Special look inside the LTHS clock tower

In honor of Lyons Township High School’s 125th anniversary, a special video was created illustrating the rarely seen inner workings of the bells inside the iconic North Campus clock tower. LT's clock tower was designed by architect Joseph C. Llewellyn and was inspired by towers found in northern Italy. It was part of the important school addition begun in 1926 and completed in 1928.  The bells were installed in March of that year.

Although part of the clock motor was replaced this spring, the clock still runs on its original mechanisms, ringing every fifteen minutes.

There are four bells that ring, the largest is inscribed:

    I call as fly the irrevocable hours
    Futile as air or strong as fate to make   
    Your lives of sand or granite; awful powers
    Even as men choose, they either give or take.
                                            —Lowell

The bells weigh in at 1,800, 750, 550, and 400 pounds each and were donated by the M.W. Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois as part of a community effort to beautiful the new 1928 addition. LT also has the bell from the original school tower, donated in 1889 by Marshall Field. That bell was rung by hand after football victories at Emmond Field across the street, where the Fieldhouse now stands.

The video was created by 2011 LT graduate Abigail Best and is just one of the many special features planned for the 125th celebration of LTHS. Other anniversary events include the October 12 official unveiling of two All-Class Gifts, two 6-foot stone medallions of the school seal donated by LT alumni, a community-wide lip dub video to be created next month, celebratory banners hung on light poles at both North and South campus, and more.