Some of you might remember that I started a series about Clemson history in January. Unfortunately I got sidetracked with classes and haven't been able to post much. Fortunately I found myself with some free time today so I will tell you about the Tillman Hall clock tower.
When Tillman Hall was first completed in 1891, it was designed with a tower and four clock faces. Unfortunately, the college ran out of money when the building was first completed and was unable to place a working clock or bell system. To remedy the issue, cadets were instructed to place plywood over the empty clock faces and paint them white with hand in different positions in all four directions (this way at least one of the clock faces would be close to right). In 1900, trustees asked university president Henry Hartzog to investigate finally placing a working clock and bell system. The college had two offers for the job--one by the Seth Thomas Company for $635 and another by the Meneely Bell Company for $500. To the chagrin of the trustees, both quotes were out of their price range and the planks remained. Finally in 1906, trustees allocated the money to place a real clock and bell system. The McShane Bell Foundry made the bell in the key of F. Today, the bell rings every 15 minutes and has a variety of songs played on it.