NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Standing at the base of East Nashville High School, one can’t help but notice the towering clock perched atop the building. Visible from nearly every corner of the campus, the clock has greeted generations of students for almost 80 years, its face a constant reminder of the school’s rich history.
For Vickie Tillman, a former student and past president of the East Nashville High Alumni Association, the clock has always been more than just a timepiece. “I remember that clock being here from the time I entered East,” Tillman recalled. “It really looks stunning at night with the lights shining, especially on a clear night with the moon and stars.” But as much as the clock has become an iconic symbol of the school, its significance runs much deeper, rooted in a time of great sacrifice and loss.
The clock’s origins date back to 1947, a few years after the end of World War II. It was during this time that Principal William Henry Oliver sought to honor the 59 individuals connected to East Nashville High School who had lost their lives in the war. Among the fallen were 58 students and one teacher, all of whom made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. To commemorate their memory, Oliver commissioned the creation of the clock, which was to be installed at the top of the school. Measuring 59 inches across, each inch of the clock stands as a tribute to one of the fallen heroes.
Tillman, who attended East Nashville High several decades after the clock was dedicated, was unaware of its backstory at first. “I did not know the history behind it,” she admitted. “It was just a clock on top of the building.” Over time, however, Tillman came to understand the profound symbolism of the clock, which now serves as a permanent reminder of the school’s deep connection to the war effort. “He loved his students,” Tillman said of Principal Oliver, “and he wanted to dedicate something to the boys from East High that had lost their lives in World War II.”
The clock is not the only memorial at the school that honors the fallen. At the East High Alumni House, another tribute stands in the form of a large, embroidered letter “E.” Each star on the letter represents an East alumnus who served in combat: blue stars for those who served and gold stars for those who died. These symbols, like the clock, ensure that the legacy of these brave individuals is never forgotten.
Inside the alumni house, the walls are filled with artifacts that trace the long and storied history of the school. For Tillman, the memorabilia serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by past students and their role in shaping the school’s identity. “I hope today’s students understand the significance of the clock,” she said. “They are part of history being made, just as those before them have been.”
As East Nashville High School continues to educate new generations of students, the clock atop the building stands as a timeless symbol of sacrifice, pride, and the enduring legacy of those who came before. It is a beacon that not only marks the passage of time but also serves as a call to action for the students who follow in the footsteps of those whose names are forever etched in the school’s history. For those who pass beneath its watchful gaze, the clock is a reminder that every moment counts—both for the individual and for the community they are a part of.
The East Nashville High Alumni Association continues to support the school through initiatives like its annual golf tournament fundraiser, which raises money for scholarships and other school needs. As the school celebrates its storied past, it looks toward the future, hoping to inspire the next generation to honor its history and carry forward its legacy.
