Canadian-Based Clock Manufacturer: The Snider Clock Company
The Canadian Clock Museum, located in Deep River, Ontario, is a must-see for both clock enthusiasts and museum lovers. This unique institution focuses on Canadian clocks or clocks with a Canadian connection, making it an essential destination for those interested in the country's rich history.
One such company with a significant presence in the Canadian clock industry is the Snider Clock Company. Established by Harry Snider in 1950, the company was known for its mid-century mechanical clocks, which were noted for their durability and classic design elements.
In the 1950s, ten active clock companies operated in Canada, with most being located in and around Toronto. The Snider Clock Company was one of these, producing a variety of clocks in materials such as china, metal cast, brass-plated metal, and colours like brown, pink, turquoise, and black.
During its peak years, the Snider Clock Company manufactured approximately 50,000 clocks and employed 20 people, primarily using Canadian components. The company initially produced mantel clocks with mechanical versions supplied by Ingraham, but later shifted to mantel clocks with electric motors imported from the Lanshire company in Chicago.
In 1960, Snider shifted focus to wall clocks, which became popular due to the Sputnik satellite, the interest in space adventure, and the dawn of the "Atomic age". Models with starburst and molecular patterns were among the most popular wall clocks produced by Snider.
However, detailed production timelines, design philosophies, and popular models require specialized sources or archival research beyond the information available in widely available online archives and records. For those seeking detailed historical and technical information about Snider clocks specifically, it is recommended to consult specialized horological references, Canadian industrial history archives, or collector communities devoted to Canadian-made clocks.
Despite the lack of extensive online resources, it is known that the Snider Clock company ceased production in 1976 due to competition from Caravelle clocks, a subsidiary of Bulova. The company's legacy continues to be celebrated at the Canadian Clock Museum, where visitors can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of Canadian-made clocks, including those from the Snider Clock Company.
- At the Canadian Clock Museum, one can find a variety of clocks from the Snider Clock Company, a Canadian clock manufacturer known for producing mint-century mechanical wall clocks, such as the popular starburst and molecular pattern designs.
- In addition to wall clocks, the Snider Clock Company also produced mantel clocks initially with mechanical movements supplied by Ingraham, later switching to electric motors from the Lanshire company in Chicago.
- Vintage Snider clocks, with their unique mid-century design and durability, have become collectible items within the lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden spheres, showcasing the company's contribution to Canada's industrial history.
