Glenn Frank submitted the follwing article to us about his efforts to restore the Dreger Clock at Knott's Berry Farm...
You may remember it as "that big clock with all the dials at Knott's Berry Farm". But I remember it as my great-grandfather's legacy.
The "Dreger Clock" was built by my great-grandfather Andrew Dreger Sr., an early pioneer of the Long Beach, Buena Park and Anaheim area. He was a watchmaker in his later years and built this amazing clock for the enjoyment of his community.
After His death the clock made its way to Knott's Berry Farm where it was enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Buena Park for over 50 years. But in the past year, you may not have noticed that it was missing from its home in front of the ticket booths. It fell into disrepair and was removed, hidden from the public in a warehouse.
The Buena Park Historical Society wants to return it to the public view. We want to put it back in front of the eyes of the community! The clock has been purchased and awaits restoration cleaning and a new home.
My dream is to see the clock restored, running and being enjoyed by visitors to the county along Beach Blvd in the city's historical park, across from the Buena Park City Hall.
But, we need the community's help to bring this symbol of Buena Park and Orange County back so the public can once again enjoy it. I hope you enjoy learning about the clock at our project website and consider donating toward its restoration costs.
Site: http://www.dregerclock.org
Orange County Memories is about the history of Orange County, CA as told from the people who lived and worked here.
oh man.. i am truly sorry to hear that..
ReplyDeletethat clock DOES have a place in my heart.. i'd meet people there on saturday night, and wait by it for my dad to pick me up..
i'm amazed that they dont have the bread to fix it , but you know.. times change, and their priorities are different than what some would like them to be.
Well the good news is that we can save it and put it up for the community to see again. I don't think it is that Knott's didn't have the money to fix it... but we can raise the needed money and the Historical Society can save it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that many people remember the clock, my great-grandfather, the maker of the clock would be glad people enjoyed it and will enjoy it after we get it refurbished again!
www.dregerclock.org
FYI... if any of you who would like to leave comments about what you remember about the clock, I have added the ability on the dregerclock.org site to let you fill out comments about your memories of the clock.
ReplyDeletejust go to http://www.dregerclock.org/community/clockMemories.php
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ReplyDeleteThe clock has been restored and is now in front of the Whitaker Jaynes home in downtown Buena Park across from the civic center on Beach Blvd.
ReplyDelete