2 | The Clock in the Depot District

The public American traditional street clock erected at the foot of Verdugo Street was a gift to the City from the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano. Street clocks of this nature were first seen in Victorian England and first appeared in the eastern United States about 1870. Similar clocks were an early form of advertising and were frequently placed in front of city halls, train stations, banks, jewelry stores, parks, and other public locations. In major urban areas, such clocks have become a meeting place for friends.

Today, the street clock stands as an American tradition. It is a symbol of our pride in workmanship, our stability, and our sense of community. It is both a dignified reminder of our historical past and a legacy for the future.

The 16’ 7” cast iron 4-Dial Washington Post was manufactured for San Juan Capistrano by Electric Time Company, Inc. in Medfield,  Massachusetts. Each 36” dial is GPS Satellite synchronized and LED-backlit with photocell controlled lighting.