history strikes 100 at the clock tower

Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
As seen from behind, the west-facing dial moved Wednesday atop the Boston Custom House a full century after the clock ticked for the first time. The landmark clock was renovated in 1987, with pieces replaced and restored. The Custom House, formerly used to screen goods shipped into the city, was built on State Street in 1837 and, as shown at right, once dominated the skyline. B3.