Spokane: Clocktower Chimes to Ring Once Again

~ Spokane, WA - After years of silence, the Great Northern Clocktower chimes will once again ring out across the city. This beloved tradition is being revived just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations.

The restoration of the chimes was a personal mission for Mayor Lisa Brown, who was shocked to learn that they had been out of service for over a decade. Determined to bring back this important piece of Spokane's history, Mayor Brown challenged City staff to have the chimes restored in time for America's 250th birthday.

"The sound of the Clocktower has always been a part of Spokane's identity," Mayor Brown stated. "When I discovered that it had been silent for so long, I knew we needed to bring it back. And what better occasion than our nation's 250th anniversary?"

The Clocktower, originally built as part of the Great Northern Railway Depot, has been a prominent landmark in Spokane since its preservation during Expo '74. While it did not originally have a bell or chime system, local resident Betty Castle spearheaded efforts to install a 48-bell carillon ahead of the World's Fair as a tribute to her late husband.

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Today, remnants of Castle's carillon can still be found in the clocktower. However, in 1998 an electronic system was installed thanks to funding from the Spokane Parks Foundation. Now, after another replacement was needed, a new electronic system has been installed with remaining funds from the Expo +50 anniversary fund through the Innovia Foundation.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, a rededication ceremony will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 11:30 a.m., followed by the first ringing of the chimes at noon. Moving forward, single short chimes will sound every hour between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., with an extended 30-second chime at noon. The city's Parks and Recreation department will also change the 12 p.m. chime seasonally.

"I am incredibly grateful to all those who have helped bring the Clocktower chimes back to life," Mayor Brown expressed. "I encourage everyone to take a moment this Fourth of July to pause, listen, and appreciate the return of a sound that has been dearly missed."

The return of the Great Northern Clocktower chimes is not only a celebration of Spokane's history, but also a reminder of the city's resilience and ability to come together in times of need. As the chimes ring out once again, they will serve as a symbol of unity and pride for the community.

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