Historic clock will keep time again
It will be focus of Norman plaza
Historic clock will keep time again in Norman plaza

By Jane Glenn Cannon

Published: May 17, 2008

NORMAN — A clock that graced the exterior of the First National Bank building in downtown Norman for more than 35 years was dismantled in 1958 and has been in storage until recently.

Now, its inner workings are being repaired and an Oklahoma City clock restorer is redoing the clock's cabinet and box. The result should be a clock that looks much as it did in the 1920s when it was first built, said James Briggs with the Norman's Parks and Recreation Department.

Soon, the newly restored clock will make its debut as the centerpiece of a plaza being built on the north side of Main Street and Jones Avenue, just west of the Sooner Theatre.

The clock was erected sometime in the 1920s and remained until 1958, when it was dismantled because the bank built a new building, Briggs said.

"People have talked of restoring this clock for many years but just couldn't come up with a place to put it. I think everyone is going to be really pleased with how this is going to turn out,” Briggs said.

The clock will serve as the focal point for a plaza dedicated to commemorating the history of banking in Norman.

A bronze plaque will detail the early history of the downtown banks.

The plaza is a centennial project, being partially funded by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission. Private donations also are being used. A bronze plaque recognizing the donors is included in the plaza design.

The project should be completed in June, Briggs said.

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