Restoring an Old Clock in a Long-Used School in New Haven
In the heart of the author's living room, a timepiece tells more than just the hours and minutes. This is no ordinary clock; it's a New Haven Short Drop Octagon time and strike clock, crafted in Canada.
Made at the New Haven Clock Co. of Canada plant, established in Brantford, Ontario in 1906, this Canadian-made clock is a testament to the country's horological heritage. Though the exact production year remains unknown, it's believed to have been produced in the 1940s.
The clock, which once hung in a schoolhouse in Saskatchewan, Alberta, boasts three levers. The hammer strike lever (Lever number 1) installed on the bottom of the clock, activated by the hammer lifting pins on the cam wheel, initiates the striking mechanism. The drop and paddle lever (Lever number 2) performs several jobs in unison, including pushing the unlocking lever or the lift lever (Lever number 3) down to release the warning pin.
The drop and paddle lever's upper arm must be on the upper rear part of the slot on the cam to work correctly, while the bottom arm forms the paddle that enters the deep slots of the count wheel to indicate the strike on both the hour and half hour.
The clock, after a thorough cleaning of its very dirty movement with a build-up of dried oil and dust over the years, ran trouble-free for 3 days, eliminating any issues with the strike side. However, during testing, it stopped every few hours, suspected to be due to an incorrectly aligned lever on the strike side. A consultation of Steven Conover's book on strike clock movements was made to work through a solution for the strike side issue.
15 bushings were installed, 7 on the front plate and 8 on the rear plate, with a larger one for the centre cannon arbour on the rear plate. The movement was then mounted back into its case and is now being regulated.
Despite not being the best looking or the best sounding, this schoolhouse clock is expected to run without issues for years to come due to its utilitarian role as a timekeeper in a school setting. It's a piece of Canadian history that continues to tick away, marking time and reminding us of our past.
This vintage New Haven Short Drop Octagon clock, a testament to Canada's horological heritage, requires careful clock repair to ensure its functionality. The wall clocks movement consists of three levers, each with a distinct purpose, enhancing its intricate workings. Owning this clock contributes to a lifestyle that cherishes home-and-garden items with a historical significance, blending traditional craftsmanship with technology.
