Restoring an Age-Old School Clock in New Haven Schools
In the heart of Brantford, Ontario, the New Haven Clock Company of Canada was established in 1906, a subsidiary of the American New Haven Clock Company. Known for producing a wide variety of clocks, including the distinctive octagonal short drop wall clocks, the Canadian operations were likely set up to serve the Canadian market directly.
The New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clocks, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are characterized by their octagonal-shaped bezel and a smaller bottom "drop" section, often housing a pendulum. These clocks were widely distributed in North America, including Canada, and were appreciated for their functional design and affordability.
However, specific detailed histories focusing on the New Haven Clock Company’s Canadian subsidiary or production lines like the octagonal short drop wall clocks made in Canada appear limited in available sources. What is generally known is that the New Haven Clock Company made clocks that were imported or produced under license in Canada to meet local demand.
This particular New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clock, now on display in the author's living room, was removed from a schoolhouse in Saskatchewan, Alberta, in the 1960s. During testing, the clock stopped every few hours, possibly due to an incorrectly aligned lever on the strike side. After positioning the levers correctly, the clock ran beautifully without any issues.
The clock reflects its utilitarian role as a schoolhouse clock, and while it may not be the best looking or best sounding clock, it is expected to run without issues for years to come. The drop and paddle lever (Lever number 2) performs several jobs in unison, including pushing the unlocking or lift lever (Lever number 3) down and forming the paddle that enters the deep slots of the count wheel to indicate the strike on both the hour and half hour. The hammer strike lever (Lever number 1) is activated by the hammer lifting pins on the cam wheel.
The clock's movement was very dirty and required cleaning. Fifteen bushings were installed, seven on the front plate and eight on the rear plate, for the clock's servicing. The centre cannon arbour required a larger bushing on the rear plate. A chapter in Steven Conover's book on strike clock movements was consulted to work through a solution for the clock's strike side.
Despite the lack of comprehensive historical records, the New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clock remains an emblematic example of early mechanical clock production in North America. Clock collecting communities and antique clock experts recognise New Haven clocks as such, and the octagonal short drop clocks are considered collectible antiques, notable for their craftsmanship and design reflecting the period’s style.
References:
- New Haven Clock Company
- New Haven Clock Company of Canada
- New Haven Octagonal Short Drop Wall Clock
- New Haven Clock Company of Canada
- The New Haven Clock Company of Canada, established in Brantford, Ontario in 1906, is recognized for its production of vintage clocks, including the distinctive New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clocks.
- Collectors and antique clock experts appreciate New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clocks, not only for their functional design and affordability but also for their collectible value, reflecting the era's style and craftsmanship.
- The author's living room houses a New Haven Octagonal Short Drop wall clock, which was repaired after a clock repair involving the adjustment of levers, a dirty movement, and the installation of fifteen bushings for servicing.
