New England Chapter No. 8 NAWCC

Highlights and Pictures of 1999 Winter Meeting
by Brian Wilcox

Mart Exhibit - Military Watches
Betty Taylor & Comdr. William Ricker USN
Atmos Clock Workshop
Jack Kurdzionak (The Watchmaker)

Willard House Exhibit
Jean Haines AC&W Museum (left)
Cynthia Dias-Reid, Asst. Curator WH Museum
American Clock & Watch Exhibit
Dr. Nancy Connelly, Museum Executive Dir.
and Bill Eberty (right)

L-R - Ron Price (Price-Less Ads)
Bob Schmitt (R.O. Schmitt Clock Auctions)
Chris Bailey and his
Solomon Moyer "Universal Clock"

The Chapter's winter meeting was held at The Sturbridge Host Hotel Sturbridge, Massachusetts, on February 13,1999. Despite the threat of winter weather, there were 387 -registered guests and 82 mart tables, which included tables from Willard House, and The American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol. The Chapter mart table was extended to include a new event, the silent auction, which will become a permanent feature. Also displayed was a special exhibit of unique Military timepieces by Commander William R. Bricker USN (Ret'd), the luncheon speaker.

In a business meeting before lunch, Bob Merrill presented the Nominating Committee's Slate of Officers and directors to be elected for a two-year term.

They are. President - Laurence Chelmow;1st.V.P. Robert Frishman;

2nd Vice President John Tuckwood; Treasurer Wayne Paskerian; Secretary B.Wilcox.

The President called for any other nominations from the floor.There were no nominations from the "floor".

Bill Gray Eberly rose to propose " the Secretary cast his vote to elect the slate as nominated," John Lelievre seconded the motion, and Bob Merrill instructed the Secretary to cast his vote as directed.The "Slate" was elected unanimously.

Bob Merrill paid special tribute to Joe and Ruth Brown for their tremendous efforts to improve the matters of Chapter Eight for many years. Joe could not attend the Chapter meeting due to illness but in his absence, Joe was made a lifetime member of Chapter Eight, and was presented with a NAWCC 30 year of service pin, together with a NAWCC Member Lapel Pin.

He reminded Members to vote in the NAWCC elections

John Lelievre Chairman of the Chapter Eight Award Committee presented the Awards

Appreciation Award

Appreciation Awards were presented to :-

William Gray Eberly FNAWCC; and George Grant as retiring Directors.

Master Horologist Award

Linda M.Abrams and Margaret Rodgers for their restoration work on clock cases and dials.

Ron Price for his research efforts and Presentations of the Waltham model 57 watches.

Service Laureate Award

Joseph E.Brown, FNAWCC; Laurence Chelmow; Robert Desrosiers; David Deutermann;

Frank J.Menez and Phillip Plourde.for their efforts at The Charles River Museum of Industry.a Chapter Eight Project. Ron Price for the setup of The Chapter Eight page on The World Wide Web. L.Brian Wilcox for his fine work as Chapter Secretary.

Jack Kurdzionak better known for his feature "From the workshop "published monthly in Horological Times, presented the morning workshop " The Atmos Clock." The workshop was intended for those interested in repairing this type of clock. It began with a slide show of Jack's visit to LeCoultre Works at LeSenter in 1996, and . covered the basic topics of Atmos clock repair. These fine clocks do not often need repair.but when they do, they require some special techniques and care as the movements are as finely made as a high quality watch. The workshop was well attended,and topics ranged from estimating repairs, dismantling ,cleaning clock and case, reassembling the clock, oiling as required, testing and regulating the clock.There were plenty of questions from the participants and Jack supplied all the answers. Jack has been teaching watch and clock repair for the past twenty years. He is a Director of the American Watchmakers Institute and Secretary of NAWCC Chapter #102 AWI; member of Chapter Eight and The Massachusetts Watchmakers Association.Jack runs a Clock and busy in Stoneham Massachusetts with his wife Jen and son John.

The featured speaker was Commander William R. Bricker USN (Ret'd) ,President of the Society of Military Horologists NAWCC National Chapter #143.The presentation highlighted the significance of precision time keeping to military operations.The sharp slides showed historical watches from well know military leaders , friend and foe and also revealed the types used and how they were used in combat.The Swiss watches were in use by the allies and the enemy ,keeping the war on a timely basis!

Beginning with John Harrison's seagoing No. 4 timekeeper, aviators sailors and submariners all need extreme accuracy to determine their positions in the air and sea, just imagine an aviator flying of to combat from his moving carrier and returning back trying to locate his carrier base with just a few minutes fuel left.Commander Bricker got his love of watches from his Father and is in turn passing this to his son.He has collected watches for 30 years and is a historical researcher.He loves the romance of the watch "where has it been and how it was used?"

