Rome’s Historic Clocktower Restoration

Our beloved Clocktower needs your support! The goal is to raise $50,000 before the end of this year to complete project work which includes refurbishing the original clockworks on display, replacing rotted wood panels, painting, installing new flooring and updating the landscape.

The community is encouraged to get involved through several different fundraising efforts to meet this goal. The Rome Area Heritage Foundation is spearheading the fundraising efforts.

Here’s how you can help!

• Ask your club, church or civic group to offer support through a fundraiser.
• Purchase a Brick to be installed on the Clocktower grounds. (Only a limited amount of bricks are available.)
• Tell your friends and share our page on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
• Purchase a Clocktower TERVIS Tumbler featuring artwork by the late Debby Brown from the Last Stop Gift Shop. Coming This September.
• Donate at the Last Stop Gift Shop.

Clocktower History & Restoration

The Clocktower, located in downtown Rome, has undergone several restoration projects through the years. In 1986, the Rome Jaycees raised more than $80,000 to repair the brick structure and provide landscaping on the grounds around the tower. The most recent project, the creation of a museum within the Clocktower, became a reality in 1995, again through the fundraising efforts of the Rome Jaycees.

Paula Blalock, President of the Rome Area Heritage Foundation (RAHF), points out it is important to protect our heritage.

“As part of the RAHF’s mission to protect and preserve historic sites in the area, we’re excited to support the Clocktower restoration efforts so that this historic structure can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Built in 1872, during the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, Rome found itself badly in need of a waterworks. The water tower was built of iron sheets manufactured at the Noble Foundry. Since the time it was built, the tower has become the most recognizable structure in Rome and has even evolved into the official symbol of the city.

“The City of Rome has a history of citizens uniting for great causes,” says Sammy Rich, Rome City Manager.  “The Clocktower was originally built because citizens identified a need and supported development efforts. Today, conserving this heritage is an equally important development effort.”

In 1996, local artist Chuck Schmult was commissioned to paint murals depicting the history of Rome on the iron walls inside the Clocktower. The Rome Area History Museum maintains the interior exhibits of the Clocktower and opens the doors seasonally on the first Saturday of each month for the public to explore and learn about Rome.

Joe Smith, City Clerk of Rome, believes maintaining city structures are necessary to preserving local history.

“From the time it was built, the Rome Clocktower has become a cherished piece of the city and its history,” said Smith, “It is imperative that we restore it, so that many more can learn our city’s history.”

In-person donations will be accepted at the Last Stop Gift Shop located at 402 Civic Center Drive across from Applebee’s.

For questions about the renovation campaign please call 706.295.5576.