Discover Canadian Clocks and clocks with a Canadian connection at The Canadian Clock Museum in Deep River

A museum is an institution dedicated to the display of objects of lasting interest and historical value. While museums can showcase a wide variety of items, The Canadian Clock Museum, located in Deep River, Ontario, (Canada) focuses specifically on Canadian clocks and clocks with a Canadian connection.

I first visited the museum in 2013, and this year marked my eighth visit. Each visit has offered a new learning experience, and this one was no different.

Despite its modest size, the museum offers a relaxing experience, with a well-organized flow that guides visitors through displays of various manufacturers and themes.

The informational cards beside each clock provide just enough detail to captivate visitors without overwhelming them. Many of the clocks have fascinating stories, which Curator Allan Symons is more than happy to share, although, sadly, some histories have been lost over time as clocks change hands.

A charming feature is the check-in and check-out punch clock cards, done on a Blick Time Recorder clock, that every guest gets to experience to record their visit. Blick Time Recorders was a London, England-based company but they had a Canadian branch that sold them for factories in Ontario, and elsewhere. The reproduction card was created by a summer student about fifteen years ago from card design options in the Blick Canadian catalog.

The collection primarily features mechanical clocks, but the museum also boasts the most extensive collection of Snider electric and battery-operated wall and shelf clocks (in the world?), manufactured in Toronto. Harry Snider’s two business names in Toronto covered the periods 1950-1957 and 1957-1976. His pink and turquoise wall and TV lamp clock designs date to the 1950s (when those colours were popular for fridges, stoves, and bathtubs in homes).

_{A fraction of the Snider clocks on display}

During my visit, a couple arrived at the museum to donate a Snider starburst wall clock with a brass and walnut finish. Curator Symons was grateful for the donation and gave them a personal tour of the museum as a gesture of appreciation.

Although many items are acquired through auction sites and online sales, the museum also receives some pieces as gifts. For items that align with the museum’s theme, shipping costs are covered.

_{Extensive collection of research material}

Though some exhibits remain unchanged over the years, Curator Allan Symons continues to expand and refresh the collection with new and intriguing clocks of all kinds.

So, what’s new this year?

Notably, in the past two years, the museum has acquired a large tall case clock, a wall clock with special historical significance, and IBM time recorder punch clock in addition to other interesting pieces.

Martin Cheney, Montreal Clockmaker

The clock that captured my attention most was a time-only, weight-driven tavern-style wall clock made by Martin Cheney in the 1820s.

_{Martin Cheney wall clock with “Montreal” printed on the dial}

In 1809, Martin Cheney relocated to Montreal from Vermont, where he lived for about twenty-one years. In 1817, he partnered with J. A. Dwight, and together they operated under the name Cheney & Dwight at 104 St. Paul Street, Montreal. The business produced movements, cases, wall and tall case clocks, and banjo clocks. Their partnership lasted until 1830.

This remarkable piece was donated to the museum and stands as a testament to early Canadian craftsmanship. In my view, no serious Canadian clock collection would be complete without a Cheney clock.

IBM Time Recorder

Another notable and unusual piece is the IBM time recorder, which was commonly used in factories and workplaces from the 1920s onward. The employees’ time recorder was made by IBM around 1930 in their Toronto factory. According to the donor, his late father acquired it when he retired from the General Electric factory in Peterborough, Ontario.

This departmental clock was designed to handle up to 100 employees, so large factories would typically have several of these clocks. It is a large and imposing piece, with a robust design that reflects its practical role and the industrial era in which it was used.

_{IBM time recorder used up until the 1960s}

It immediately brought to mind my days as a part-time clerk in an Ottawa department store, where starting the workday was marked by the ritual of clocking in. In my case, it was an electric punch clock, unlike the mechanical one now on display at the museum.

Pequegnat Hall clock

Most Pequegnat clock enthusiasts do not realize that the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company of Kitchener, Ontario, sold kits containing the movement, hands, dial numerals, weights, chains, and pendulums, allowing customers to build custom-sized cases to fit them. And so it is, with a special Pequegnat tall case (hall) clock.