His present volunteer work includes assignments at the Naval War College Museum at Newport, Rhode Island ,where he recently received their outstanding volunteer award .,The Museum opens in March.

Chris Bailey, brought two interesting clocks and some movements "from The American Clock & Watch Museum"for "Bailey's show and tell."

Chris appears at every Winter meeting at Sturbridge,and always with something good to share. The Clocks were not randomly selected, but unusual clocks guaranteed to start the questions There were two wooden movements and one that looked like an Ingrahams or was it ? and a unique "Universal clock" patented September 6,1887 by Solomon Moyer from Allentown , an 8 day striking clock with the upper dial indicating the hours in different parts of the world The workshop soon became a forum with everyone asking and answering questions. Chris Bailey, a Star Fellow, shared past stories of clocks and characters in his search for clocks. There were many questions, one such question was about the Museum at Bristol, which Chris deferred to Dr. Nancy Connelly, the Museum Executive Director. She updated us that the Museum would open on April 1, with several new additions to the existing collection. The museum shop has an extensive collection of books and gifts.The Museum is open seven days a week 10am to 5pm, telephone 860.583.6070, or visit the Museum web page which is linked to Chapter Eight web page :-

Chris Bailey is a member of NAWCC since 1969. He is a past national director, a Fellow and a Silver Star Fellow and is a recipient of the James W. Gibbs Literary Award (1995),has a BS. (Research Technology) from Brigham Young University and is a credited genealogist. He is the author of "200 years of American Clocks & Watches" and has researched and published the histories of many Connecticut clock and watch manufacturing firms. He is a frequent writer for the Bulletin, and is a Bulletin Supplement author. He presently serves on the Editorial and the Seminar Committees of NAWCC and is the Staff Horologist of the American Clock and Watch Museum.

* * *

1999 WINTER MEETING, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Sturbridge Host Hotel Sturbridge, Massachusetts

The hotel is located opposite Old Sturbridge Village, on Route 20. Directions to get there:
In Massachusetts take Mass. Turnpike(I-90) to exit 9 to route 20 west through the lights to the Sturbridge Hotel on the right.
From Connecticut and New York City:-I-84 east to route 20 west..
From Rhode Island, Route 146 to route 20 west.
Those desiring lodging overnight should contact the hotel directly at
1-800-582-3232 or -508-347-7393..

Registrations before February 8 are $18 .
Registrations received after February 8 and "walk-ins" will be $25
As always, registration includes your luncheon and is required for participation in any of the meeting activities.

MEETING SCHEDULE
7:30 AM Registration name tags available for those members who preregistered.
Registration table open for "walk-ins".
8:00 AM Mart area open for setup by table holders. Security on duty.
8:30 AM Mart opens.
10:15 AM Morning workshop "The Atmos Clock" presented by Jack Kurdzionak
11:30 AM Mart room closes for luncheon break. Mart security remains "in place"

11:45


noon

Annual Business Meeting
"Please plan to stay through lunch and participate in the running of your chapter."

Luncheon "Navigation Timepieces"
presented by Commander William R. Bricker USN (Ret'd)

The featured Speaker for today is the President of the Society of Military Horologists

1:30 PM

Workshop - "Bailey's show and Tell" presented by Chris Bailey

"Up close and personal with four interesting clocks "from The American Clock & Watch Museum"

3:00 PM Mart closes - Mart security ends.

THE PRESIDENT'S CORNER BOB MERRILL:
This is the Annual Business meeting for Chapter 8. Please plan to stay through lunch and participate in the running of your chapter.

I will report status of the council as I see it. - If you want to run for office, now is the time.

As of this meeting I will step into a less active role, I want to thank all members for the opportunity to perform many duties and guide the chapter for the last eight years.

Particular thanks to all of you who have shared your thoughts and stepped forward to help.

VICE PRESIDENT AND PROGRAM CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE --Larry Chelmow:
My term as Vice President ends with this meeting, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making it a memorable and enjoyable time . I have enjoyed planning, always with help, the programs for your meetings over the last two years.

We are always looking for people to give workshops and presentations. We are also looking for people to help us run/coordinate various parts of the meeting - registration, raffles, audio visual checkouts, etc.

Hope that everyone has had a good holiday season and looking forward to seeing you at the February meeting. Any questions please call me - (781) 828 - 1626.

Chapter Eight's NEW SILENT AUCTION !
Here's a new easy way to buy and sell Horological treasures at our Mart.

We will provide a "Silent Auction" table and a bid sheet for each item displayed. Sellers, pay $5 for the bid sheet, write the item description and a minimum bid. Buyers can then write larger bids. At 11:15 when the auction ends:

Sellers and high bidders settle directly.

Plan to bring an item and sell it "silently."

RAFFLE :-Open to all Registered Members --no walks-ins

prize :- one meeting registration and one free mart table.

the drawing open to all registered members.(no walk-ins)

must be present to win --non-transferable

Old Timers Meeting
Where, When & What to be announced at the meeting.

