This important article written by Gary Sullivan and Brock Jobe reveals the identity of two of Plymouth counties fine cabinetmakers. The idiosyncrasies of their furniture have long been known, but until recently their identities were lost to history. This article was published in The Magazine Antiques in May of 2009 and followed closely the release of the text “Harbor & Home”, that was co-authored by Gary and Brock. These important discoveries were the end result of the comprehensive research performed for “Harbor & Home”. Follow the link to read the article. 

Mr. Sullivan is assisting independent scholar Mr. Paul J. Foley in his latest undertaking, to publish a history, catalog and guide of Simon Willard's lighthouse clocks. In conjunction with The Willard House and Clock Museum in North Grafton, Massachusetts, Gary is helping to locate privately held lighthouse clocks made by Simon Willard. In 2002, Mr. Foley published a very highly regarded, comprehensive guide to Simon Willard's patent time pieces.

Information relating to, and examples of these clocks are being sought for an upcoming publication devoted to this important form. In addition to those clocks which were included in the museum's recent exhibition of Willard lighthouse clocks, the author wishes to include all known examples of these masterpieces.

Simon Willard Family Record and Memorial
Boston circa 1810-24 - Watercolor, Pen & Ink on paper board

This historically significant memorial was recently acquired by Mr. Sullivan. He has donated a photo realistic reproduction of the document for public display at the Willard House & Clock Museum, North Grafton, Mass. This Classically rendered watercolor memorial illustrates the family of celebrated clock maker Simon Willard of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Perhaps the best known of all American clock makers, Simon Willard was an innovator who changed the course of clock making with a number of major improvements such as the patent timepiece commonly referred to as the "Banjo Clock".

The memorial illustrates the names and birth dates of Simon, his wife Mary and their eleven children. Included are two memorials to daughter Julia in 1799 and eldest son Thomas in 1810. Therefore the record would a have been created after 1810 but prior to 1823, the year that his wife Mary died. Although official records of Willard family genealogy are known, it is extraordinary to have discovered the personal record owned by the Willard household.

Authored by Philip E. Morris Jr., a widely recognized authority on wooden tall clocks, American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks: 1712-1835 is an essential reference book for collectors, dealers or students of early American clocks, furniture, antiques or decorative arts. Lavishly illustrated and meticulously researched, this volume is the most comprehensive, accurate and up to date compilation of early 18th and 19th century wooden clockmakers and their clocks available.  Follow this link to see details

American Clock Styles	American Clockmakers	Tall Clock Terminology	Banjo Clock Terminology	Resources/Links
An overview of common American clock styles	A listing of well known American clockmakers	A diagram of common tall clock terminology	A diagram of common banjo clock terminology	Links to resources and related publications