Jefferson & Guilmet: More Mystery Clock Exhibit Prep

Using the research I had, I worked this week on completing my first draft of text that will be on display in the mystery clock exhibit. I discovered however, that much of my research was incomplete and I had to do a little more digging. I did some looking into Jefferson Electric Company. Information on this company was initially hard to come by and a little disorganized, which was surprising since their mystery clocks were very popular in the 1950s. I had to do a little more poking around to find useful information to put in the exhibit text. This company still exists today, however, they no longer produce clocks. I was able to gain some very useful knowledge from the website of Roger Russel who is one of the NAWCC’s Members.

A mystery watch made by Hilton

Another clockmaker, A.R. Guilmet, is more of a mystery than his clocks. Apparently his mystery pendulum clocks have been closely studied, but little is known about the man’s career and his life. Most of our knowledge of Guilmet can only be assumed by observing his clock numbering system and the various patents he took out. It is a shame more could not be discovered about this man, since I find his clocks to be some of the most striking. I also read up on mystery watches which will be included in a small section of the exhibit. Though these timepieces look and operate differently than most mystery clocks, the concept is still the same: to astound the viewer with the complexity of its operation.

Alison, Juniata College
Exhibits Intern