restored Almy’s Clock is back!

the restored almy’s clock was reinstalled on its new granite base on December 20th. as part of this project, new Clock faces were created to restore the original almy’s lettering and clock numbering. The clock head and case were restored and painted to replicate the clock’s original lettering above the face and to match the clock’s original dark green color.

special thank you to the following:

hale bradt

Electric Time Co.

john wathne, structures north

roger tremblay, a & R construction

 History of Almy’s Clock

The City of Salem is excited to restore the historic Almy’s Clock, an original E. Howard Clock Company Post (or street) Clock installed in ca. 1910 by the Almy, Bigelow & Washburn Department Store, which was a mainstay of the Salem business scene on Essex Street from 1858 to 1985. Over the past several decades, volunteers have painted the cast iron clock case, repainted the clock face (which is not original) and repaired the clock workings. In addition, residents of The Essex Condominium, which now occupies the former Almy site, have volunteered their time to maintain and oversee both the case and the clock operations.  However, the 100+ year old clock has never been professionally restored. Multiple layers of paint build-up have caused the finish to peel in sections and expose the iron to the air. Rust is now accumulating on the surface and pitting of the iron is clearly evident. The clock faces, which were replaced in the 1980s, did not match historic images of the clock. In addition, successive improvements to Essex Street as a brick-surfaced pedestrian mall has resulted in a portion of the clock base imbedded in concrete and brick.

The City hired Electric Time, Co. to undertaken a complete restoration of the Almy’s Clock. In March 2021, Electric Time carefully removed the clock structure from the surrounding concrete and brick paving and transported it to their restoration facility for disassembly. Cast iron sections were sandblasted, repaired as needed, and repainted through a four-coat process for long-term durability. The clock drive mechanisms and electrical wiring were examined and repaired and/or upgraded as needed. New clock faces were created that replicated the original face design. The restored clock will be reinstalled on a new supplementary base at its original location on the Essex Street pedestrian mall.

The Almy’s Clock is a beloved community landmark in downtown Salem. In addition to providing time, the Clock serves as the last remaining vestige from one of Salem’s largest department stores and is a visual reminder of Downtown Salem’s 20th century role as the commercial hub of the North Shore. Generations of Salem residents have fond memories of shopping or working at Almy’s Department store, which closed in the 1980s. Local businesses and artists frequently utilize the clock’s iconic image and history – for instance Notch Brewery featured “Almy Pale Ale” as one of its signature brews, artists have prominently featured the clock image in artwork and jewelry, and local guides highlight the clock during historical tours of Salem.

For more information on the history of Almy, Bigelow & Washburn Department Store please visit the blog History By the Sea.