Catalina Chimes Tower

The Catalina Chimes Tower is a familiar landmark for Avalon, sending music across the city at intervals throughout the day. This page highlights the story of the Chimes Tower and its ongoing restoration project.

Set above Avalon Bay and opposite the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, the Catalina Chimes ring every quarter hour from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, continuing a tradition that began in 1925.

In 1925, William Wrigley Jr. and Ada bought Westminster chimes from the Deagan Company of Chicago, then had a Spanish-style tower constructed to hold them. Mrs. Wrigley gave the Catalina Chimes Tower to the town of Avalon as a gift, hoping it would bring added character to the island. Of the 400 or so chimes made by the Deagan Company, only about half are still operating today.