The Clock Has Arrived!

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Just finished this August!  The Sauk County Courthouse Clock Tower has been restored to original condition and is better than ever! Installed in 1915, the clock was a gift to the county by the daughters of John J. Gattiker in honor of their late father. The clock quit working several years after nearly 100 years worth of service and needed an overhaul. The Sauk County Board of Supervisors and staff wholeheartedly supported the restoration of the centerpiece of downtown Baraboo and Sauk County.

Over the last two and a half years, the clock works were removed from the attic of the courthouse and restored by Phil Wright of The Tower Clock Company of Ohio. More recently, the clock tower itself was completely restored by Bachmann Construction including removing decades worth of paint that concealed the original copper sheathing. New clock hands were crafted for all four clock faces, the glass and metal dials were removed and restored, while the tower was repaired. All is now in working order. 

Join us on Thursday, September 14th for a historic celebration. The evening will consist of a special presentation on the history of the clocktower by SCHS executive director Paul Wolter at the Al. Ringling Theatre followed by a ceremony on the courthouse lawn. At 8 pm, the bells will sound for the first time in many years and the clock faces will be lit with new LED lighting! Afterward, all are welcome to watch a free showing of Back to the Future at the Al. Ringling Theatre sponsored by an anonymous donor. Hope to see you there for this momentous occasion!

IN THE THEATRE

7-7:30 pm - The history and the restoration of the clock tower

ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN

7:30 pm - Countdown to clock tower lighting and bell ringing

IN THE THEATRE

8:30 pm - Back to the Future Free Movie Showing