We inherited this grandfather clock from my wife’s aunt’s boss, who was a clock collector and had a passion for repairing clocks. The clock features a moon-faced dial surrounded by a beautiful brass and filigree plate. At the top of the plate is a dial that tracks the seconds, and at the bottom is a dial that indicates the day. The clock itself is a Theodore B. Starr, made in New York City, likely just before the turn of the 20th century, and we believe it is housed in a mahogany cabinet. It chimes on the half-hour and the hour.
My wife’s aunt and uncle had two daughters, both of whom became nuns—one joined the IHM congregation, and the other became a Dominican Sister. After their passing, the family briefly placed the grandfather clock in a consignment shop. Our families were very close, often gathering for holidays and other special occasions. One fall day, they contacted my wife to ask if we would be interested in Mom and Dad’s grandfather clock. We were very familiar with it, as it had been a centerpiece in their home. Without hesitation, we replied, “Absolutely!” They responded, “Oh! Good! We thought you would say that. The consignment shop will be dropping it off later tomorrow.”
Since that day, the clock has held a place of pride and served as a centerpiece in our home. We have had it serviced only twice in over the past twenty years. It needs to be wound every day and a half, and its chimes are music to our ears. When we go on vacation, we carefully rewind it upon our return, set the dials to the correct day, and set the pendulum in motion.
I use the term “caretakers” because, like all heirlooms, it should be passed down to a family member who will care for it as long as it is in their possession, until they or another family member is designated to be the next caretaker. What makes it priceless is the journey it has taken; time itself continues to move forward in its well-kept life.
As I wind the clock, I am reminded of my wife’s aunt and uncle, and the many good times and laughs we shared at their house. Our children adored their cousins during the joyful visits, and now both my wife’s aunt and uncle have passed away. Someday, that old clock will create even more memories for the family member who inherits it, adding to this timeless story. If only we could be so fortunate as to be as treasured and well-loved as this clock.
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