BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT MITCHELL -- To mark the new millennium, Fort Mitchell officials want to resurrect the tradition of a town clock.
"Years ago, we used to have a town clock where Columbia Federal is," said Fort Mitchell Mayor Thomas Holocher. "So when we were looking to do something special for the millennium, I just thought a clock with chimes would look good for the city."
The four-faced clock, which will be made by The Verdin Company in Cincinnati, will stand about 10 to 12 feet high, and will be surrounded by a mini park in front of the city building, Mr. Holocher said. The entire project, including benches and landscaping, is expected to cost about $35,000.
A time capsule containing present day souvenirs and a map, as well as the names "of everybody who lives, works or goes to school in the city" also will be included in the project, Mr. Holocher said.
Because the clock will be a gift to future generations, city officials hope to pay for it with community donations, instead of tax dollars, said Fort Mitchell Council Member Jude Hehman. "We thought it would mean more if this generation donated the money for it," Mr. Hehman said.
"Sometimes, the easiest way is just to take it out of tax money," Mr. Holocher said. "This way, it's more of a community thing."
A city newsletter seeking donations from residents will go out this week, Mr. Holocher said. Owners of Fort Mitchell businesses also will be contacted about contributing to the project.
To publicize the fund-raising effort, the city featured the clock's likeness on a float in Saturday's Independence Day parade.
"We're always supportive of just about anything that goes on in the city of Fort Mitchell, said Butch Wainscott, owner of the Greyhound Tavern. "I'm sure we'll probably contribute, not only as a business, but as a resident of the city. I think it'll be a beautiful thing. The more the city can do along Dixie Highway, I'm all for it."
City officials hope to raise the money within four months, and dedicate the clock sometime next year.
"The chimes will first sound at midnight of the year 2000," Mr. Hehman said. "After that, we'd like to have it go off every day at noon."
Mr. Holocher said he hopes the clock will carry special significance for generations to come.
"You only run into these millenniums every once in awhile."
