To the Editor:

By now, most of the readers in Tryon have seen the new addition to our downtown Rotary Clock Tower: Morris the Horse now stands on top of the clock, keeping a watchful eye over our town.

There is a story here that all should know. The original Rotary plan by Brady/Trakas Architects included a Morris statue on the top of the tower, but cost limitations at the time prevented this addition.

It has been the dream of certain people to see Morris on his perch and Tryon Downtown Development Association found a group of local angels to bring it to reality.
Joe Cooper, a local custom metal designer, his team of Bill Ratterree, Jared Scott and Pattie Peake, and Walt Meyer, a retired engineer and businessman, got together to complete this project.

Joe and Walt not only designed, engineered, built and installed Morris, but also donated this beautiful artwork to our town. This is a significant and happy gesture on their part and appreciation goes to the whole team for their work to fulfill this dream.

–– John Gargiulo, Tryon