The next time you pass through Dedham Square, the newly dedicated clock at the intersection of High and Harris streets might make you forget about the bridge construction that has occurred over the past four years.
The town’s new landmark was dedicated by Dedham Civic Pride and town officials Saturday afternoon.
While Dedham Civic Pride coordinated the purchase of the clock, the group also worked closely with the town and the Massachusetts Highway Department on the layout of the area under the bridge.
“Today is a thank you…the businesses here have gone through a lot with the bridge construction,” said Amy Black, co-chairwoman of Dedham Civic Pride. “It’s a celebration of the end of a long project.”
Cookies and hot cocoa helped warm up the crowd of about 50 who attended the dedication. The base of the 16-foot black and gold four-faced street clock will be adorned shortly with four bronze plaques containing the name of over 80 sponsors, including residents and local businesses and organizations. The Norfolk and Dedham Group provided the funding for the paving and landscaping in the area.
Edith and Frances Araby, twin sisters and lifelong residents of Dedham, donated to the clock fund in memory of their late brother, Joe Shad Araby. A former custodian at Dedham High School, he was well known in town and would have wanted to be part of this positive addition to Dedham Square.
“He’s an icon of Dedham and if he was alive, he definitely would have sponsored this himself,” said Frances Araby. “He was very proud of being from Dedham.”
Her sister agreed.
“(The clock) is a wonderful thing to see when you pass through the Square,” Edith Araby said. “They did a great job…it’s very classy.”
Also on hand was Dedham Square business owner and state Rep. Paul McMurtry, D-Dedham.
“Your personal sacrifice allows us all to enjoy a safe and aesthetic infrastructure in our downtown,” he said of the businesses affected by the bridge construction. “This clock is a symbol of how community involvement can make a difference.”
Dedham Town Administrator William Keegan was also pleased with the addition to the Square.
“When I first came to Dedham eight years ago, I thought this area really needed an improvement,” he said. “All of you did a great job supporting this effort…this is why I stay in Dedham, to work on projects like this.”
In addition to individuals, other businesses and organizations that supported the project include the Dedham Junior Women’s Club, the George Glass Foundation, Dedham Square Circle, Dedham Knights of Columbus, Centre Deli & Deli After Dark, Gilbert’s Wine and Spirits, Whole Foods Market and the Dedham Rotary Club.
The Friends of the Dedham Civic Pride Committee is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the overall physical and aesthetic appearance of Dedham while also fostering civic pride. Other recent initiatives have included landscaping at the East Dedham Fire Station, planters and benches in East Dedham Square and a Mother Brook History Kiosk at Condon Park. For additional information, visit www.dedhamcivicpride.org.
