The Taree War Memorial Clock stands in Fotheringham Park, but did you know that it wasn’t always there? Do you know why it was built? And did you know about the secret capsule hidden inside?
The clock was built between 1924 and 1925.1 The unveiling ceremony was on 6 June 1925 by Major-General Sir Charles Cox, also known as ‘Fighting Charlie’ because of his war record.2
Edstein and Son erected the clock and their plans show that it stands 8.5 metres high (28 feet), with a 3.5 metre base (12 foot) and just over a metre wide clock face (4 feet).3 The clock was built as a memorial to those who fought in World War I. It was the Taree Sub-Branch RSL Club who first had the idea for the memorial.4
The clock first stood at the intersection of Manning and Victoria Streets.5 The monument had a particular majestic appearance there. In 1966 the Council wished to relocate the clock to Fotheringham Park because Victoria Street had become part of the Pacific Highway. By June 1966 it was dismantled and reconstructed by Vittali Building Co of Taree.6
Did you know there is a time capsule inside? In the capsule there is said to be four coins, issues of the Manning River Times newspaper dated 1st and 4th of April 1925, a parchment containing signatures of important people and two wallets which the coins have been placed into.7
So now you know where the Taree War Memorial Clock stands and why it was built. Why not go and see the clock, you know where it is!
Authors: Zarlie Trotter and Elsa Wilson, Year 6, Taree West Public School.
Further information: Read this great journal article from Katherine Bell ‘Taree Soldiers Memorial Clock‘.
References:
1 Manning River Times, 23 April 2018.
2 Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of NSW, 6 June 1925.
3 Northern Champion, 18 April 1925.
4 Manning River Times, 23 April 2018.
5 Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of NSW, 6 June 1925.
6 Manning River Times, 23 April 2018.
7 Manning River Times, 3 August 1966.
