Canada's Notable Clock Manufacturers Active in the 1950s
In the heart of the 20th century, Canada was home to a vibrant clock manufacturing industry. From Toronto to Montreal, numerous companies played significant roles in shaping the country's horological landscape.
One such company was Walter Clocks, based in Toronto. Established in the mid-1930s, Walter Clocks offered at least a dozen different models of mantel clocks, continuing production up until the late 1950s. In the same city, Breslin Industries also contributed to the industry, producing clocks as a sideline, with a focus on lamps, lampshades, and novelties. The clocks from Breslin Industries often featured a 1950s theme, with horses as the typical design.
Meanwhile, in the eastern part of the country, the Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company operated in Montreal from around 1942 to the mid-1960s. Their main product was "Bulb Illuminated" advertising clocks, which were commonly found in both French-language and English versions.
The Forestville Clock Company, initially established as the Blackforest Clock Company in Toronto in 1928, was another significant player. They sourced movements from England, France, and Germany, and changed their name to Forestville Clock Company in 1941.
Seth Thomas Clocks, founded in Plymouth, Connecticut in the early 1800s, expanded its operations to Canada in the 1930s. The company became part of General Time Corporation and produced branded mantel, alarm, and wall clocks for the Canadian market in the Westclox factory from 1931 to the mid-1980s.
Westclox Canada, based in Peterborough, Ontario, started making alarm clocks in the United States before 1900 and began operations in Canada in 1920. They are best known for their Big Ben and Baby Ben windup and electric alarm clocks made between 1920 and the early 1980s in Canada.
The Arthur Pequegnat Clock Company, located in Toronto, produced wall and alarm clocks for the Canadian market from the late 1940s until at least 1980. Notable models include The Westerner and The Mountie. Despite going out of business over 75 years ago, the Pequegnat Clock Company is recognised as one of Canada's premier clock companies.
Unfortunately, the current statuses of many of these companies are not known. The Pequegnat Clock Company, Ingraham Canadian Clock Company, and others ceased operations due to various economic and technological changes over the years. The Canadian Neon-Ray Clock Company, Canadian General Electric (CGE), and Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited do not have recent information available.
It's worth noting that the New Haven Clock Company, based in Brantford, Ontario, produced some mantel and wall clocks with Canadian wood cases from the 1900s. Most of their clocks were made for schools and offices.
During WWII, Walter Clocks stopped production due to the unavailability of overseas movements. However, post-WWII, Walter Clocks resumed production with many more models, featuring stained birch wood and unique removable round doors on the back.
The success of Snider Clock Corporation and its successor is attributed to Harry Snider and his family's unique clock designs, effective construction methods, and business skills. Snider Clock Manufacturing Company Limited flourished for over twenty-five years (1950 to 1976).
In the 1940s, ten active clock companies were operating in Canada, predominantly in and around Toronto. These companies contributed significantly to Canada's horological heritage, producing a wide variety of clocks that continue to be cherished by collectors today.
For detailed information on these specific companies, it would be best to consult historical records or industry archives.
- Clock enthusiasts often cherish vintage mantel clocks from Canadian companies like Walter Clocks, which were based in Toronto and produced models from the mid-1930s to the late 1950s.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, a 1950s theme can be found in many clocks from Breslin Industries, a Toronto company that also produced lamps and novelties.
- Lifestyle connoisseurs might also be interested in wall clocks from the Forestville Clock Company, initially established in Toronto in 1928, which sourced movements from England, France, and Germany.
