City Hall 

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In 1889 a contract was awarded to N. P. Neilson, of Paxton, to construct a city hall which cost $5,137.00. The plans and specifications of provided by Bloomington architect Paul O. Moratz.  The building was finished and dedicated in the spring of 1900.  

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Clock Tower 

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The clock tower in Paxton was a gift to the city from a prominent businessman A. J. Laurence. Mr. Laurence signed a contract with the Seth Thomas Clock Company of New York City on September 14, 1915. The contract stipulated that for the payment by Mr. Laurence of $726, the Seth Thomas company would “Furnish a No. 15 striking clock tower, arranged for and with 4 ft. 6 in. Sectional iron and glass dials and 350 pounds pure metal bell, and place same in the tower of City Hall at Paxton by sending one of their expert clock tower men to do the work, paying all freights and cartages.” The clock was “to strike the hours and half hours” and “clock guaranteed for five years” and the bell “to be warranted for fifteen years not to fracture under ordinary usage.” 

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Old Water Tower 

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In the 1880’s many diseases like diphtheria and typhoid fever would break out. To help stop these deadly epidemics the state board of health recommended safe water supplies. In turn, the old water tower was built and put into operation in 1887 for a cost of around $8,000. The tower requires 175,000 bricks, tops 80’ tall, and could hold water storage of 60,000 gallons.  

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The old water tower would serve the community of Paxton until 1948 when the present water tower was constructed in 1952. 

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In 1987, the old water tower was placed on the Illinois Historical Register which was saved from demolition. In 2001 the building was restored by the Paxton Foundation and in 2007 the building began serving as the Ford County Historical Society.