Historians To Rededicate 200-Year-Old Clock In New Hope

NEW HOPE, PA — Nearly six decades after Benjamin Parry’s grandfather clock was removed from Parry’s mansion at 45 South Main Street in New Hope, it has been recovered and restored to its original location in the 'Father of New Hope’s’ home.

On March 3, the New Hope Historical Society will celebrate Benjamin Parry Day at the Parry Mansion. Festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with a tour tracing Parry’s life in New Hope followed by a reception at the mansion.

A highlight of the celebration will be the rededication of Parry’s clock. Part of the 2-century-old timepiece, the iron face plate, is believed to have been manufactured by Owens & Company in Birmingham, England, other parts perhaps by Parry relative John Parry or Mordecai Thomas.

Bobbi Cross, society board member and chair of the Collections Committee remarked that, “There is no doubt that the clock belonged to Benjamin Parry. Notes written by Parry’s son Oliver, and grandson, Richard Randolph Parry found inside the clock verify its authenticity.”

The clock was removed from Parry’s home when his great-granddaughter, Margaret Parry Lang, sold the mansion to the New Hope Historical Society in 1967 and moved to Honeybrook, a suburb of Philadelphia.

After Margaret’s death the clock was sold at auction. Recently, the son of the buyers, Daniel
Snyder donated the clock to the Historical Society.

Benjamin Parry Day is open to the public. Admission to the event is free for historical society
members. A $10 donation is suggested for non-members.