Westlake Unveils Bicentennial Clock

In the last of the year's bicentennial celebrations, the community gathered Saturday morning to watch the unveiling of the in front of .

“We thought this clock would be an appropriate commemoration,” said Mayor Dennis Clough. “Our 200th celebration is just a point in time. It reminds us that time marches on."

Numerous community organizations contributed to the clock, including the Lakewood Elks Club, Westlake Kiwanis, Westlake Town Criers, Westlake-Bay Village Rotary, Westshore Chamber of Commerce, Westlake Garden Club, Westlake Lions Club and the Westlake Historical Society.

"We are truly blessed in Westlake to have so many that get involved and truly care about this community," Clough said.

Community Services Director Joyce Able Schroth donated to the clock to commemorate the life of her son Brad after he passed away from a brain aneurism. Schroth said her son truly loved his community, and even bought a home in the city, even though it meant he had to commute to the East side very day for work.

“I appreciate the mayor giving our family the opportunity to be a part of this,” she said.

Each organization told a little about their work, and why they chose to take part in this project.

“It’s our honor and privilege to donate to this beautiful clock,” said Lysa Stanton, historical society president.

Stanton also thanked the city service and planning departments for all of their work, and awarded Planning Director Bob Parry the society’s first lifetime membership for his work on the steering committee.

“This wasn’t something the city did, it was something the community did,” said City Council President Michael Killeen. “This means a lot to everyone.”

This was the latest in a series of bicentennial ceremonies held throughout the year for the city. From the to the to the to the longest in city history, the year of celebration has focused the spotlight on the 200 years that made Westlake the community it is today.

Constructed by the Verdin Company in Cincinnatti, the $45,000 clock now stands in front of City Hall and will be landscaped when the weather gets warmer.

“The key was that the entire community of Westlake got involved and helped us celebrate 200 years,” Clough said. “Without them, the community of Westlake would not have experienced such a wonderful bicentennial... I’m very proud to be  apart of that at this particular point in time."