Below is a very interesting article by Ken Spaulding in the Yorkville Enquirer from March 12, 2004.
Clock coming to downtown in the nick of time
What an exciting time to live in York and be a member of the Yorkville Historical Society’s Clock Committee. Word has been received from the Verdin Clock Company that York’s downtown clock will be completed soon and shipped. It is time for our clock!
The festivities and dedication of the downtown clock will take place as scheduled on Monday, March 22, the date of Mel Ebersold’s birthda [sic], the man to whom this clock is being dedicated. At 6 p.m., citizens are invited to gather at the clock site on North Congress Street in front of First Citizens Bank and meet with local, religious, political and community leaders for a very fitting, formal dedication. Grace Ebersold Ulbricht and her children have graciously agreed to host, plan and oversee this portion of the festivities.
At 6:30, a special reception and live and silent auctions will be held at the Family Life Center of the First Presbyterian Church on West Liberty Street. We are still looking for volunteers to assist Jan Ramsey in planning, preparing and serving our members, visitors and guests.
At 7 p.m., the live auction will begin. I will once again serve as head auctioneer and auction liaison.
The Clock Committee has been gathering and storing items for the clock auction since early last summer. York Mini Warehouses has generously donated a large storage unit for this use. You’ll be overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised at the beautiful furniture, china, glass, collectibles plus the unique and everyday items that have already been collected. More items are needed to sell at the live and silent auctions. If you have something to donate please contact a committee member. Pick-up services will be graciously provided. Also, gift certificates, sports tickets, or memorabilia and other goods and personal services are needed to round out the auctions. If you missed last year’s auction, you missed out on a wonderful evening of fun, fellowship and exceptional values. Mark your calendars now to attend these awesome events.
The dream of a downtown clock in York would not be the reality that it is without the help, enthusiasm and most of all the participation of each member of the Yorkville Historical Society, the Greater York Chamber of Commerce, the York Downtown Business Association, the City of York, and the Verdin Clock Company. The Clock Committee extends a very special heartfelt thank you to everyone else who generously donated items to sell as well as monetary gifts. Also, thank you to those who selflessly purchased auction, garage sale and Christmas items. Many, many people have dedicated countless hours to the achievement of this once-lofty goal and we cannot begin to thank them enough.
I was not fortunate enough to meet, know or work with Mel Ebersold. I am sure he would be honored and delighted at the way this little community of York, South Carolina has worked together to achieve this goal.
The downtown clock will be dedicated not only to the memory of Mel Ebersold’s love, dedication and leadership, but also to the countless individuals who have exhibited the same generous attributes since the early founding of Fergus Crossroads, Yorkville and York. The Clock Committee has been blessed to work for and with each and every one of you and look forward to continuing fellowship, friendship and service.