The Lycoming County Historical Society has recently acquired a tall case (grandfather) clock from the BB&T Bank in Williamsport. The clock is a Charles Jacques ‘tall chime clock’ produced in New York City, circa 1915.
The clock was originally purchased by the Williamsport National Bank and stood in its Board Room for many years until the bank changed hands. According to the Minutes of the time “A spirit of improvement seemed to be inherent in the management of the bank. And during the months of June, July, and August, 1918, …a tall chime clock, costing $372.50… [was] secured.” (History of Williamsport National Bank, Williamsport, PA., 1857-2005)
Charles Jacques was the designer of the timepiece. In the late 1800’s and early 20th century, Jacques was noted for having several patents for his design work on tall clocks. One such patent included a 13-bell chime inside the clock.
The newly-acquired clock, which is on display in the Decorative and Fine Arts Gallery of the museum, has a 12-bell ensemble which can strike four different chimes. There are four different melodies including Jacques’ interpretation of a Carillon, and the chimes of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Notre Dame and Trinity.
The clock was moved from the BB&T offices, near Wegman’s in the city, and transported to the museum under the watchful eyes of a member of the National Association of Watch & Clock collectors. The clock was carefully dismantled, cleaned, adjusted, restored and assembled at the Thomas Taber Museum where the impressive piece of furniture can now be enjoyed by all.