“The ubiquity of clocks and watches, and the time obsessed culture of which they are both cause and effect, has led us to regard our way of timekeeping as coming with the territory, like the air we breathe. Nothing could be further than the truth.” (Times Pendulum xvii)

We are all obsessed with TIME. This lecture will trace the history of timekeeping devices from the beginning of civilization. Included will be pictures and background information about the use of sunlight, water, fire, mechanical devices, wrist watches, and atomic energy to power our clocks. Some of the interesting questions covered include: How did we get from a stick in the ground to atomic clocks? Why do we have time zones? Where does your cell phone time signal come from? Why do clocks move in a clockwise direction? How did the Swiss become famous for wrist watches? Who established the first tower clock? What does the future hold for timekeeping? Come join us for a fun and educational exploration into the fascinating world of horology!

About the instructor: Frank G. Hartwell

After retiring from a 36 year career as a high school teacher and guidance counselor, Frank Hartwell reinvented himself as a horologist. Upon completing classes at the School of Horology in Columbia, PA, he started a clock restoration business, using more of the other side of his brain and lots of eye-hand coordination. In 2020 he restored almost 100 clocks. Mr. Hartwell’s fascination with horology began when he found his first clock in his grandparents’ attic. In addition to restoring clocks, he enjoys restoring antiques and making and marketing country wood crafts.