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.