The unveiling of the Rotary Clock in downtown North Platte was the culmination of a two-year fundraising effort.
From the North Platte Telegraph: (
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"By Mark Young | Updated Jan 27, 2012
North Platte is known for icons such as Scout's Rest Ranch and the Golden Spike. Noon Rotary Club President Mark Blackledge hopes the new Rotary clock, which was dedicated at the corner of 6th Street and Jeffers on Wednesday, will become one of those images that will stand out to North Platte's visitors and residents alike.
"When we think of North Platte, we think of its many icons like the merry-go-round at Cody Park," said Blackledge. "When you look at the courthouse, you know what you are seeing and there are other icons around town that you think of being a part of North Platte. My hope is that this clock becomes one of those icons."
Blackledge said he was very proud to dedicate the clock to the city of North Platte. The clock was unveiled at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday and was the culmination of two years of work and fundraising by the Noon Rotary Club.
"I'm very excited," said Bob Mayber, who was instrumental in the project. "What it represents is what Rotary stands for and has four of our ideals on each face of the clock. If you can live your life and make your decisions by those four ideals, you are going to live a pretty good life."
On one face, it reads, "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?" On another, "Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" Still another reads, "Is it the truth?" and the last face reads, "Is it fair to all concerned?"
Those are the ideals that drive the decisions behind Rotary and how they determine to deliver their services to others. Blackledge said the clock was designed to look older to match the parking lot's retro-style streetlights.
"It's a nice feature for this corner to take an old look to the clock," he said. "It's also a good place for people driving through to see and we hope it will stand out in their minds as something they remember about North Platte."
The clock was scheduled to be installed some time ago, as Rotary members had already raised the $25,000 needed to purchase the clock not too long after the club discussed the idea two years ago. Blackledge said the clock was purchased from a company that soon thereafter went bankrupt.
"But they re-grouped and the owner of the company is a former Rotarian and was devoted to this cause," he said. "He made it a top priority and was determined to get it to us."
Mayber said he hopes the clock will be a lasting legacy to the community and stand long as a symbol of the service provided by Rotary. He also hopes the parking lot will serve a dual purpose someday.
"I love it," he said. "We coordinated the pole and the colors with the retro street lights used in the parking lot and I'd like to see it become a new spot to hold events and concerts someday because it's a wonderful corner."