Canadian Clock Manufacturers Active During the 1950s Decade
In the realm of timekeeping, Canada has a rich history of clock manufacturing, with several notable companies gracing the landscape. However, a recent search reveals no specific information about the current operational status of these companies, leaving us to delve into their past glories.
One such company is Breslin Industries, based in Toronto. Although details about its clock-making activities are scarce, it is known for its diverse product line that included lamps, lampshades, and novelties, with a few surviving clocks featuring horses as the typical 1950s theme.
Another significant player in Canada's clock industry was the Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, which operated from 1904 to 1941. Despite ceasing operations over 75 years ago, the company is still respected for its quality clock-making, particularly the Maple Leaf series of kitchen clocks.
The Pequegnat Clock Company was not the only Canadian company to make a mark in the industry. Westclox Canada, based in Peterborough, Ontario, started operations in 1920 and became known for their Big Ben and Baby Ben windup and electric alarm clocks made in various styles between 1920 and the early 1980s.
Canadian General Electric of Barrie, Ontario, also ventured into clock manufacturing, producing electric alarm, table, and kitchen wall clocks for the Canadian market from the 1930s into the 1950s.
In Toronto, Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited flourished for over 25 years (1950 to 1976), known for their unique clock designs and effective construction methods.
Meanwhile, the Ingraham Canadian Clock Company operated in Toronto from the late 1940s until at least 1980. They produced wall and alarm clocks for the Canadian market, including novelty windup alarm clocks like The Westerner and The Mountie.
The Forestville Clock Company, originally Blackforest Clock Company, was set up in Toronto in 1928 by Leopold and Sarah Stossel. Although details about its operations are limited, it is known that the company sourced movements from England, France, and Germany.
Seth Thomas Clocks, an old company founded in Plymouth, Connecticut, produced branded mantel, alarm, and wall clocks for the Canadian market in the Westclox factory from 1931 to the mid-1980s.
The Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company, based in Montreal, produced "Bulb Illuminated" advertising clocks from about 1942 to the mid-1960s. These clocks were popular among various Canadian companies, advertising products such as soft drinks, beer, motor oil, spark plugs, ice cream, paints, meats, and mattresses.
Alas, not all companies have survived the test of time. The Pequegnat Clock Company, for instance, ceased operations in 1941. However, their legacy lives on, with the Canadian Clock Museum at 60 James Street, Deep River, Ontario, documenting interesting histories of Canadian clocks.
As for the current operational status of these companies, the search results do not provide definitive answers. It serves as a reminder of the rich history of clock-making in Canada and the companies that once played a significant role in shaping this industry.
Clock enthusiasts may find interest in vintage clocks from Breslin Industries, even though the company is now largely known for its diversified product line that included items like lamps and novelties.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, despite ceasing operations over seven decades ago, is still revered for its high-quality clocks, particularly the Maple Leaf series of kitchen clocks.
In the quest for modern gadgets, enthusiasts might overlook the charm of mantel clocks from companies like Westclox Canada or Canadian General Electric, which once dominated the clock industry with their unique designs and technology.
