The tower in the old Flathead County Courthouse will become a timepiece.

Officials plan to install two clocks near the top of the tower, facing north and south for Main Street drivers and pedestrians.

The project is the brainchild of Bigfork resident Stan Fisher, who brought a proposal to Flathead County commissioners in April. The proposal sat dormant until a surprise gift was made.

“About two weeks ago, I got a call from Jed Fisher and he said, ‘Pick out the clock that looks the best,’” Stan Fisher said.

Jed Fisher is the county building maintenance administrator. He said in April that the clock project likely would need to be privately funded.

Stan Fisher said that a donor gave $9,800 to the county for the clock installation. He added that the donor wished to remain anonymous.

Fisher is consulting with Americlock Inc. on the project. The Missouri-based company installed the clock at Village Square in Bigfork.

Fisher said that he felt the courthouse tower seemed like the right place to put a clock. He was surprised to learn that one hadn’t been there in the building’s long history.

But it’s never too late to add to that history.

“I’ve always thought that hole in the wall looks kind of vacant,” Fisher said.

The clocks would replace round windows that were installed in 2011 during the $2.7 million renovation of the historic courthouse.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.