One of the most charming features of Avalon is the iconic and beautifully designed Chimes Tower. As a special gift for the community, island owner William Wrigley, Jr. and his wife Ada, purchased the Deagan Westminster chimes and in December 1925, had a tower built to house them. The chimes first sounded in March 1926. In 2015 a non-profit formed to maintain the chimes and the tower that houses them. It is currently under restoration, but we get to see the Chimes Tower behind-the-scenes.
This special tour will cover the history of the tower, John Deagan, the manufacturer of the tower chimes, and how the chimes operate. You will get to see the striker, generator and the mechanism that plays the melody up close. Our tour guide is Matthew Sullivan with the Chimes Tower Foundation. Please note that the building is under restoration, so you will get to see the work in progress!
The view from the Chimes Tower area looks down on the Casino and Harbor, so it is also a terrific place for photography. On your way up you will also see the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel.
The chimes tower is accessible by foot, cab or golf cart. The hike on foot is a bit strenuous as it is a steep paved incline in places.
We will be striking the chimes 20 times to commemorate our organizations twenty years attending the Avalon Ball. And, if you are a key board player, be prepared to play your favorite little ditty, one note at a time!
Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Chimes Tower Foundation. If you or someone you know would like to make a donation, the foundation suggests contributing through their website.
Where to Meet:
Transportation to the Chimes Tower (above the Casino) will not be provided, but you can take a cab or golf cart. Ticket Buyers will receive instructions via email with a map to the location. If you are walking to the Tower allow 15 - 20 minutes from town.
What to Know Before You Go:
Walking shoes, sunscreen and hats recommended. Tickets will not be mailed. Your name will be checked in off of a list.
This tour will be repeated three times. Please check the ticketing page carefully to make sure that you are purchasing the correct tour date. These tickets are non-refundable, but you may transfer them to another person using these instructions.
Friday, May 12 - 5:30 PM
Saturday, May 13 - 10:30 AM
Sunday, May 14 - 11:30 AM
TICKETS:
$30 General Admission
$20 Art Deco Society of Los Angeles Members
Online ticket sales end on Wednesday, May 10 at 11:59 PM. If available tickets will be available for $30 (cash only, exact change). The staff person checking people in can sell you a ticket if space is available.
Photos: Margot Gerber/Art Deco Society of Los Angeles