Fiola helps initiate Fall River Trial Court clock tower restoration

http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20141116/NEWS/141117064

• Brian Fraga
  Herald News Staff Reporter
  Posted Nov. 16, 2014 @ 11:59 pm
  Updated at 12:03 AM

  FALL RIVER — Efforts are underway to restore the clock tower of the Fall River courthouse on Rock Street, located in the former B.M.C. Durfee High School, state Rep. Carole Fiola said.

  Fiola said a local historian reached out to her expressing concern over the tower’s state of disrepair. After months of collaboration with Massachusetts Trial Court officials, including Chief Justice Paula Carey, Fiola said restoration work began on Oct. 30, and the job is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving.

  “I believe this project, coincidentally following the recent dedication of the Durfee High School bells on its Elsbree Street campus, will highlight the impressive historic structure of the trial court and allow its clock tower to serve as a beacon from the hill. The clock has not been working for over 12 years, so we will now all be able to look up as we traverse the city to see this historic clock tower working again,” Fiola said.

  In a prepared statement, Carey echoed Fiola’s remarks.

  “The Trial Court is pleased to partner in the restoration of this important landmark for the city of Fall River,” Carey said, “And we thank Representative Fiola for her leadership. Court users, court staff, and the general public all will benefit from a functional clock in this historic building, which we are proud to occupy.”

  The repair project will be performed by the New Hampshire-based D’Avanza Clock Company at a cost of $51,727, Fiola said.