The Grandfather Clock
Grandfather clock, also called longcase clock, tall pendulum clock enclosed in a wooden case that stands upon the floor and is typically 1.8 to 2.3 metres (6 to 7.5 feet) in height. The name grandfather clock was adopted after the song “Grandfather’s Clock,
” written in 1876 by Henry Clay Work, became popular. The first grandfather clocks featured a Classical architectural appearance, but a variety of styles have enjoyed popularity over the years. One form of early pendulum clock was wall-mounted but, because of its heavy lead weights, probably difficult to secure. It is believed that the grandfather clock was developed to support these heavier clock mechanisms. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
The history of our clock is somewhat interesting:
This Grandfather Clock was built by Brockville resident John Oscar Adams Fenton (1856-1949) in 1930. He built it for his second cousin Dorothy Hayes Fenton as a gift for her 16th Birthday. The wooden case of the clock was built from old wooden church pews and church organ parts.
Because of the Great Depression, money was in short supply, thus the works and Westminster Chimes were installed later in 1937. The works and chimes were supplied by local jeweller, Allan Hayes.
The Grandfather Clock was donated to the Heritage Place Museum in 2017 by Donald Ruston UE, son of Dorothy (Fenton) Ruston.
