave a Comment

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up/stay connected

Create your profile to start adding photos, posting comments, and more.

SIGN UP

Ad
Ad
Ad

Blogs [ view all ]

  • Photo

    From the Bench: Props to BHS Team One of...

    There have been plenty of great boys’ basketball teams in Bridgeport High School’s history. Certainly, thi...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

  • Photo

    Time Travel: Early 1980s Bridgeport Yout...

    See anyone you remember from this youth soccer photo from the very early 1980s - likely 1981 or 1982? The team...

    Posted by Dick Duez

  • Photo

    It's Happening: Baylor Comes Home

    Many have been following the journey of 2-year-old Baylor Waggamon since early-2025 when he was awaiting a heart transplan...

    Posted by Julie Perine

  • Photo

    ToquiNotes: Unlucky 13-Year Anniversary ...

    It was August 20, 1970, when what many will consider the worst storm in Bridgeport’s history took place. A torna...

    Posted by Jeff Toquinto

  • Photo

    The Grapevine: New Feature Nearing a Deb...

    Guess what’s happening? Starting this month, the Grapevine is going to have a new feature.   On...

    Posted by Rosalyn Queen

Calendar [ view all ]

Thu
10

Tech Savvy: Rebooted (Bridgeport Public Library)

Thu
10

Sew Simple: Lotus Flower Pin Cushion (Bridgeport Public Library)

Fri
11

Monthly Matinee: Mamma Mia! (2008) (Bridgeport Public Library)

 



Bridgeport, WV
Editorial Board Advertise Privacy Policy Contact Us
FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeRSS

©2014 Connect Bridgeport.