Who's Who at the February Meeting

Chris H. Bailey:

Chris is a member of NAWCC since 1969. He is a past national director, a Fellow and a Silver Star Fellow and is a recipient of the James W. Gibbs Literary Award (1995).has a BS. (Research Technology) from Brigham Young University and is a credited genealogist He is the author of "200 years of American Clocks & Watches" and has researched and published the histories of many Connecticut clock and watch manufacturing firms. He is .,a frequent writer for the Bulletin, and is a Bulletin Supplement author. He presently serves on the Editorial and the Seminar Committees of NAWCC and is the Staff Horologist of the American Clock and Watch Museum.

Chris will bring four interesting clocks from The American Clock and Watch Museum Collection and will discuss each clock in detail.

Commander William R. Bricker.USN (Ret'd)

Bill Bricker serves as President of the Society of Military Horologists with a membership in seven countries. He began his watch collection while in the Navy as a Naval Aviator where he had to depend on accurate time keeping for navigation. His present volunteer work includes assignments at the Naval War College Museum where he recently received their outstanding volunteer award. Bill is the President of the Society of Military Horologists with a membership in seven countries.

Bill was CEO of an organization with annual expenditures of $300 million; was a Presidential Envoy under Ronald Regan; and has three college and University degrees.

His slide presentation will highlight the significance of precision time keeping to military operations and includes a display of unique military watches.

Jack Kurdzionak

Jack Kurdzionak is a Northeastern University graduate. He taught science at Medford High School, before ,opening his own repair shop in 1981.His watch and clock shop, is very busy and successful, but he still finds time to teach from his " Watch and clock "shop in Stoneham Mass.

He is the Secretary of NAWCC Chapter #102-American Watch makers and is a Director of The American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Association. and writes a monthly feature "From the Workshop" in "Horological Times " and is the editor of the Massachusetts Watchmakers Association Inc. Newsletter.

Chapter Eight Council
President
Robert L.Merrill
Past President Dr. Edmond Cooley
1st.Vice President Laurence Chelmow
2nd.Vice President Joseph Delaney
Treasurer Robert Frishman
Secretary Brian Wilcox

Directors
Joseph E. Brown FNAWCC
William Gray Eberly FNAWCC
George Grant
Richard Hauck
John Lelievre
John Tuckwood

Associates to The Council
David Deutermann
Wayne Paskerian

NAWCC Field Suitcase Workshops .
The NAWCC Field Suitcase Workshop,"Basic Clock Repair-The American Clock" a four day training seminar for field Instructors was held at Columbia recently.The purpose of the seminar was to ensure that the Field Suitcase Workshops would be taught on a uniform basis throughtout the United States and instructors would teach the same basic methods as approved by the School of Horology. Joe Brown , Chapter Eight Council Director and longtime Chapter Eight member completed the training seminar successfully and is now a qualified teacher for the Field Suitcase program for the Field Suitcase Workshops

Joe is a FNAWCC ,Trustee of Willard House and Clock Museum,a corporator for the Charles River Museum of Industry, Joe is also a past president of Greater Boston Watch and Clock Club, and founder, charter member and past director of NAWCC Chapter 87. He specializes in museum quality restoration of 18th century clocks and watches. He has presented numerous workshops and has written several articles published in the NAWCC Bulletin. ..

Chapter Eight Membership Cards
Members can now collect their current Chapter membership card at the registration table at any Chapter meeting.You are now saving at least $330 .

Willard House and Clock Museum.
Cynthia Dias-Reid, of Woodstock CN. has been appointed Assistant Curator at Willard House. She has served twenty years as an historical interpreter and museum teacher at Old Sturbridge Village and is an accomplished artist.Cynthia will conduct tours at the museum and will plan and implement educational programs for all ages.

The Museum published its first issue of " The Pendulum", a quarterly publication .The Pendulum will keep members and friends informed about special events,new acquisitions, Willard family history and activities in the Museum.

.The Friends of the Museum is always looking for volunteers to help out at the museum or you can help by repairing and restoring clocks ,to be sold in the museum shop.For more information ,visit the Willard House mart table ,and ask about helping the Museum.

American Clock & Watch Museum
The museum is closed for the winter, however visits to the Museum can be arranged by appointment -call 860.583.6070. Visit the AC&W Museum 's table in the mart room or visit the museum's web page --its linked to The Chapter Eight web page.

Program for 1999
4/10/99 -- Chapter meeting--Boxboro'
MAY -- Willard House No date yet
6/26/99 - Chapter meeting-Sturbridge
8/7/99 - Chapter meeting-Boxboro'
September - Educational Symposium--No date yet
10/9/99 - Chapter meeting-Boxboro' LC/lbw

NEXT MEETING 4/10/99--Chapter meeting--Boxboro'

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