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| Grandfather Clock and Wilbur have a heart-to-heart chat. |
Old time clocks need attention, just like other living creatures.
However, a clock will suffer if it is neglected. Fortunately, if things are done right from the start, then an old time clock only needs a modest amount of care once in a while. They do like for others to talk to them, though. So, a clock will be happy if it gets proper care and feeding.
However, a clock will suffer if it is neglected. Fortunately, if things are done right from the start, then an old time clock only needs a modest amount of care once in a while. They do like for others to talk to them, though. So, a clock will be happy if it gets proper care and feeding.
An old time clock is the kind which requires a key or other means to keep it wound up. They often have a case made of wood. Ones that sit on the mantle above a fireplace is called a mantle clock. The extra large ones which stand on the floor by themselves are called a grandfather clock. One that is a little smaller than a grandfather clock, but which still stands on the floor, is a grandmother clock.
These old time clocks will be happiest if kept in a loving home where the following is observed:
- Always kept wound up correctly.
- Not overwound by turning the key too many times.
- The right kind of oil is put in the right places by a person skilled in maintenance.
- The cases kept dusted and wiped with the correct compound recommended by the maker.
- Kept out of direct sunlight. It could fade the finish, dry out the wood, and encourage cracking.
- Not subjected to rapid changes in temperature.
- In a place with humidity which is not too low (joints can loosen or wood crack) or too high (joints swell).
- Not put by heat source (such as a heat lamp, radiator, fireplace, or stove), because the finish can "crackle" or "craze" and the case may warp or crack.
- Kept away from a fireplace fire. A mantle clock can sit on a mantle, but a tall clock should not be put next to the firebox of a fireplace.
- Not put by a stove, such as the kind used to heat a home or a stove in a kitchen.
Wilbur recommends you always talk to your old time clocks. Sometimes they get a bit lonely.
So, remember to always take good care of your clocks, because clocks have feelings too.
