Glock clockwork: Glockenspiel’s complexity is challenge to maintain
Glockenspiel’s complexity is challenge to maintain
NEW ULM — The glockenspiel in Schonlau Park is one of the most high-profile attractions in New Ulm, with visitors showing up like clockwork to see one of the mechanically choreographed musical performances.
The glockenspiel is also one of the most complicated specialized mechanical devices in Minnesota.
The clock tower was dedicated on May 25, 1980. The 45-foot-high structure is one of the world’s few, free-standing carillon clock towers. It contains 37 bells that chime each quarter hour and play programmed pieces at specifically timed hours of the day. Three-feet-high, animated figurines appear and move to the music as they depict the history and development of New Ulm.
With this many moving parts, maintenance of the glockenspiel is an ongoing need. New Ulm Park and Recreation facilities maintenance supervisor Ryan Weier said the glockenspiel is a very unique structure, and with that brings a unique bit of challenges.
City staff can complete basic maintenance, including refinishing the clock hands and face, but with dozens of interior and exterior components, outside specialty work is required. The glockenspiel is made of a variety of materials, including fiberglass figurines that move through mechanical means. The bells inside the glockenspiel do not actually move, but the strikers are programmed to strike the bells at the correct time. This means all of the mechanical operations witnessed on the clock tower are synchronized through specialized software and programming.
Weier said the glockenspiel is a one-of-a-kind structure, but with that comes unique and complex maintenance issues. Specialized operators need to be contracted to make the clocks work.
The clocks for the glockenspiel were supplied by a company out of Pennsylvania back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The company is still in business and continues to provide contracted work to make repairs.
Currently, the east-facing clock on the glockenspiel is off by 10 minutes. Weier said the four clocks are supposed to be synchronized, but there was likely an issue with the gear ratio on the east face that has slowed the minute hand down slightly.
Due to the complicated programming of the clock, the city will need to wait for a special maintenance team to correct the time loss.
-
- Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Commissioners awarded a $3.9 million contract Tuesday to replace the historic, single-lane CSAH 8 bridge over the Minnesota River. Built in 1918, the two-span, riveted Eden Township bridge is significant as the state’s oldest surviving example of a Warren pony truss bridge. It remains open to up to five-ton traffic but will be moved to a Washington County Park in Lake Elmo after a new bridge is built.
-
- Staff photos by Clay Schuldt The glockenspiel at Schonlau Park provides round-the-clock entertaiment to its daily visitors, but maintenance issues do pop up regularly. Currently the east clock is out of sync with the other three faces, but it only a matter of time before this is too is corrected.
-
- Staff photo by Clay Schuldt A small 0.15 acres parcel of land owned by the Public Utilties Commission near 301 Center St. was recommended for sale during Tuesday’s Public Utilities Commission meeting. The land would be sold to Klassen Mechanical for expanded storage needs.
Staff photos by Clay Schuldt The glockenspiel at Schonlau Park provides round-the-clock entertaiment to its daily visitors, but maintenance issues do pop up regularly. Currently the east clock is out of sync with the other three faces, but it only a matter of time before this is too is corrected.
City workers recently replaced a figurine earlier this week. The figurine was absent longer than expected due to supply chain issues, but as of this week, all the glockenspiel figures are in place.
The city even has special nativity figures ready for the Christmas holiday season.
One of the most significant updates to the glockenspiel in recent years was its control panel. The panel was converted to all digital two years ago to better automate the structure.
The clocks are automatically updated. Before, the city had to make manual adjustments to the clocks during daylight savings.
The new digital control panel was a significant update to the system. Weier said in 1980, the glockenspiel was programmed with recorded tapes. All the music that was played was based on these recorded tapes, but now the programming is digital. In theory, thousands of songs can be played on the bells. In addition, the songs are played in a random order.
Weier said each timed performance of the glockenspiel will feature a different sequence of music. He said a person could listen to every performance of the glockenspiel for 30 years and not notice a repeat in the song sequences.
Despite all the unique maintenance issues associated with the glockenspiel, it continues to provide entertainment to dozens of visitors every day. Schonlau Park was full for several performances during Bavarian Blast.
Weier commented that during the summer months, he usually sees a crowd gathered in the park for the timed performances.
He said in terms of maintenance, the glockenspiel can be frustrating, but added it is also gratifying that so many people enjoy it after all this time.
Local News
Courtland Council discusses drainage issues
COURTLAND — Courtland City Council members on Thursday listened to concerns from residents regarding water ...
Printing from A to Z with Any Kahmann
A different connection
A pick me up with your morning coffee
Comfrey Comets 4-H Club gets Helping Hands Award
BROWN COUNTY — The Comfrey Comets 4-H club recently received a $750 Helping Hands University Extension Service ...
