World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock now in Sugarcreek

What a better place for the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock than in the Little Switzerland of Ohio.

“They go together like peas in a pod,” explained Lavon Daugherty, owner of Collectors Decanters and Steins in Sugarcreek who was instrumental in making the move a reality. “Now comes the hard part – fixing it up and putting together the right committee to get the job done.”

Daugherty is excited the move was successful last week from Wilmot to Sugarcreek thanks to crews from Holmes Crane Service and Apple Creek Movers.

Bringing the world’s largest cuckoo clock to Sugarcreek was a giant undertaking but is one that Daugherty sees as a win-win situation. Sugarcreek needed something extra – something that will be here for years and years to come and the clock – you don’t get much more Swiss than that.

The clock was officially donated to the Greater Sugarcreek Community Development Association by Mark Coblentz, owner of Walnut Creek Cheese who purchased the unit last year at an auction at the former Alpine Alpa in Wilmot.

“I’m hoping to get those interested in helping make the move a smooth one to get involved on the board that will ultimately decide where the clock is placed and be responsible for making decisions as to how to raise funds to repair the structure,” Daugherty said.

The clock originally constructed on site at Alpine Alpa measures 23 feet, 6 inches high, 24 feet wide and 13 feet, 5 inches high. It was restored in August 2007 and moved from the hill behind the restaurant to ground level as a way to make it more handicap accessible. Renovations were paid for with a $20,000 grant from Hampton Inn’s Save-A-Landmark Program.

“This clock could well turn out to be the most expensive gift that Sugarcreek has ever gotten,” Daugherty said. “But I think we can work together to capitalize on it and see the gift be something that keeps giving back year after year after year.”

The cost associated with moving the clock is about $6,500. Donations are currently being accepted in order to cover that cost. Donations should be made payable to the GSCDA – Cuckoo Clock Fund and sent to PO Box 165, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681. Those interested in helping are urged to contact Daugherty at 330-852-9191. The next meeting of the committee will be held on Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall in Sugarcreek. Members are needed, please consider volunteering your time to help with the clock.