Vigo County Historical Society

Clocks evolved over time

Perhaps the above lines of the old nursery rhyme are our first remembrance of the work clock and our recognition of time as a part of the reality of our lives.

Before clocks and watches were invented, man watched the stars, the sun, and moon to gauge time’s passing. Early means of judging time were the sundial, the hourglass, the water clock and the sand glass. The amount of material going from one contained to another indicated the time.

The word clock comes from the Latin word "cloc," which actually means bell.

Mechanical clocks were widely used in Europe by the 13th century. The early clocks had a system of weights and counterweights. The first clock in the modern sense was made for King Charles V of France about 1360. Its accuracy was within two hours a day. It was a large clock placed in the Palace de Justice.

After 1650, a pendulum controlled clocks. Then they could be made to run a week, month, or a year instead of daily winding. The minute hand was added around 1680 and the second hand around 1690.

Until 1800 most of the clocks had either metal works or were tall case clocks. Local cabinet makers made the clock cases.

Between 1800 and 1860 many factories were established. Most families could afford a clock by the 1830s. Peddlers sold clocks to people who moved west and south in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The clockmaker’s signature, the condition of the clock and its case, the availability of keys, the original movements, and the original glass panel are all points to consider when looking at an old clock.

The clock pictured is of Victorian style, made before the turn of the century by the E. Ingraham Co. While ornate in styling, it is made of wood, painted black, trimmed in gilt which gives it a look of elegance and simplicity. This timepiece rests on the mantle in the front bedroom of the Historical Museum.