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For more information on the architecture and history of Ridgewood High School and the Clock Tower, see below.

The Ridgewood High School (RHS) Clock Tower is an iconic architectural feature of the main building at 627 East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood, New Jersey. It's historic significance and visual appeal are part of what make the school such a memorable landmark. Your donations will help get this beautiful clock in back in working order for all to enjoy.

Good Time at Ridgewood High Fundraiser!

School and Building Background

Ridgewood High School traces its roots to 1892, when a formal high school program began. Early classes were held in smaller facilities, including a building on Union Street and then the Beech Street (now Cottage Place) building completed in 1895. By 1912, with enrollment at 223 students, the district needed a larger facility.

The Board of Education acquired land on East Ridgewood Avenue (the Edwards property and adjacent field). Ground was broken in November 1916, with the cornerstone laid on July 19, 1917. Construction of the central building (including the original gymnasium) was completed in 1919 at a cost of $285,000 (roughly $5.3 million in 2025 dollars). The opening was delayed by World War I.

Architecture and the Clock Tower

The building was designed by the prominent New York architectural firm Tracy and Swartwout (Evarts Tracy and Egerton Swartwout), known for grand civic structures like the Missouri State Capitol. It features red brick walls, a slate roof, stone details, and a distinctive clock tower (sometimes referred to as a cupola or bell tower in alumni recollections), which has become a signature landmark of the campus.

The clock tower was part of the original 1919 design and construction, contributing to the building’s stately, collegiate appearance that has often been praised as unusually beautiful for a public high school. It serves as a visual and historical focal point, symbolizing the school’s tradition of excellence.

Later History and Significance

• The school has undergone expansions over the decades (e.g., a 1931 addition, a 2001 science wing, and other updates), but the core 1919 structure with its clock tower remains central.

• The tower is frequently mentioned in alumni contexts and school pride materials as a historic distinguishing feature. It ties into the broader architectural character of early 20th-century Ridgewood civic buildings.

• RHS celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016–2017, highlighting its long history.

Detailed records specifically about the clock mechanism’s installation, manufacturer, or any dedication ceremony appear limited in publicly available online sources (e.g., the school’s official history page and Wikipedia focus more on the overall building timeline). For deeper details like original blueprints, photos, or local anecdotes, the Ridgewood Historical Society & Museum (housed in the 1872 Schoolhouse) or the Ridgewood Public Library’s local history collection would be excellent resources.

The clock tower continues to represent RHS’s enduring presence in the community as a landmark of education and local heritage. If you have access to old yearbooks, alumni recollections, or specific photos, they might offer more personal stories!

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