Steinway Street Sidewalk Clock Restored

It's almost there: a crane lowers the restored Steinway Street sidewalk clock into place atop the cast-iron post it has occupied since 1922, minus an 18-month hiatus for repairs.

The clock located on the sidewalk in front of 30-78 Steinway St. since 1922 has been restored in time for the 2007 holiday season. The clock, cast 100 years ago in 1907, is a rare remnant of the E. Howard cast-iron sidewalk post style of clock.

The clock was accorded landmark status in 1981, but fell into disrepair. Julian Wager, Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) president, led the call for restoration of the clock and City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. secured funding for the project through the city Department of Small Business Services. On June 27, 2006, the clock was removed by LetteraSign Company and taken to Electric Time in Medfield, Massachusetts, where it was restored to its original pocket watch design and completely refurbished, inside and out. On Dec. 10, 2007, the restored clock was returned to its longtime home and hoisted into place as CALDC members looked on.

(L. to r.) CALDC members who were the impetus behind the clock restoration process, CALDC President Julian Wager, CALDC Executive Director Marie Torniali and George Stamatiades, Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. vice president and CALDC executive vice president, surround the Steinway Street clock before it is hoisted into place.

"The tremendous support and cooperation we received from Councilman Vallone was instrumental in bringing this project to fruition in time for the holidays," stated Wager. He also cited the skills and cooperation of Electric Time Company, La Pietra Contracting and KVPower Electric, who worked as a team to get the clock up and running on December 10.

"The clock is a piece of Astoria history, and I'm delighted to have it back home in its historic splendor for the entire community to enjoy," Wager said.