Dedication of the Delacorte Animated Clock, Central Park Zoo

Speakers: Newbold Morris, Commissioner. of Parks; Robert Moses; Constance Baker Motley, Manhattan Boro President; George T. Delacorte; Cassandra Delacorte

The program opens with the National Anthem by the NYC Sanitation Band. Newbold Morris introduces Robert Moses with a long list of his accomplishments. He describes George Delacorte's gifts to Central Park. Robert Moses talks about "small precious things at strategic places...give personality to abstractions and humanity to urban pandemonium, " and pays tribute to George Delacorte whom he calls a "practical romantic." He describes what preceded Central Park as a dump. Talks about how he maintained the park under a succession of mayors. "At least I inherited no stables, trembling mobiles, and pinheaded monsters..." He says the Guggenheim Museum may eventually be dated; that compromises are made in the park and refers to the New York World's Fair.

George Delacorte explains why he built a clock in Central Park as a replacement for his grandfather clock. Describes the hunt for a sculptor and Mr. Spadini, the selected sculptor. Talks about how the clock works with all of its animals. Reads a poem that describes what happens when the hour strikes. Delacorte's grandchildren unveil the sculpture. Morris kills some time before the clock strikes five talking about sculpture he likes and introduces Moses' assistant, Mr. Constable. Mr. Spadini is introduced as well as a few other people. A few minutes of waiting around.

Clock chimes. Music plays. Some clapping.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150486
Municipal archives id: T890