Our History

The Rocky River Clock Tower, a 35 foot Tudor-style landmark, was originally built in 1912 on the estate of U.S. Representative, Clifton B. Beach, at the intersection of Avalon Drive and Lake Road in Rocky River. When the Beach property was subdivided in 1902 for real estate development, a small triangular park was reserved around the tower for the enjoyment of the new residential community. Alfred W. Smith was the developer in charge of the subdivision and design. On May 12, 1956 a violent windstorm leveled the 44 year old city landmark (see our blog article for a personal account). In 1971, students from the Beach Elementary school raised money to build a fountain on the site. The clock works and the wrought iron face were placed in storage until 1986 when residents of the community contributed to a fund for the restoration of the tower. On October 31, 1987 the Clock Tower was re-dedicated, having been rebuilt on exactly the same spot and reproduced in every detail. Even the face of the clock shows the number 4 as IIII instead of IV. The clock works were renovated and repaired and the weather vane was reconstructed. Since the re-dedication in 1987, two memorials connected to the Beach Cliff Garden Club have become part of the Clock Tower site. One is the Pat Lake Garden and another is a plaque honoring the memory of Joanne Shie. Both were members of the BCGC and Joanne was a past president.