Local Native Eli Terry Started Clock Industry

The March 9 program of the South Windsor Historical Society and Wood Library and Museum will feature “ELI TERRY: HIS LIFE & HIS CLOCKS.” Tom Manning, curator of the American Clock & Watch Museum will be the guest speaker.

Terry was born in South Windsor in 1772 and is credited with creating the American clock industry. He had been an apprentice to his neighbor Daniel Burnap. In 1806, Terry was contracted to produce 4,000 wood tall clock movements. This was likely the first instance of domestic clockworks with interchangeable parts being produced in mass quantities by machinery. A decade later, he obtained the first patent for a 30-hour wood shelf clock, which would be affordable to everyone. He later moved his family and his business to the area now known as Terryville and later sold the business the Seth Thomas.

Manning has been collecting clocks, primarily by wooden works makers, for more than 30 years. He is also a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.

The program will be held at Wood Library, 783 Main Street, South Windsor, at 7 p.m. Suggested donation is $5.00 for the general public ($3.00 for members of the Historical Society or Wood Library. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 860-289-1783 or visit www.facebook.com/SouthWindsorH... or www.facebook.com/woodlibraryandmuseum.