Clock tower

Clock tower
Foschini proved to be a slippery customer, though. Five days after the meeting it suggested that the clock tower be preserved on the new building, indicating the company's desire still to demolish. On 17 October, a letter was sent by Foschini to the NMC, saying it had done its feasibility studies and it was felt that the cost and inconvenience, and possible danger to staff, workmen and the public of restoration was too high. The letter reads: "Markhams clearly understands and appreciates historical values and civic pride and has gone out of its way to satisfy itself beyond any shadow of a doubt that there exists no reasonable way of overcoming the problems." Ball makes an interesting point – this campaign transcended race barriers. Whereas other campaigns to save buildings – the Standard Theatre and the Colosseum – were embraced by whites only, as blacks were excluded from attending, everyone shopped at Markham, and thus everyone signed the petitions. Meanwhile, radio and television came on board too.

Foschini proved to be a slippery customer, though. Five days after the meeting it suggested that the clock tower be preserved on the new building, indicating the company's desire still to demolish.

On 17 October, a letter was sent by Foschini to the NMC, saying it had done its feasibility studies and it was felt that the cost and inconvenience, and possible danger to staff, workmen and the public of restoration was too high.

The letter reads: "Markhams clearly understands and appreciates historical values and civic pride and has gone out of its way to satisfy itself beyond any shadow of a doubt that there exists no reasonable way of overcoming the problems."

Ball makes an interesting point – this campaign transcended race barriers. Whereas other campaigns to save buildings – the Standard Theatre and the Colosseum – were embraced by whites only, as blacks were excluded from attending, everyone shopped at Markham, and thus everyone signed the petitions.

Meanwhile, radio and television came on board too.