This tall and imposing hall clock case stands out as far more ornate than what you’d typically see on a Pequegnat clock. Its design evokes a strong love-it-or-hate-it reaction, but there’s no denying the intricate craftsmanship of the case.

The clock was donated in October 2023 by a woman in the Montreal area when she was preparing to relocate.

_{Pequegnat hall clock with an unusual feature}

There is more to offer at the museum

For those with a casual interest in clocks, the museum offers a variety of intriguing displays, including an antique phonograph from the Victor Talking Machine Company of Camden, New Jersey, a clockmakers/watchmakers workbenchs, alarm clocks, several fascinating Tramp clocks, a choice of “fun in time” teaching clocks for children, clock radios, and a small collection of Girotti wall clocks (St. Catharines, Ontario) that were popular in the 1960s and ’70s.

The Girotti clocks are not my cup of tea, but they are an interesting interpretation of the 1970s modernistic sculptured style and provide a glimpse into the culture of the late 20th century.

Whether you are a clock enthusiast or just curious about the allure of any museum this one is well worth a visit. Returning visitors will always find something new and fascinating to enjoy. And if you can’t make it in person, Allan offers a virtual tour that will inspire a future visit.

August 23, 2024

Unravelling the Various Names of the grandfather clock

The tall clock that may be gracing your hallway or living room belongs to a bygone era. That sense of history and tradition seems to be missing in our modern world. In an era defined by fast-paced technological advancements and fleeting trends, the tall clock stands as a reminder of an earlier era when craftsmanship and longevity were paramount.

The Grandfather Clock

A tall case clock is commonly referred to as a “grandfather clock” due to a story that dates back to the 19th century. The term “grandfather clock” is said to have originated from the song “My Grandfather’s Clock,” written by Henry Clay Work in 1876. This song tells the tale of a clock owned by the songwriter’s friend, and it played a significant role in popularizing the term.

Henry Clay Work was an American songwriter and composer known for capturing the spirit and emotions of the time. His greatest hit was “Marching Through Georgia” in 1865, a cheerful marching song.

The lyrics of My Grandfather’s Clock narrate the story of a long-case clock, or a tall case clock, that belonged to the songwriter’s friend’s grandfather. The clock worked perfectly throughout the grandfather’s lifetime but stopped working when he passed away. The song’s lyrics reflect the sentiment that the clock’s ticking was synonymous with the grandfather’s life, and the clock’s stillness upon his death was seen as a representation of his passing.

Over time, this sentimental and catchy song contributed to the popularization of the term “grandfather clock” as a synonym for a tall case clock. The term stuck, and now, tall case clocks are commonly referred to as grandfather clocks in many parts of the world.

Scottish tall case clock — _{Scottish tall-case clock}

Tall Case and Long Case Clocks

However, horologists generally prefer using the terms “tall case clock”, “long case clock” or hall clock instead of “grandfather clock”. The difference in terminology between “tall case clock” in America and “long case clock” in England primarily arises from regional linguistic variations and historical usage.

Tall Case Clock (America): The term “tall case clock” is commonly used in the United States to describe this type of clock. This name emphasizes the clock’s design, which features a tall, vertical case that houses the clock’s movement and the pendulum. The term “tall case” is descriptive of the clock’s physical appearance, highlighting its height and elegant proportions.
Long Case Clock (England): In England, the term “long case clock” is more commonly used. This name also relates to the clock’s appearance, particularly its elongated and vertical shape. The term “long case” emphasizes the clock’s form, again highlighting its height and the distinctive design of the case. On the other hand, a Long case Regulator (Chronometer) is a precision clock known for its accuracy. It often features a simpler, more functional design with a focus on precision rather than ornate decoration.

_{Clock (Chronometer) (1941) by William by National Gallery of Art is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0}

The names simply reflect different ways of describing the same type of clock. Over time, these regional differences have become firmly established.

