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This history was compiled by Westclox in the 1970's. It is shown here in its entirety, and divided into sections for convenience. I have made some additions for historical accuracy, particularly for 1885 - 1888. My additions are in italics like this note here. Bill
Westclox History from 1884 to 18991884 - 1885United Clock Company - first organizedDecember 23, 1885 United Clock Company was incorporated Stahlberg - FIRST MANAGER of United Clock Company - originally from Waterbury Connecticut, Inventor of original clock, predecessor of the clock "America" Dolph - Waterbury, Connecticut Davis - Waterbury, Connecticut R. Patton, Sr. - Waterbury, Connecticut Cartwright Schiller Klein - (First employee from LaSalle-Peru area - started 10/1884 Senfleben - Clock Machinist - later Hairspring Department The above were the first employees of United Clock Company, and actually consisted of the entire force. United Clock Company first started producing clocks in the back of Brylski's Department Store, until a three-story brick building was completed in 1885. ProductionFirst produced one clock per day, then 3 or 4/day; later 10-15 day, 20/day was considered a great day. It was customary for one man to do Buffing, Plating, Assembling, and Packing. Clocks were first sold through local merchants, brought to them by pushcart. Clocks were also given as premiums, by local merchants, with $10.00 of merchandise. Plant-First EngineerPlant Engineer - Joe Bowers - Job consisted of Watchman, taking care of Engines, fired boilers to produce steam, Chief Electrician and did all the pipe fitting in the factory. Plant-Went bankrupt and closed in 1887.1887May 14, 1887 The Western Clock Company was incorporated United Clock Companypurchased by F. W. Matthiessen, Sr. (Mgr. and Pres. of Zinc Company in LaSalle). Name Changedfrom United Clock Company to Western Clock Company Second ManagerMr. Willet Individuals Starting During This YearFrank Holsinger (later was Foreman of the Automatic Screw Dept.) 1888July 7, 1888 The Western Clock Mfg. Company was incorporated (the Western Clock Company having declared bankruptcy) 1889F. Roth appointed General Manager (Thirty-four years later he was appointed President of the Company.) (should be E. Roth here and below)
A. Neurether - started - Later employed as Engineer (was the only individual in Engineering Department). 1890Western Clock Company Had Only Three Directors At This TimeF. W. Matthiessen, Sr. F. Roth Captain George Blow Employees81 Production380 Complete Units Factory Area12,400 square feet, first addition . Small wing at the west end of the original plant. Individuals Starting During This YearH. E. Hackman - started in the office - Office force numbered less than five employees at this time. 18951896Western Clock Received Largest Clock Order To Date. . . 50,000 units.Clock order was received from Mr. Williams, manufacturer of "NINE O'CLOCK" washing powder. . . . . . The letters - NINE O'CLOCK TEA - used on the dial instead of numbers, signifying advertising of washing powder designed to have clothes washed and on the line in time for house-wives to have their tea at 9 A.M.. To meet schedule, the entire force worked until 9 P.M. daily. Models IntroducedAmerica Ironclad (F.W.) - (first models called F.W. after Mr. Matthiessen) Framed Clock EmployeesListed below are some of the employees of Western Clock Company at this time - H. Ohl (started 11/29/1893) - Casting Department; Chas. Cornish
(st. 3/9/1896) 4" finishing - later Foreman of Department; Bishop, Willmer, Andrews, Schiller, Bentley, Hanson, Webster, Reeves, Holsinger, Keefrey, Hanry, Klaeber, Just, Strohm, Klein, Keeley, Zimmerman, Shulmock, Keenan, Dornensch, Nelson, Bauer, Senfleben, Halm, O'Bryne, Frizol, Hudak, Paton, Wolfe, Tesche, Hoenscheid, Ludwig, Swanson, Merrick, Strobel, King, O'Brein, Franks, McKenna, Owitzke, Cosgrove, Martin, Hoffman, Hanley, Bryne, Hollman, Tobler, Weir, Bornac, Kreuger - etc............ (These names were put in, since many are familiar yet today, as their descendants are still employed at Westclox.) 1899One story addition to plant was built
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