The Canada and Hamilton Clock Companies

L.J. Rouse was a freelance writer in Toronto.

The Canada Clock Company was established in Whitby, Ontario in 1872. Three years later, ravaged by fire, and its contents only one-quarter insured, the company’s operations ceased. The following year, in Hamilton, the Hamilton Clock Company was established; it lasted until approximately 1880, when it suspended operations. It was replaced on the same premises by a new company named Canada Clock Co., which declared bankruptcy in 1884 and was liquidated in 1885. There has been some question as to whether the clocks produced by the Canada Clock Co. and the Hamilton Clock Co. were really constructed of imported parts, and thus, were not truly Canadian-manufactured product. Connell and Varkaris appear to refute the argument once and for all: These were, indeed, Canadian-made clocks.

This scholarly, comprehensive, yet very handsome work, details the history of 12of the men involved in these pioneer companies, and includes a genealogy of their families extending into the early twentieth century. In addition there are photographs with accompanying descriptions of the types of various clocks, their movements, case styles and other characteristics.