Red Bluff
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Like Red Bluff's own Phoenix rising out of the ashes, the Cone & Kimball clock tower once again stands tall at the corner of Main and Walnut streets. From 1886 until 1984, the Victorian clock tower stood atop the huge Cone & Kimball building, a structure that housed Zuckweiler's department store for many years. Visible for miles in any direction, it was the centerpiece of Red Bluff, the most impressive of many historic structures. On April 30, 1984, it was destroyed by fire. The scar it left remained for years while various groups considered what might be done. In February 1997, the Rotary Foundation purchased the corner lot and began work on a plan to revitalize down- town. In December 2002, Rotary got the clock tower project under way and in the ensuing years raised money and sought and got grants. Work on construction of a replica clock tower got under way off site west of the city. It was constructed in five pieces, with four "lifts" scheduled over a period of months. The low- est and largest section was built at the loca- tion. Freestanding white, steel columns installed in 2006 may have raised as many questions as nicknames for the monolith. That changed one morning early in 2007 when a crane lowered the second level onto the columns. Work progressed throughout 2007 with an additional level being installed in the summer. The clocks and lights would go up in fall and the face work and roof tiles in the winter. Scaffolding around the project came down in February 2008 and exposed an almost completed tower. The final piece, a weather vane, was placed top the tower during April 2008 dedi- cation ceremony. Only some landscaping and brick work remain to be completed as funding allows. Actual cost of the project may never be known, since so many people donated not only money and materials but also time. One estimate put the dollar figure at around $600,000. Much of the work took place off-site at Triple D's Metal & Steel Fabrication. Volunteer Steve Judson, of Steve Judson Engineering, designed the new 75-foot clock tower. The original tower was 100 feet, but the replica is still visible to drivers on Interstate 5. The Cone & Kimball Plaza is a relaxing place to take a break in shopping and behold the beauty of the clock tower up close. The tower and plaza is a Red Bluff Rotary Foundation, Downtown Red Bluff Business Association improvement project that is sup- ported by the city of Red Bluff. For more information about the Cone & Kimball Plaza or if you would like to donate to help with the project, contact any Red Bluff Rotary member. All donations are tax deductible. 4 Red Bluff 2015 Sacred Heart & Mercy High An excellent choice in college preperation education Established in 1882 A Safe & Nurturing Environment Strong Academics Small Class Sizes Dedicated Teachers Community Atmosphere Competitive Sports Programs Spiritual and Moral Development Now accepting enrollment Sacred Heart, Grades K-8 Mercy High 9-12 For more information, please call us at (530) 527-8313 233 Riverside Way, Red Bluff, CA Cone & Kimball Clock Tower stands tall The Cone & Kimball Clock Tower was dedicated in April 2008. Help Us Help Cold Noses Find Warm Homes P.O. Box 1174, Red Bluff, CA 96080 • (530) 527-8702 Email: petstehama@gmail.com • PETSTEHAMA.org NEW DISCOUNT PROGRAM ONLY With A P.E.T.S. Membership will you have access to savings & discounts our Partners Offer (Card must be shown at time of purchase) The Aquarium & Pets Baskin Robbins, Red Bluff Elmore Pharmacy Los Mariachis Mexican Restaurant MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM