June 2008

The need for “public” clocks was well recognized in most population centers of the Colonies. Indeed, the day-to-day workings of commerce and society has a dependence on time. Town clocks were installed in public buildings, churches and meeting halls, where the striking of a bell on the hour could be seen and heard over great distances. For example:

Boston was settled in 1630. It is believed that the first “tower” clock was installed at Old North Church in 1650.

New York’s first public clock was installed in Old Federal Hall in 1716.

Philadelphia’s first public clock was installed in 1750 and a second at Independence Hall in 1753-54.

It is not by coincidence that each of these centers and others, were major ports and thus provided opportunity to receive imported machinery, tools and materials for clock making.

The fine skills of American clock making were not confined to any race or gender. While there was an abundance of Caucasian men there were noteworthy women and African American clockmakers such as

Women
Anna Marie Laray, Lancaster, Pa. 1750
Hannah Montanden, Lancaster, Pa. 1802
Maria Nicollet, Philadelphia, Pa. 1793-99

African Americans
Benjamin Banneter, Baltimore, Md. 1745
Peter Hill, Burlington, N.J. Late 19th C.

The lifeblood of early clock making was the “apprentice system.” Most clockmakers engaged “bound out” children, usually 14 years or older to learn the trade. The term of servitude was ordinarily 6 to 7 years. Room and board was provided during this time, but no wages. Minimal tasks were gradually expanded to include more intricate work which lead, ultimately, to making complete clocks. At age 21 the apprentice was provided with “freedom” goods which might include clock making tools or materials, and perhaps a small sum of money to get started on their own.

More than likely, there was agreement to set up shop a distance from the master, so they would migrate to satellite areas or return home, expanding the trade.

At first, brass and steel were the primary metals to make gears and plates for tall clock movements. Around 1790-1815, less expensive wooden works tall clocks, and shortly thereafter, shelf clocks were introduced and manufactured in quantity. Their lower price attracted new buyers. The turn to wood movements was also a consequence of increased taxations and accelerated cost of imported brass and limited capacity to produce brass domestically.

By 1825, these clocks were being mass-produced by such notable makers as: Eli Terry, Seth Thomas, Riley Whiting, Silas Hoadley and Mark Leavenworth. All were based in Connecticut and the state evolved into the center of American clock making in the 19th Century. Two towns, Terryville and Thomaston, were named in honor of the distinguished clock “industrialists” Eli Terry and Seth Thomas.

Contrary to what one might expect about the longevity of a wooden works clock, many survive today, work well and are highly sought after.

The brass shelf clock, developed in 1838, eventually supplanted the wooden works clock and its popularity opened the door for smaller, more portable clocks.

Clocks were beginning to be mass-produced by the 1840’s, when the brass and steel needed was being produced in large quantities domestically and equipment was being developed to cut and shape movement parts. Water power was also being harnessed to drive factory machines.

From 1840 to 1880 the clock industry enjoyed considerable expansion and development not only in Connecticut but New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts as well as contributing significantly to the Industrial Revolution. Most companies enjoyed a “Golden Age” of expansion, developing global markets and high profits through the 1920’s.

The “Great Depression” brought on a rapid decline for the clock industry in America, made worse by the disruption of World War II. This began the ultimate demise of one of the great American industries.

Today, not one of the “giants” survive.

Reference/Source Information

NAWCC Bulletins

“Two Hundred Years of American Clocks and Watches,”  by Chris H. Bailey

“The American Clock,”  by William A. Distin and Robert Bishop

 “Clockmaking in New England 1725-1825,” by Philip Zea and Robert C. Cheney

“The History of Clocks and Watches,” by Eric Bruton

Several places to visit to see major American clock collections:

• National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors Museum (NAWCC)
  Columbia, Pa.
• American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol, Connecticut
• Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Massachusetts
• The Willard House and Clock Museum, North Grafton, Massachusetts
•  “The Henry Ford Museum,” Dearborn, Michigan