General News
21 June, 2024
Clocktower architect’s descendent pays a visit
CAMPERDOWN’S iconic clocktower received a visit from a descendant of the person responsible for its design recently.
Last Tuesday saw Michael McCabe, the great grandson of stonemason-turned-architect Michael McCabe, given a private tour of the clocktower by clocktower caretaker John Hulm.
Camperdown courthouse volunteer Jo Stephens happened to be working at the Courthouse on the day.
“A gentleman came in and said he was the great grandson of the architect Michael McCabe, and he was interested in the clocktower,” she said.
“I contacted John, who has been unwell and hasn’t been doing many tours at present.
“I said I have Michael McCabe, who is the great grandson of Michael McCabe the architect who designed the clocktower.
“He’s here and was wondering if he could either go into the clocktower or talk to you.”
Mr Hulm took Mr McCabe up the 35.3-metre-tall clocktower, showing him the design features which allows the clock to chime.
He said the visit by Mr McCabe was “terrific”.
“He wanted to go up there because his great grandfather was associated with the design of the clocktower,” Mr Hulm said.
“He was really impressed with what he’d seen.
“I took him up there as a matter of interest.”
Mr Hulm said the Michael McCabe who designed the clocktower left a lasting legacy on the town.
“When it was decided to build a clocktower there, because of the £1000 bequeathed from the estate of Peter Thomas Manifold, the shire (Hampden Shire Council) called in for some parties to be able to design the clocktower,” he said.
“A lot of people said he designed it to be similar to a lot of other clocktowers, but a lot of the clocktowers look uncannily the same. His design was a one-off.
“The design he’s done has been recognised by Heritage Victoria as the most iconic free-standing purpose-built clocktower in Victoria, and possibly Australia.
“We really have something unique here.”
Completed in 1897, Camperdown’s clocktower is recognised as a state landmark by Heritage Victoria.