Floral clock (Frankfort, Kentucky) facts for kids
The floral clock in Frankfort, Kentucky, is a special landmark. You can find it right behind the Kentucky State Capitol building. This unique clock was officially opened in May 1961 by Governor Bert T. Combs. It was a team effort between the state government and the Garden Club of Kentucky.
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Discovering the Floral Clock's Story
On April 10, 1961, Governor Combs used $50,000 to build this clock. He had seen a similar clock in Edinburgh, Scotland. He thought it would make the capitol grounds more colorful and interesting.
When the clock was finished, some people made fun of it. They called it "Combs' Folly" or "Big Bert." This was a playful jab at the governor. One political rival, A. B. "Happy" Chandler, was very critical. He joked that in Frankfort, people would say "two petunias past the jimson weed" instead of telling time.
However, most people grew to love the clock. Journalist John Ed Pearce said it became one of Kentucky's most talked-about and visited tourist spots. It is now the most visited place in Frankfort.
How the Floral Clock is Built
The Clock Face and Flowers
The clock's face is quite large, measuring 34 feet (about 10 meters) across. It is tilted at a 26-degree angle. The word "Kentucky" is spelled out in big letters around the top.
The minute hand is 20 feet (6 meters) long. The hour hand is 15 feet (4.5 meters) long. Both hands weigh about 500 pounds (227 kg) each.
More than 10,000 flowers make up the clock face. The planter holding them weighs 100 tons (90,718 kg). Most of the flowers are Joseph's coat and begonias. All the flowers used are grown in greenhouses near the capitol. These greenhouses are owned by the state.
The Water Pool and Mechanism
Unlike many floral clocks, the Frankfort clock hangs above a pool of water. The pool is 36 feet (11 meters) wide and 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) deep. Visitors often toss coins into the pool, treating it like a wishing well.
Until the early 1970s, these coins helped Kentucky's child care agencies. They bought recreation and gym equipment. They also funded Garden Club scholarships for students. These scholarships were for students studying horticulture or land design at the University of Kentucky. Now, the money is used only for scholarships. The coins are collected from the pool every three weeks. In the first three years, $6,000 in coins was collected.
A special machine inside a stone stand moves the clock's hands. This machine has six gears and an electrical system. Every minute, the minute hand moves 1.5 feet (0.46 meters). The hour hand moves at the correct speed too. Every hour, another control system checks the time. It can fix the clock if needed, even after a power outage.
Awards and Recognition
In May 1962, the National Council of State Garden Clubs gave Kentucky an award. It was the Bronze Seal Award. This award recognized Kentucky's efforts to make the state capitol beautiful. The floral clock was a big part of this effort.
In 2002, the capitol grounds, including the floral clock, were shown on TV. They were featured on the HGTV series "Great American Gardens."
