251-Year-Old Grandfather Clock Donated To Mendham Borough

MENDHAM, NJ — A rare grandfather clock crafted by one of Mendham's most prominent Revolutionary War-era figures has found a new home in the borough, thanks to a donation from a local family during America's 250th anniversary celebration.

The McLean family recently donated the historic Dod-Cary grandfather clock, which dates to about 1777, to the Borough of Mendham. The clock was delivered to the Phoenix House on June 8, where it will be preserved as part of the borough's historic collection.

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Mayor Jim Kelly thanked the McLean family for what she called an "extraordinarily generous donation" of a piece of local and national history.

The tall-case clock was crafted in 1777 by Lebbeus Dod (1739–1816), a Mendham resident remembered for both his craftsmanship and his service during the American Revolution. A master clockmaker, gunsmith, and captain in the Morris County Militia, Dod was entrusted by General George Washington to operate a secret armory on his property, where muskets were repaired and manufactured for Continental troops.

In addition to his military service, Dod became nationally recognized for producing handcrafted clocks and mathematical instruments. Several examples of his work are now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. His historic home, built around 1750, still stands at 67 W. Main St. in Mendham.

The clock also tells the story of the Cary family, whose ties to Mendham stretch back to 1745, when Jonathan Cary settled in the community while helping construct the original First Presbyterian Church, now known as Hilltop Church. During the Revolutionary War, members of the Cary family supported the Continental Army by providing food, clothing, and other supplies.

Their legacy continued through later generations. John Cary, known locally as "Old Miller Cary," operated the family's mill, while his grandson, Stephen Cary, farmed 59 acres along Mountainside Road. The historic Cary Farm barn, now owned by the borough and undergoing restoration, remains one of the family's most visible landmarks.

Borough officials said the donation is especially fitting as communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The mayor also thanked the Borough's Historic Committee for identifying the opportunity to preserve the clock and the borough administrator for working with the McLean family to complete the donation.

"This remarkable clock not only preserves the craftsmanship of one of Mendham's most celebrated artisans but also honors the generations of residents whose service, sacrifice and stewardship helped shape our community and our country," Glassner said.

The mayor also expressed the borough's gratitude to the McLean family for ensuring the 251-year-old artifact remains in Mendham, where its history began.