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Timeless Treasures: A Look at the Museum’s Historic Clocks

The Field House Museum has many unique clocks in the collection, and several are currently on display in the historic home. On the first floor mantle, you can find a black iron clock with a round face. The base is decorated with golden flowers, and there is a glass frame cover. It is a wind-up clock, and the key is kept on the mantle nearby. This clock was made by Ansonia Clock Company, an American clock-making company founded in the Connecticut city of the same name in 1851. The company produced many different types of clocks, like the square-shaped one found on the mantle. The company closed down in 2006. While not ever personally owned by Eugene or Roswell, this clock is similar to one the family might have kept on the mantle. 

In the men’s parlor on the first floor stands another clock, a Queen Anne style with three sections. It has Roman numerals and a delicate wooden case. The face is intricately painted with a church in front of a mountain during sunset, with a red-leaved tree prominently featured. Below the painting are two projections of the world. The manufacturer of the clock is unknown, but is believed to have been located in Vermont. The clock was once thought to have been in Eugene Field’s Chicago home, but this was later disproven; the actual clock is currently in a private collection. 

Found in the entryway of the second floor is a smaller clock in a wooden case, the face behind a glass-framed door. Below the face is a colorful painting of a green, yellow, red, and black bird, chasing after a similarly patterned insect. Palm trees and other plants are in the background. The painting and the face of the clock are unfortunately chipped in a few places. The date and make of this clock are unknown. 

On the second floor study is a dark wood rectangular clock with a simple wooden base, save for a floral design at the top. Set in the base is the most notable aspect: a beautiful painting of a church and farmyard in front of a sweeping landscape. This clock was created by Orrin Hart, a clockmaker from Bristol, Connecticut, in 1825. This specific clock was donated by Julia Foster Harris, the great-granddaughter of Eugene Field. 

Not currently on display is a masterful Dutch Marquetry grandfather clock. Above the brass face is a dial that would have shown the sun or the moon, depending on the time. The cabinet of the clock is made of red wood and painted with snaking vines and vessels. A velvet chair and piano bench are believed to be from a furniture set with the clock. This clock was owned by Eugene Field, passed on to his daughter, Ruth, and is currently on loan to the Field House Museum from Julia Foster Harris. The clock is signed “Roger Dunster”, the name of an Amsterdam furniture maker, and is dated from 1700 to 1799. The clock was unfortunately damaged by flooding and is being repaired.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]