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a clock story

My grandmother (paternal) passed away earlier this year. I made a couple of trips to California to help my uncle sort through her things—to deliver a few things to other family members, those sorts of things. I came home with a few small things, and one larger item—a clock.

My uncle told me the history of the clock, but I was a bit distracted and don’t remember it now. All I can recall is that it’s been in the family for a while.

In any case, I could tell looking at it that it needed a little work, and I thought my grandfather might enjoy it as a project. One way or another, I decided to bring it home. I packed the weights in my cary-on bags (getting through the airport security is a whole other story—suffice to say the personnel were mystified and curious, and I was pulled out of line for a bit) and I shipped the clock itself.

As I suspected, grandpa was excited about it, and once he got it home he called frequently with a report. “I’ve got it running, but it’s not keeping very good time,” that sort of thing.

Last weekend he and my grandmother came by, and they brought the repaired clock back. We hung it in the dining room, and it fits the house so well it’s really pretty amazing. It has a wonderful ring (or bong, or whatever)—quite fast—and I’ve been enjoying the new routine of winding it when I get up in the morning.

The label on the inside of the clock is in great shape as well, and I’ve been poking around the Web trying to learn what I can about the manufacturer, George Marsh.

So far, I have learned that Mr. Marsh made clocks in Connecticut in the early 1800s (1828 – 1831, according to one source), but I haven’t been able to verify that. Still, amazing to think that there’s a clock in the house, ticking and bonging the hours, that was made close to 200 years ago. Stunning, really.

I’d love to know more about the clock. If anyone can help fill in the blanks, please do.

- posted 14 July 2004 in blog Favorites

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