Calgary 
Visit the atrium of the Calgary Municipal Building to get a behind the scenes look at Calgary City Hall’s famous 110 years old clock.
The Seth Thomas Clock, originally placed in Historic City Hall in 1911, is the only remaining timepiece of its kind in Canada. Only 50 of this particular model were ever manufactured, and today fewer than 12 are operating worldwide that haven’t been modernized with auto winding or converted to electric operation.
The City of Calgary has repaired the clock as part of restoration work of the Historic City Hall.
Interesting facts about the clock:
- Out of the 50 models ever manufactured only fewer than 12 are operating worldwide that haven’t been modernized with auto winding or converted to electric operation, today. The clock is the only remaining timepiece of its kind in Canada.
- In July 1910, The City contracted local jewelry firm D.E. Black to supply the tower clock and, with the exception of winding, provide maintenance for five years. D.E. Black chose the New Model 16A tower clock, manufactured by the Seth Thomas Clock Company of Connecticut, to be installed at a cost of approximately $3,500.
- Designed to strike on the hour, the four-faced clock was fitted with a 1,500 lb bell and was guaranteed to run within a variation of ten seconds per month.
- The clock was installed in 1911 by Rudolph Engel and synched with the “official” Canadian Pacific Railway time.
- To run, the clock must be wound twice a week with a manual crank.
- The total weight of the clock parts is 3,950 pounds.
WHEN & WHERE:
The clock housed in a transparent display case at the atrium of the Calgary Municipal Building (800 Macleod Trail SE) during regular business hours.
The clock will remain at the atrium until fall 2019.
You may like: