Printer Friendly Version - Gregan Memorial Clock New to NB

Bob Gregan stands beside the newly-installed street clock which was purchased with funds raised by the Totoket Historical Society, from contributions made in memory of his wife, Janet Gregan, a notable community member and town historian.

Last week, the town gained a beautiful, nostalgic street clock that will soon be dedicated to Janet Gregan, who did so much to celebrate and preserve history here.

Situated in a wonderful corner of community space bridging the town’s Atwater Library and the Totoket Historical Society’s Reynolds-Beers House, the clock was installed with funds generated by donations made in Gregan’s memory since her passing on Oct. 13, 2007. Early last week, it was put in place with assistance from Public Works director Fran Merola and local electrician Lew Reid.

Gregan’s husband, Bob Gregan, was there to watch the installation take place and will return, with family and others, on Dec. 1, 2013, for a memorial dedication. By that time, a small, simple plaque inscribed with his wife’s name will have been added to the clock.

Bob Gregan noted the clock’s manufacturer, Verdin Company, has exceptional representatives in Madison. Company literature describes the classic American street clock as standing for “…a respected way of life,” as well as being “… a dignified reminder of our past and a valuable public service…and that was Janet,” said Gregan.

Janet Gregan was North Branford’s Town Historian for more than a decade and was also the secretary and past president of the Totoket Historical Society, for which she co-authored two books, “Images of America: North Branford and Northford,” (covering periods of 1850-1950 and 1950 -1981). Soon after her passing, the society began a collection to realize a wish Janet Gregan had voiced to the membership, bringing a grand tower clock to Town Hall. The collection drive began with that plan in mind; but was later scaled back to the street clock design. In 2011, Bob Gregan helped receive Town Council’s approval for the clock’s current placement.

A landscape architect, active community member and North Branford Land Trust member, Gregan said he would still like to see the idea of a large-scale clock tower idea become a reality at Town Hall -- not as a tribute to his wife, but as a valuable resource for the town. That project, however, would require about $100,000 in funding.

That being said, he is delighted that the generous contributions made on behalf of Janet Gregan to the Totoket Historical Society have now supplied a lovely street clock for the town.

“She loved the town and she loved the people in the town,” he said of his wife, who was also a very active member and historian of North Branford First Congregational Church.

The cast iron black clock with gold detailing now stands at a pathway leading to both the Atwater Library entrance and Reynolds-Beers House entrance. Both buildings share a Foxon Road campus which is completed by the society’s Miller Barn Museum and Little White Gas Station outbuildings.

“It helps create a very nice public space,” Gregan said, adding, “…and placing this clock here, in her memory, is really is more appropriate for her. She did so much as a member of the historical society.”

Among many projects, Janet Gregan helped secure the iconic weather vane atop the Miller Barn and brought in the tiny wooden building which was North Branford’s first gas station. The new street clock requires minimal maintenance, such as an annual check-up. Gregan hopes to help maintain the clock with funds donated to assist in its upkeep, which can be contributed via the Totoket Historical Society.

Donations to assist with upkeep of the clock may be sent to The Totoket Historical Society, P.O. Box 563, North Branford CT 06471, please write “Janet Gregan Memorial” in the memo line.