Hopkinsville’s most iconic symbol of history and community pride is now the city’s most visible expression of compassion for people affected by the coronavirus crisis.
The transition happened Monday afternoon when new lights were installed inside the clock tower above the city’s old fire station on East Ninth Street.
By sunset, a green glow poured from the four faces of the clock tower.
Green lights are being displayed across the states — on home porches, businesses, university buildings, bridges and at the governor’s mansion — following Gov. Andy Beshear request to use them as symbols of compassion and empathy for people who have died from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus.
The idea to turn the clock tower green came from Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tab Brockman, who called Alissa Keller, the executive director of the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County.
“I knew who to call next,” Keller said.
She contacted museum board member B.J. Cayce, whose family owns Cayce-Mill Supply Co.
“That is genius,” Cayce said, describing his reaction. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard.”
Cayce ordered the lights — a pair of 400 watt metal-halide lamps — and when they arrived he headed downtown to the clock tower.
Tourism Director Brooke Jung climbed a series of rickety ladders with Cayce so someone could document the moment. She shot a video and photos of Cayce installing the lights.
Shortly after they finished and descended back to the ground, the governor was announcing the virus’ new toll on Kentucky. The number of COVID-19 cases climbed over 1,000, and 14 more people died, he said.
(Jennifer P. Brown is the editor and founder of Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org.)
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
