Running on diamond time
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 months, 2 weeks AGO
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | May 4, 2025 1:09 AM
Clark's Diamond Jewelers opened on Sherman Avenue in 1907.
The Clark's Fine Jewelry clock just outside its door followed about 15 years later.
Since the store and clock have been a match made in more than 100 years of history.
"It's pretty precious to the family," said Dan Clark. "It's been there longer than anybody."
Clark said the clock has long stood as a sentry for the jewelry store, weathering street renovations and giving passersby both the time and beckoning them to come inside.
It still has original equipment and is hand-wound each week to keep it ticking.
Dan Clark said it's the last of its kind and referred to it as a "little gem of history."
"My dad's pride and joy," Dan Clark said. "He loved that clock."
Clark's Diamond Jewelers will be honored May 8 for its care of the clock with the "Heart of History" award during the Historic Preservation Reception and Awards. The Historic Preservation Commission will kick off National Preservation Month with a reception at the historic Northern Pacific Railway Depot at Third Street and Lakeside.
Mayor Woody McEvers will present the award, which recognizes Clark’s Diamond Jewelers for "their work to meticulously preserve the historic exterior, interior and iconic sidewalk clock of their store at 307 E. Sherman Ave."
"Clark’s Diamond Jewelers has long been a landmark in downtown Coeur d’Alene," a press release said. "Several generations of the Clark family have devotedly cared for and maintained the historic building in which the business sits, the century-old display cases that contain much of its merchandise, and the city’s only historic two-dial advertising street clock."
If you plan to attend this reception, please RSVP on the city's Facebook event or by contacting Traci Clark at [email protected] or 208-769-2240.
The Coeur d’Alene Historic Preservation Commission, Museum of North Idaho and Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene are teaming up on several events in May that are open to the public.
They include:
Memories with Moms Brunch and Tea. The Music Conservatory of Coeur d’Alene will be hosting this annual event Saturday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Hamilton House at Government Way and Foster Avenue. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children under 16 and can be purchased at cdaconservatory.org.
Farmer’s Market Outreach. On May 21 and 28, the Historic Preservation Commission will host a booth in downtown Coeur d’Alene at the 5th Street Farmers Market. They’ll provide information and answer questions about historic preservation in Coeur d’Alene and hand out coloring pages to the kids highlighting historic buildings in the city. Hours are 4 to 7 p.m.
Tours of Old Fort Sherman, Downtown and the Garden District. The Museum of North Idaho hosted the first Living History Walking Tours of Old Fort Sherman on Saturday and will host another May 17, Coeur d’Alene’s historic downtown May 10 and 24, and the historic Garden District on May 31. Tickets are $18/adults and $9.00/youth and can be purchased in advance at museumni.org. Tour hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mother’s Day Notable Women Cemetery Tour. On May 11 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The museum will host a special tour of Forest Cemetery, highlighting the remarkable women who helped shape North Idaho’s history. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance at museumni.org.
Garden District Celebration. On Sunday, June 1, the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Garden District board of directors will host a free celebration of a landmark occasion — the addition of the Garden District neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places. The event will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. in Phippany Park at Seventh Street and Montana Avenue. Drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Info: www.cdaid.org/HPC
Clark's Diamond Jewelers will be honored May 8 with the Heart of History award for the clock outside its Sherman Avenue.
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