The City of Reidsville kicks off its year-long Sesquicentennial Celebration with the dedication of the new Clock Tower at the corner of South Scales and Williams Street on Saturday, January 7, 2023.
As the City turns 150 years old in 2023, the Sesquicentennial Clock Tower dedication set for 2 p.m. begins a year of events, activities and open houses. Back in 2019, City officials and staff started making plans for “Reidsville150”, including the erection of the Clock Tower at the southern entrance into the downtown area. In June of that year, the City Council agreed to purchase a section of land across from Fire Station No. 1 to accommodate the clock tower. At the time, Commonwealth donated $10,000 towards the project.
Combined with the 9/11 Memorial across the street at the fire station, the Sesquicentennial Clock Tower will serve as a defining point or gateway into the downtown. Verdin Clock Company will be on site the first week of January to install the clock. Workers have been pouring the pad for the base of the tower and erecting the half wall, which will include a commemorative plaque.
The dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, will be held at the site, weather permitting. Those attending will then be invited to Fire Station No. 1 to view historical displays and enjoy refreshments.
A Sesquicentennial Medallion will be hidden on the site, which will entitle the name of the finder to be put in a drawing for a special prize later in the year.
In case of rain or inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will be held in Fire Station No. 1. Several Sesquicentennial giveaways will be available to those in attendance, including a Calendar which details upcoming events and provides historical information about the City.
Also in January, the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, 407 Broad Street, will hold an open house from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Citizens will be able to tour the facility and learn how the City processes 2.4 million gallons of raw sewage each day and how their actions can impact not only the plant’s operations but also the environment.
Other events planned throughout the year include a Black History Month Program detailing African-American influences on City Government; a Founder’s Day Celebration at the Governor Reid House; a Roaring 20s Lawn Party at the Penn House and more.