New life for old Minden clock

Minden's grandfather clock, which stood for years in the old Minden courtroom, was in sad disrepair before it got an $1,800 facelift and a new lease on life, compliments of county officials.

The effort included a special surprise presentation at Thursday's county commission meeting.

Commissioners approved the funding just minutes before the clock, now resplendent with new finials and new movement, was presented, but who's counting.

"We think the clock was commissioned by F.J. Delongchamps, the architect for this building," said Claudette Springmeyer, Douglas County's comptroller and administrative services director.

The clock may have been a gift from Delongchamps, as it wasn't unusual at that time to make that kind of gesture, Springmeyer said.

"It was built between 1900 and 1915 and until recently, sat in the corner of the courtroom," she said.

Local antique clock specialist Tom Bartels did the restoration. He said all that remained of the original clock when he started the project, was part of the case.

"The scrollwork, movement and finials were all gone," he said. "I put some feelers out, but I was told the chance of finding another clock was slim."

A few months ago while attending a clock show, Bartels found another like this one for sale. An acquaintance in Pennsylvania built a new top and Bartels used the other clock to complete the restoration. A lot of history is involved in a project like this and Bartels said he was proud to play a role .

"It looks exactly like it did in 1910," he said. "I enjoy projects like this. It's not just a business.

"This clock is something everyone can be proud of," he said.

The clock, which chimes on the hour, will stand in the courtroom of the Douglas County Administration Building, 1616 Eighth St. in Minden.

n Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.