Ten prominent clock manufacturers active in Canada during the mid-20th century
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Toronto, a city with a rich industrial past, was home to several clock companies that contributed to Canada's clock-making history. During the mid-1900s, ten active clock companies operated in and around Toronto, each with its unique style and approach.
One of the notable companies was Walter Clocks, which produced mantel clocks with walnut veneer cases before World War II and switched to stained birch wood cases after the war. Production continued up until the late 1950s. Another significant player, the Pequegnat Clock Company, was founded by Arthur Pequegnat and is known for the Maple Leaf series of kitchen clocks. The Pequegnat Clock Company manufactured both movements and cases, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries.
The Forestville Clock Company, originally known as the Blackforest Clock Company, was established in Toronto in 1928. They sourced movements from England, France, and Germany, reflecting the global influence on Canadian clock-making at the time.
Breslin Industries of Toronto produced clocks as a sideline, focusing on horses as the typical 1950s theme and using Ingraham type wind-up movements. Ingraham Canadian Clock Company, based in Toronto, made wall and alarm clocks for the Canadian market from the late 1940s until at least 1980.
Canadian General Electric produced electric alarm, table, and kitchen wall clocks for the Canadian market from the 1930s into at least the 1950s. Meanwhile, Seth Thomas Clocks, also based in Peterborough, Ontario, produced Seth Thomas brand mantel, alarm, and wall clocks for the Canadian market from 1931 to the mid-1980s.
New Haven Clock Company made some mantel and wall clocks in Brantford, Ontario, with Canadian wood cases, but the spring-driven pendulum movements were brought in from the U.S. factory. The Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company produced "Bulb Illuminated" advertising clocks in Montreal from about 1942 to the mid-1960s.
The Canadian Clock Museum, operated by curator Allan Symons, offers a glimpse into this rich history. Located at 60 James Street, Deep River, Ontario, the museum houses a collection of clocks from various Canadian companies, including the Pequegnat Clock Company and Westclox Canada. Westclox Canada, located in Peterborough, Ontario, was known for its Big Ben and Baby Ben windup and electric alarm clocks made between 1920 and the early 1980s.
While many of these companies ceased operations by the late 1970s, some could potentially survive today if they adapted to modern manufacturing technologies and shifting consumer preferences. Strategies that might help their survival include adopting new electronic and digital timekeeping technologies, developing collectible or luxury clock lines, pivoting to smart home device integration or hybrid analog-digital models, and maintaining strong Canadian heritage branding and quality craftsmanship.
For those interested in learning more about antique and vintage clocks, subscribing to updates can provide the latest posts sent to one's email. The Pequegnat Clock Company, despite going out of business over 75 years ago, is still respected as a quality clock-maker. The Pequegnat story is a significant part of the history of Canadian clock-making.
- Vintage clocks, such as those produced by the Pequegnat Clock Company, remain respected by clock enthusiasts and collectors today.
- Home-and-garden gadgets often include Wall clocks, like the ones manufactured by Ingraham Canadian Clock Company.
- Modern lifestyles can incorporate traditional mantel clocks made by companies like Walter Clocks, showcasing a blend of vintage charm and contemporary aesthetics.
- Technology has evolved, offering alternatives to traditional clock mechanisms, but some clock enthusiasts still cherish the mechanical workings of clocks, such as those produced by the Forestville Clock Company before the mid-20th century.