The Hall Clock

The term “hall clock” is also used in some parts of the world as an alternative to “grandfather clock,” “tall case clock,” or “long case clock.” This term, “hall clock,” emphasizes the placement of the clock in a hallway or entrance hall, which is a common location for these impressive and stately clocks.

While the “hall clock” might not be as widely recognized or used as the “grandfather clock” or “tall case clock,” its origin and usage can be traced to the same concept of describing these tall, freestanding clocks with long cases.

The term “hall clock” is descriptive and straightforward. The term continues to be used in some contexts, particularly in regions where the emphasis is on the clock’s placement and role within the home.

_{Tall Clock by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is licensed under CC-CC0 1}_.0

The Grandmother Clock

And lastly, a “grandmother clock” is a type of clock that is smaller than a “grandfather clock”.

Similar in design and functionality to its larger counterpart, the grandfather clock, a grandmother clock typically features a pendulum-driven movement enclosed within a vertical wooden case. The main distinction between a grandmother clock and a grandfather clock lies in their size. Grandmother clocks are generally shorter than grandfather clocks, standing around 5 to 6 feet tall, making them more suitable for spaces with limited room.

Despite their smaller size, they often retain the same elegant appearance and decorative features as their larger counterparts.

The term “grandmother clock” is less commonly used than “grandfather clock,” but it serves to describe this intermediate-sized clock that is more compact than the towering grandfather clock.

Different Phrases Express the Same Concept

The various terms used to describe this type of clock—such as “grandfather clock,” “grandmother clock”, “tall case clock,” “long case clock,” and even “hall clock”—all refer to the same basic type of clock: a freestanding weight-driven device with a tall vertical case housing the clock movement and pendulum.

August 22, 2023

New Haven hall clock – Restoring the case

I found the clock on an online for sale site in the spring of 2021 and contacted the seller the same day. When I saw the sellers photos my first thought was that it was pretty reasonably priced for a hall clock, known by many as a grandfather clock. I decided to take a chance, arranged a meeting with the seller and arrived to pick up the clock.

During our brief discussion I learned that the clock is inexpensive for a good reason – it is not quite what I thought it was.

Missing are the door handles, otherwise it is complete. It has a mechanical movement with a pendulum but what I was not expecting was a spring-driven movement. Almost all hall clocks are weight-driven.

Is it a conversion? Was the old movement worn out and a new movement installed in its place. I don’t think so. There was never a seat board in the case as seat boards are almost always present on a clock driven by weights. So it seems that from day one this was never intended to be a weight-driven clock.

The case was likely made by someone other than The New Haven Clock Company and the dial, hands, pendulum rod and bob, weight chains, weights, acorn chain pull knobs and the wood dial face were purchased together as a package from New Haven and installed in the case.

*Fakes weight chains below the movement*

Okay, that’s different!

Cleaning or stripping?

The decision to clean or strip is made easy by a good cleaning. After a good cleaning it is better to assess whether or not it requires stripping. What was revealed was a very nice red oak case.

In the photo above the base, which was the last section to be cleaned, is almost black.

What is truly remarkable is the weight of the case and no wonder, the base sides are two inches thick. The top and base can be removed but the middle section alone cannot be lilted by one person, it is that heavy!

I left the cleaning aside to work on the hands and brass (fake) weights.

The brass hands might looks flimsy but they are surprisingly heavy. Brasso was used on all brass pieces except the dial numbers. They appeared to have been lacquered either from the factory or sometime later.

A very light coat of red oak stain accentuated the grain. I considered shellac for the final finish but opted for Wipe-on Poly, an amber tinted polyurethane.

Yes, there are flaws, nicks and scratches that are consistent with age but given that it is over 100 years old some of the flaws add character. The fake weights went back into the clock to complete the look of a weight-driven clock.

I like it!

