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The Engle Monumental Clock

The architecture of the three towers, while similar, shows some interesting differences. Each tower has its own variation of flutings, columns and cartouches. It is understandable that the center tower, which was the phase 2 clock, and predates the other towers, would have a slightly different construction. However, there are significant differences between the left and right towers in design.

Figure 10. Organ movements designed and built by Engle for his clock.

Engle wanted to build even more elaborate and complicated clocks after the "8th Wonder", but was discouraged from such efforts by his family. Since his reputation was already made, and he was involved in so many other ventures, it probably wasn't too difficult to persuade Engle to close that chapter of his career. One can visualize, however, some of the grandiose designs his fertile imagination spawned as he puffed on his corncob pipe in his later years.

The provenance of the Engle clock after the early 1890's is somewhat cloudy. Capt. and Mrs. Reid probably did buy the clock from Engle eventually, and made quite a comfortable living exhibiting it for several years, according to newspaper accounts. However, a 1932 Hazleton newspaper article states, " `The Eighth Wonder of the World' will be on public exhibition during the entire month of June in the lobby of the YWCA, it was announced today. It will be exhibited by H. Eugene Smith, of Burdett, N.Y., who years ago purchased it from its builder, Stephen D. Engle." The article goes on to use the same florid descriptive phrases that were used in the 1880's broadsides.

Figure 11. Volunteers who helped restore the Engle clock with NAWCC Executive Director Tom Bartels, left to right: Lee Davis, David Morgan, Frank Snyder, Tom Bartels, Cas Woodbridge, Jack Shaull, and Jean Ankrum.

This is the only account of Mr. Smith's ownership, and contradicts the claim of Capt. Reids' purchase of the clock from Engle, but does prove the monument clock was virtually on continuous exhibit from the time of its completion until the early 1950's. A Mr. Avery Wheelock purchased the clock in the late 1930's or early 40's and continued to tour the clock until its last documented exhibit at the Ohio State Fair in 1951.

A 27-page pamphlet, printed in 1944 by Wheelock uses the same prose found in the earlier descriptions of the clock, and claims that "it is without wonder that this clock has created profound sensation not only in America but throughout all Europe." There has not been any documentation indicating the Engle clock ever left this country, and Wheelock was probably just upholding the tradition of "artistic license" exhibited by the previous promoters of the clock. The pamphlet is signed by Mr. and Mrs. Avery Wheelock, 117 Sabine Street, Syracuse, N.Y. The Wheelocks also produced plaster of paris renditions of the clock, presumably to be used as bookends, with the copyright symbol and ALW '45 etched on the side, and a description of the clock on a piece of paper glued to the back. These were sold for $1.50 each wherever the clock was being exhibited.

Avery Wheelock retired in the early 1950's, at which time he stored the clock in a barn in the Syracuse area. The clock was already in a rather dilapidated condition and suffered numerous crude attempts to patch up the figures and finish during its more than seventy years of touring the country, which probably contributed to Wheelocks decision not to sell it. Upon Wheelock's death in the late 1970's his son inherited the clock, and began to make it known the clock was available for purchase. This led to the subsequent sale and removal of the clock to another barn in Connecticut, where it remained until it was acquired by the NAWCC Museum.

After ten arduous months of work following the NAWCC Museum's acquisition of the Engle clock in October 1988, the hundreds of hours of effort began to bear fruit. As completion of the restoration project neared, the media began to pick up on the story of the Engle clock's resurrection.  Newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Los Angeles Times, and the Lancaster In- Journal, carried color photos and full page spreads on the Engle clock and the NAWCC’s efforts to restore it. Several television news spots and a segment for Good Morning America were taped extolling the virtues of the Engle clock. The "8th Wonder of the World" was again entertaining and mesmerizing a whole new generation of admirers, capturing the imagination of young and old alike.

On September 16, 1989, the NAWCC Museum hosted an unveiling ceremony of the completely restored Engle clock. With flags flying above its turrets and gold ropes gracing its base, the clock was again in its full glory. The ceremony was well attended by the media, volunteers, staff, and contributors to the project (Figure 11). Several members of the Engle family were also in attendance, and held a reunion in honor of the occasion.

Members of the NAWCC can be proud of the Association's commitment, resources, and ability to accomplishing a project the size and scope of the Engle clock restoration. Not only has the Association preserved a unique piece of American horology, it has also greatly increased public awareness of the NAWCC and the Museum. The Engle clock has become an important tool in taking our message to the public. The public approves. I'm sure Stephen Engle would also approve.

References

1. Dr. John D. Engle, correspondence
2. Mrs. Marion Engle Hutton, correspondence
3. Mrs. Louise Engle Dove, correspondence
4. Ms. Susan Engle, correspondence
5. Hazleton Standard-Speaker, December 2, 1976
6. Hazleton Standard-Speaker, November 17, 1986
7. The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 19, 1878
8. The Engle Clock Times, Mrs. Capt. J. Reid, Ed., August 1878
9. Hazleton Standard-Speaker, June 1932