Friday, September 12, 2014

The Colgate Clock

As is the case in all things when it comes to exploring cultural land marks I have a healthy appreciation for all things kitsch, perhaps more then healthy.   I'm the kind of person who has more interest in seeing the worlds largest ball of twine and the big doughnut hole




then the Louvre.


I just love how somewhere around the mid-century mark, the 1930s to the 1960s, newly car happy Americans went crazy for giant, odd ball roadside attractions.  Sadly many of these wonders have gone the way of the decade they were created in, but others remain a testament to American eccentricity.  I'd love to get into a RV, dogs and husband coming along of course,  and drive across America in pursuit of these remaining curiosities.  However, such a vacation is not really feasible.   However, luckily there is a genuine roadside oddity right here in Jersey City, the Colgate Clock.


The Colgate clock is the former worlds largest clock, its since been eclipsed by a several others including a giant in Saudia Arabia.  It was built on the grouds of former Colgate-Palmolive head quarters. When Colgate moved  the factories and office building where demolished, but the clock remained, all alone on a desolate stretch of waterfront.  It has survived the revitalization of the waterfront, from abandoned warehouses to condos, and hurricane Sandy.  Unfortunately you can't get very close to the clock but you can see it from a distance and it lights up at night


A charming odd ball curiousity and a reminder of an earlier time.



13 comments:

  1. ohhh how fun! I would love to do that same trip but yes it's kind of hard to do but visiting Jersey City has been on my to do list for a while. I must remember to check out that clock then. Here in Toronto..well not really IN Toronto but just outside we have a giant Apple lol!

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  2. I love the donut hole. How cute!
    The Colgate clock looks great. Very lovely in the night lighting up.

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  3. I like the clock, but that donut hole is great. Kate - I read your comment yesterday, thank you for loving my Greta. If you ever want to contact me my email is
    pugranch2 AT msn DOT com
    hugs
    Linda
    Bailey & Hazel

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  4. I'd love to do the same kind of trip! I've gone across the country a few times so I've seen a bunch of oddities but there are so many more. Plus having Sid in an RV with me would be really fun! Sid says this giant fire hydrant is first up on the list: http://www.firegeezer.com/2014/08/20/giant-fire-hydrant-dominates-doggy-park/

    -Brian (and Sid)

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  5. Bwahaahaa! We remember in Lampoon's Vacation where they were going to see the Second biggest ball of string......still cracks us up.

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  6. Very cool info. We never knew it
    Lily & Edward

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  7. Very cool, dear Kate! If you're ever on this side of the 49th, Canada has some mighty big monuments, too, such as the the Big Nickel in Sudbury, Ontario and the World's Largest Lobster in Shediac, Nova Scotia.

    Have a fabulous weekend,
    ♥ Jessica

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  8. WOW! so COOL! Love the donut hole :-) Golden Thanks for sharing. Happy Seeing Beauty. Golden Woofs

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  9. That is so interesting and made us wonder why we never had the such over here? Maybe we were just too conservative? Have a super Saturday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  10. Very cool! Hi, Katherine, I love your sense of fashion. I have a few vintage/repro things I'd like to send on to you (gift not sell). Could you email me privately at dreambarker @ sent.com (removing spaces)? Thanks!

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  11. That's cool! It's funny, but Australians seem to think that it is very Australian to like "Big" things. There are a lot of small towns known for nothing else. The big banana and the big merino are pretty popular ones that I've seen, but there are lots!

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