Chimes Tower will have a new lease on life.
Catalina Island is home to a number of iconic buildings and one of the most melodic is getting a new lease on life. Whether you’ve seen it up close and personal or not, every visitor to Avalon has heard the Catalina Chimes Tower, which tolls the hour and plays every 15 minutes. On special occasions, the iconic peals are supplemented by the artistry of Islander Jani Eisenhut, who plays special tunes on the historic Deagan Westminster Chimes.
A gift to the city of Avalon from Ada Wrigley, the wife of William Wrigley, Jr. the chimes have tolled since 1925 and are still in solid working order. The tile-roofed building that houses them, however, is in need of extensive renovations. Thanks to Ada’s descendants, a new foundation has been formed to do just that. The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation is 501(3)c charged with repairing and maintaining the tower. Matching donations up to $100,000 will help ensure the foundation has a solid start on its fund-raising.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to help the new foundation in its mission. Tax deductible contributions may be sent to The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation at P.O. Box 677, Avalon, CA 90704. For questions and comments please email info@catalinachimes.org.