The Historic Yorkville Clock at 1501 Third Avenue is a remarkable timepiece dating back to 1898, when Adolph Stern set it up in front of his jewelry store at 1508 Third Avenue, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where the 36-story Park Lane Tower now stands.
A beloved fixture in Yorkville for generations, its oversized pocket watch design, featuring a giant screw and watch fob ring, adds a charming touch. Due to its intricate design and historical significance, the clock was designated a landmark in the 1980s.
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designation report (August 25, 1981) acknowledged the clock as a “fine example of the kind of street clock that once proliferated in New York and other American cities.”
The report also praised its “distinctive design” and its positive impact on the “visual and historical character” of the Upper East Side. Additionally, the commission recognized the clock as an “important and increasingly rare street amenity” that makes a valuable contribution to New York City’s streetscape.
As a community group dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s history and architecture, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts has unofficially maintained the clock for years, adjusting it for Daylight Saving Time in the fall and spring.
In 1999, Friends facilitated a complete restoration of the timepiece, ensuring that it would continue to grace the neighborhood for years to come.
Thanks to the Friends’ ongoing dedication, and the support of the Davenport family and Margot Gayle, the Historic Yorkville Clock remains a cherished symbol of the neighborhood’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Illustrations: Friends President Franny Eberhart and Executive Director Nuha Ansari ensuring the neighborhood stays on time; and (right) Teri Slater, Erin Gray, Margot Gayle, Galyna Vaintonyak, and Lisa Kersavage in front of the clock, circa 1999.
A version of the essay first appeared in From The Archive, the newsletter of the Roosevelt Island historical Society.
Source link
