AVALON, CALIF. (July 22, 2026) – Visitors arriving in Avalon often hear the Westminster chimes before they discover their source.
For nearly a century, the Catalina Chimes Tower has welcomed visitors and marked the rhythm of life on Santa Catalina Island. This year, as the Chimes celebrate their Centennial, the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation has unveiled a commemorative plaque honoring Jani Sue Eisenhut, whose dedication has helped keep the music ringing across Avalon since 1967.
Perched above Avalon Harbor, the Chimes Tower is a favorite destination for visitors exploring Avalon and enjoying panoramic views of the harbor. Its 20 Deagan Westminster Chimes were installed in 1925, and the tubular bells first rang out in March 1926, becoming one of Catalina Island’s most recognizable and historically significant landmarks.
Jani, a lifelong Avalon resident, has faithfully played the Chimes for nearly six decades. Growing up inside the iconic Catalina Casino, she had an early job working as an usher in the Avalon Theatre. She later took on the responsibility of playing the Chimes, a role she has fulfilled with remarkable dedication ever since.
The Foundation has also honored the late Charlie Canby, whose years of maintaining the Chimes ensured the historic instrument continued operating for generations of residents and visitors.
“The Chimes Tower is one of Catalina Island’s most recognizable and historically significant landmarks,” said Foundation President Alison Wrigley Rusack. “Jani and Charlie devoted countless hours to preserving a tradition that has become part of the identity of Avalon.”
As the Catalina Chimes Tower enters its second century, gifts to the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation help preserve the Tower, maintain its unique Westminster Chimes, and share the stories of the remarkable people whose dedication has kept this treasured tradition alive. Learn more or make a tax-deductible contribution at www.catalinachimes.org.
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ABOUT CATALINA CHIMES TOWER FOUNDATION
The Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation’s mission is to restore and maintain the Chimes Tower and its chimes, a beloved landmark in the town of Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, for the community and future generations to enjoy. The Deagan Westminster chimes were purchased in 1925 by William Wrigley Jr. and his wife Ada, who had a tower built to house them in December of that year. The first notes from the Chimes Tower were played in March of 1926, and the chimes have entertained millions of Avalon residents and visitors ever since. In 2013, the board of the Santa Catalina Island Company formed the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation, which took ownership of the building. Since then, the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation board has been restoring and beautifying the iconic structure and its surroundings, an effort supported by gifts from both local residents and visitors from 'overtown'. For more information, please visit www.catalinachimes.org or contact info@catalinachimes.org.
Media Contact:
Michelle Leslie Pring
Mleslie@scico.com