Time to fix Greensburg's courthouse square clock — getting it back in sync on all 4 sides

Depending on which way you look, the clock at Greensburg’s courthouse square might have the right time.

Or it might not.

The four-sided clock is slated for repairs as the original timepiece appears to be broken, said Tom Bell, streets superintendent. Greensburg Council voted unanimously Monday to spend $5,600 on repairs to the clock that has been in front of the courthouse for more than three decades.

“It’s a nice attraction to Greensburg and I want to keep it, but it has to be cost effective to do that (repair the clock) and, right now, that’s a pretty good quote,” said Mayor Robb Bell.

The clock was bought in late 1990 for $18,900 by the Greensburg Rotary Club to commemorate the group’s 50th anniversary. It was donated to the city in 1991.

Westmoreland County leased space to Greensburg to house the clock and provide electricity that powers the timepiece. In return, Greensburg is responsible for its maintenance. The lease runs through 2041.

The clock has been repaired a few times over the years when the hands stopped moving, providing the correct time twice a day.

Most recently, it was removed from its post by the Rotary club in 2022 for repairs and a new coat of paint during construction at the courthouse complex. The clock now sits close to the intersection of Main and Otterman streets.

The decorative device at one time played music and hourly chimes, but the sound system has since been disconnected after judges complained the noise disrupted court proceedings.

The latest work will be completed by Allstate Clock & Bell of Grove City. Greensburg Council also approved a one-year maintenance agreement with the company for $650. The agreement includes a two-hour visit in which the clock will be cleaned, lubricated and tested.

Any repairs needed during that visit will come at an additional cost, the mayor said.