Today in Buena Park: The Dreger Clock Dedication
A few weeks ago I shared the story of the Dreger Clock, which stood for decades at Knott's Berry Farm in nearby Buena Park, California.
The clock was built by Andrew Dreger Sr., the great-grandfather of a family friend.
The restoration of the clock has been completed, and a few days ago it was installed in its new home at Plaza Buena Historic Park, located on Beach Boulevard across the street from the Buena Park Civic Center.
Photos of the installation were published by the Orange County Register.
Today was the formal dedication ceremony for the restored clock:
A poster was on display depicting the clock's history (click to enlarge):
Glenn Frank, the great-grandson of Andrew Dreger Sr., recounted the clock's history and how he rescued it from eBay with the help of the Buena Park Historical Society.
The ceremony was well-attended, with dignitaries including U.S. Congressman Ed Royce (R), State Senator Lou Correa (D), Buena Park Mayor Don McCay, and Buena Park Mayor Pro Tem Art Brown, who is also President of the Buena Park Historical Society.
Below, Congressman Royce shares a few words with the audience:
The Mayor of Buena Park presenting commemorative proclamations to Glenn Frank and the Buena Park Historical Society:
The Knott family was represented by Walter Knott's grandson Steven:
One side of the clock originally didn't have a face. When it was first built, that side faced Andrew Dreger's home on Anaheim Street in Long Beach, California; when the clock stood at Knott's that face contained artwork which has disappeared.
The new side of the clock was unveiled today:
The new face contains a sketch of Andrew Dreger Sr. and details the clock's history.
When the clock stood at Knott's, it said "KNOTT'S" at the top. The clock now reflects its new home at Plaza Buena.
Dignitaries including Congressman Royce posing for photos:
Reception time!
An added plus to the day was having the opportunity to speak to my representative, Congressman Royce, during the reception and express appreciation for the way he has stood firm for conservative principles in Congress; I encouraged him to keep fighting the good fight against a government takeover of health care.
It was a lovely event. My congratulations to Glenn, his family, and the Buena Park Historical Society for restoring the clock and saving a special part of Southern California and Orange County history.
posted by Laura @ 1:05 PM
5 Comments:
What a lovely event. I wish I had remembered this was going to happen as I probably would have gone. Thanks for the photos.
I should have thought to send you a reminder of the date, Irene! I wish I had, you would have enjoyed it.
You may not realize it, but some members of the Frank family were with me when we met in the Golden Horseshoe early this summer. :)
I hope you can stop by and take a look at it next time you're in Buena Park.
Best wishes,
Laura
I do remember the others with you and your kids but did not realize the connection - that's neat.
Thanks for posting about our dedication event Laura! I did see you there although with all that was going on I did not get to greet you face to face. It was a fun day to celebrate the next stage of the Clock's history!
I'm glad I was able to be at the celebration, Glenn! :)
Best wishes,
Laura
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