One of San Jose's most prominent and iconic structures is the tower of the 1892 San Jose Post Office building that overlooks Plaza de Cesar Chavez. As magnificent as this Romanesque Revival landmark is with its locally quarried stone, it was even more magnificent than it is today with a visible belfry and peaked roof.   Damaged by the 1906 earthquake, the building was partially restored to its original height but with a flat top and no belfry.  The rebuild was tall enough to house the technically magnificent Nels Johnson Century Clock, which has served San Jose since the turn of the century without interruption, even through the next big earthquake (Loma Prieta).  It has been the time standard for San Jose for well over 100 years.  A 1,700 pound McNeely Bell was also installed in the tower next to the clock mechanism after the 1906 earthquake, but as the tower lacks an open belfry, it sits in silence today. 

 

You can help by donating to the San Jose Clock Tower Fund which is now receiving tax deductible donations to bring more public awareness to this architectural and technological legacy.