Cuckoo for a quarter

Kimberley is getting set to give Happy Hans a fresh face

Happy Hans during one of his paid appearances — Photo by Dan Williams

There has been confusion in Kimberley–a bewildering, scratch-your-head puzzle over who owns and maintains the yodelling, beer-drinking Happy Hans who resides in North America's largest free-standing cuckoo clock. When Happy Hans stops yodelling and drinking, who fixes him?

A little background on Happy Hans

Built in the 1970s, the cuckoo clock situated in Kimberley's downtown Platzl has not only become a tourist attraction but has also caused a recent stir of emotion and concern among the local residents regarding the fate and future of Happy Hans. The moustached mascot is a far cry–or yodel–from his first appearance, when the neighbours complained about the cuckoo clock’s musical disposition.

Currently, Happy Hans needs some tender loving care–a few dollars for a spruce-up, and ongoing maintenance. The cuckoo clock was originally constructed as a labour of love to attract tourists as the Sullivan Mine–the community's largest employer at the time–shut down and Kimberley adopted its Bavarian branding. 

The clock was built and assembled by Bill Spence and Dick Bova. In fact, it was constructed over a weekend without any permissions or permits–the clock and Hans just appeared. There were no meetings, committees, research or established target markets.

It's not easy being a happy Happy Hans

Over the years, Happy Hans has had to endure his share of indignities. He has had eggs, beer bottles and crab apples thrown at him. During a local highland tattoo he wore a kilt and bagpipe music was played. He has been kidnapped and found, and–on more than one occasion–either disconnected or had repugnant soundtracks covertly substituted. When the clock suffers indignation, someone has to clean up or fix the problem. This is where the confusion lies.

Sioban Staplin, the manager of the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce, has taken Happy Hans under her wing towards a clear and determined future. A survey was recently created and circulated amongst the businesses in Kimberley. The results indicated a strong desire to keep the clock, along with its upgrades and maintenance. The responsibility is shared between the City, the chamber and Tourism Kimberley.

A return to an old glory

“We’re not looking at anything major on the inner workings–a few little upgrades,” said Staplin. “What we are looking at now is the possibility of having it repainted and redecorated to its former glory.”

Staplin invites artisans, craftspeople and other interested parties to step forward to be involved in the facelift of Happy Hans; she can be contacted at the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce.

As sure as time passes, regardless of who Happy Hans’s caregiver is, the clock and the cost for 90 seconds of yodelling and stein hoisting will remain at 25 cents.