Essential destination for clock aficionados: American Clock and Watch Museum
In the realm of horology, a fascination for timepieces has led many enthusiasts on a journey to discover the intricacies of clock making. This article takes a look at some of the notable museums that celebrate the history and evolution of clocks, focusing on the Macdonald Museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, and the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut.
The Macdonald Museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, is not just a hidden gem but also a treasure trove for clock enthusiasts. With a dedicated clock museum section, it offers a glimpse into the world of timekeeping devices. While the collection represents a small section of the museum's overall offerings, it is nonetheless worth exploring.
On a different coast, the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, is a must-visit for any clock aficionado. The museum, housed in an 1801 Federal-style home, showcases the history of American clock making, particularly Bristol's role as a world leader in clock manufacturing during the industrial revolution.
The museum boasts a vast, well-organized collection of over 6,000 timepieces, including approximately 2,500 clocks and 3,500 watches. Visitors can marvel at more than 1,500 clocks and watches on display, ranging from advertising clocks and punch clocks to grandfather clocks and blinking-eye clocks. The museum also features rare pieces like the Eli Terry Clock, Jerome Clock, Peddlers Clock, Banjo Clock, and Tower Clock.
Eli Terry, often regarded as the father of the U.S. mass-production clock industry, is a key figure recognized in the museum. His innovations in mass production helped make clocks affordable and widely available, a story the museum brings to life. One of the museum's favourites is Eli Terry's original glass front box clock.
The museum does not disappoint watch lovers either, offering a comprehensive collection that spans centuries. For those with a keen interest in American clock history, the American Clock and Watch Museum is a must-see destination.
Meanwhile, the Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton, Massachusetts, was another stop on a horological journey. Visited on the way to the NAWCC Convention 2019 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the museum offers an extensive collection of American clocks and watches. The lower level of the museum is home to an extensive collection of wall regulator clocks.
Being a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) for a decade, the recipient was delighted to receive a 10-year member pin. The recipient also took the time to visit the Willard House and Clock Museum, adding another memorable stop to their horological journey.
However, it's not just the big-name museums that hold treasures. The Macdonald Museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, was visited without realizing the treasures it held. With its collection of clocks from E. Howard, Welch, Waterbury, and Seth Thomas, it offers a glimpse into the early days of clock making to the heydays of the American clock.
In conclusion, for those with a passion for clocks, a visit to these museums offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and evolution of timekeeping devices. Whether it's the American Clock and Watch Museum, the Willard House and Clock Museum, or the Macdonald Museum, each offers a different perspective on the fascinating world of clocks.
The Macdonald Museum in Middleton, Nova Scotia, with its dedicated clock museum section, not only caters to clock enthusiasts but also complements a lifestyle rooted in an appreciation for vintage clocks and home-and-garden aesthetic.
For those who are passionate about American history, the American Clock and Watch Museum in Bristle, Connecticut, offers a collection spanning centuries, providing insight into the role of clocks and watches in shaping lifestyles and home decoration.
