http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/rss/feedsMon, 03 Aug 2026 09:12:34 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-story-behind-catalina-islands-chimes-tower-and-the-people-who-kept-it-ringinghttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-story-behind-catalina-islands-chimes-tower-and-the-people-who-kept-it-ringing Visitors exploring Catalina Island often discover the Catalina Chimes Tower while driving a golf cart through Avalon or hiking to one of the island’s spectacular viewpoints. Standing high above Avalon Harbor, the Tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, and the Pacific Ocean. Yet while visitors often remember the breathtaking scenery, they leave with something even more memorable - the sound. Every fifteen minutes, the Westminster chimes drift across Avalon, creating a soundtrack that has become inseparable from Catalina Island itself. For nearly one hundred years, those familiar notes have welcomed visitors, marked celebrations, and connected generations of residents with the island they call home. More Than a Historic Landmark Completed in 1925 and first rung in March 1926, the Catalina Chimes Tower was built by William Wrigley Jr. and Ada Wrigley. Today it remains one of Catalina Island’s most treasured historic landmarks and an important stop for visitors interested in Catalina Island history, architecture, and scenic viewpoints. Yet the Tower’s greatest story is not simply the structure itself. It is the people who have quietly dedicated their lives to preserving its tradition. Honoring Jani Sue Eisenhut In July 2026, the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation proudly unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring Jani Sue Eisenhut, recognizing her nearly 60 years of devoted service playing the Catalina Chimes. The plaque is placed on the newly renovated Chimes Tower. Since 1967, Jani has ensured that the music continued to echo across Avalon. She played music on the 20 chimes using a keyboard to welcome guests and celebrate events. A lifelong Avalon resident, she grew up inside the historic Catalina Casino, where her father maintained the building’s electrical systems and her mother led the Avalon Girl Scouts. Before becoming the longtime chimes player, Jani welcomed generations of visitors as an usher in the Avalon Theatre. Her dedication has become part of Catalina’s living history. Honoring Charlie Canby Visitors to the Tower will also find a commemorative plaque honoring the late Charlie Canby, whose years of maintaining and caring for the Chimes ensured they continued ringing reliably for decades. If Jani gave the Chimes their voice, Charlie ensured that voice would never be silenced. Together, they preserved one of Catalina Island’s most beloved traditions. Exclusive Tour of Catalina Island - The Avalon Casino, Chimes Tower, and Wrigley Memorial Visit the Catalina Chimes Tower Whether you are discovering Avalon on a city tour, golf cart, hiking through the hills above town, or exploring Catalina Island’s historic landmarks, the Catalina Chimes Tower offers one of the island’s most rewarding stops. From the panoramic views of Avalon Harbor to the music that has echoed across the community for nearly a century, the Tower reminds visitors that Catalina’s history is not confined to museums. It continues to live through its people and traditions. Help Preserve Catalina’s Soundtrack Historic landmarks endure because each generation chooses to care for them. The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation is dedicated to preserving the Tower, protecting its remarkable history, and sharing the stories of the people whose devotion has kept this treasured tradition alive. If the sound of the Catalina Chimes has ever marked your arrival on Catalina, accompanied a special memory, or reminded you why this island is unlike any other, we invite you to become part of its next century. Your tax-deductible contribution helps preserve the Catalina Chimes Tower, protect its history, and ensure that Catalina’s soundtrack continues for generations to come. Support the Catalina Chimes Tower FoundationThu, 23 Jul 2026 16:40:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-time-on-catalina-islandhttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-time-on-catalina-islandHow to make the most of your time on Catalina IslandSpectrum News 1 LA TIMES TODAY PUBLISHED 2:55 PM PT Sep. 23, 2024Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:32:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/murder-mystery-dinner-on-catalina-island-1http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/murder-mystery-dinner-on-catalina-island-1Murder Mystery Dinner on Catalina IslandFri, 06 Oct 2023 14:07:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-wrigleys-timeless-gift-of-timekeeping-on-catalina-island-the-chimes-towerhttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-wrigleys-timeless-gift-of-timekeeping-on-catalina-island-the-chimes-towerThe Wrigleys' Timeless Gift of Timekeeping on Catalina Island: The Chimes TowerSun, 28 May 2023 15:54:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo-delivers-starlight-funding-for-chimes-towerhttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo-delivers-starlight-funding-for-chimes-towerMoonlight over BELLissimo delivers starlight, funding for Chimes Tower Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:30:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo--evening-event-for-chimes-tower-returns-this-weekendhttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo--evening-event-for-chimes-tower-returns-this-weekend“Moonlight over BELLissimo!” - Evening event for Chimes Tower returns this weekend Fri, 11 Oct 2019 01:00:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/chimes-tower-foundation-to-host-moonlight-over-bellissimohttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/chimes-tower-foundation-to-host-moonlight-over-bellissimoDOWNLOAD CATALINA ISLANDER - 08/30/19 - CHIMES TOWER FOUNDATION TO HOST 'MOONLIGHT OVER BELLISSIMO!Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo--101219-event-announcementhttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/moonlight-over-bellissimo--101219-event-announcementDOWNLOAD The Catalina Islander – 7/5/19 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 15:11:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/a-special-thank-you-to-local-businesseshttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/a-special-thank-you-to-local-businessesDOWNLOAD CATALINA ISLANDER - 04-26-19 - A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO LOCAL BUSINESSES Thu, 25 Apr 2019 11:30:00 -0700http://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-catalina-chimes-tower-foundation-sends-warm-holiday-greetings-to-all-and-a-special-thanks-to-its-generous-donorshttp://www.catalinachimes.org/blog/post/the-catalina-chimes-tower-foundation-sends-warm-holiday-greetings-to-all-and-a-special-thanks-to-its-generous-donorsDOWNLOAD THE CATALINA ISLANDER - 01-04-19 - THE CATALINA CHIMES TOWER FOUNDATION sends warm holiday greetings to all and a special thanks to its generous donors!Tue, 29 Jan 2019 15:13:00 -0700