October 21, 2021

Tick Talk Tuesday #36 – a tall case clock is transformed

Tick-Talk Tuesday is about the letters and comments I have received from you, the reader, concerning your clock, issues you might have had, challenges you face or a clock you would like me to profile or my responses to your questions with advice on your particular clock concern. For those comments and questions that stump even me, I consult within my clock circles for the best possible answer
Author

In the spring (2021) I found a tall case clock on an online for sale site at what seemed to be a bargain price. It is not what it appears to be. Although you can clearly see weights on the inside of the clock case it is not a weight-driven clock but a spring driven clock with fake weights.

I bought it anyway.

The New Haven movement was serviced and the case was cleaned almost down to the bare wood. It looks terrific and keeps good time. I don’t normally send photos back to the seller on a clock that I have rejuvenated but I thought, what the heck, the seller might be pleased that it went to a good home.

My email to TC:

“No need to reply but I just thought I’d send along a photo of the clock you sold me. The clock runs perfectly, everything has been polished, the movement taken apart and serviced and the case refinished.”

TCs reply;

“Wow…. Looks really good. Hard to believe it’s the same clock. Glad you got the clock all fixed up.”

Sometimes the time and effort is worth it.

October 12, 2021

Hall clock mystery is solved

Welcome back. The mystery is solved!

In the spring of 2021 I responded to an ad on a local online for sale site for what appeared to be an antique hall clock. It was inexpensive and I now know why. The seller bought it 20 years ago and in the midst of downsizing it had to go.

I knocked on the seller’s door, she answered. The clock was a few feet from the front door. It looked quite a bit larger than I imagined. Will it fit in our wagon?

Prior to loading the clock into the car, I noticed that the weight cans were very light. The seller said the weights were fake. She gave me a key and I inserted it into the winding points to discover mainsprings, something I was not quite expecting for a hall clock. Okay, I’ll take a chance on this one, and the price is right.

The base and the top crown lift off, presumably to ease relocation. My wife and I loaded the clock in the car. Everything fit nicely. The case is very solid and unbelievably heavy. The clock just fit into our station wagon. On the way home I thought, how strange, a clock with faux weights.

When I arrived home my curiosity got the better of me. I removed the hands, then the dial which was, interestingly enough, quite heavy. Once the dial was removed I saw a large spring-driven New Haven mechanical movement.

Why is there a spring-driven movement in a hall clock?

Did this clock have a weight-driven movement at one time? The spring driven movement is mounted on a raised platform, interesting. Later, I will remove the platform to see if there is any evidence of a seat board as weight-driven movements almost always sit on a seat board.

The ladder chains are crudely screwed onto the backboard to simulate a weight-driven movement, hence the empty weight cans.

The next day

I removed the raised platform and could not see any evidence of a seat board ever being in this case.

I do not believe this is a New Haven factory clock. As far as I can determine it started life as a grandfather clock with a spring-driven movement and fake weights. Spring-driven Mission style hall clocks were made with fake weights by some makers many years ago so, they are not so rare and New Haven did sell mechanical packages to case builders.

I have no idea why the cord is tied to the strike lever as it serves no useful purpose.

Next steps

I am not overly concerned, it was cheap.

Are both the case and movement antiques? The movement is stamped 27. This could be a date stamp but it is more likely the length of the pendulum in inches. The movement plates are pinned rather than held with screws or nuts suggesting an older New Haven movement. My research tells me that it is referred to as a square-aperture movement and appears on occasion in Anglo-American clocks.

I removed the movement from its case and mounted it on a test stand. It runs for a short period and stops. The movement runs at 72 bpm, not quite the 60 bpm one would typically expect from a hall clock but still, it looks like a weight driven clock. Yeah, fake!

My take on this clock? The cabinet was made separately perhaps in a shop along with others, and a New Haven movement, dial face, numbers, hands, chains and weight cans were acquired as a kit and installed in the case. That is the only thing that makes sense.

In the meantime, I intend to service the movement and clean the case. Check for articles on movement servicing and cleaning the case in the next few days.

September 17, 2021

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