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.”
