May 1, 2023
Happy May Day! This month’s featured item is a triple decker Birge, Mallory & Co. clock. John Birge was a veteran of the War of 1812, who worked as a businessman in Bristol, Connecticut beginning in 1815. He was trained as a carpenter, but partnered with clockmakers from 1822, having many partners over the years. In 1837, the firm Birge, Mallory & Co. was formed with principals John Birge, Ransom Mallory (who previously made cases for Chauncey Jerome), Sheldon Lewis, Thomas Fuller, and Ambrose Peck. Birge, Mallory & Co. made clocks from December 14, 1837 to November 24, 1843. They were known for their triple decker shelf clocks and produced 8-day and 30-hour brass movement shelf clocks until the firm was dissolved. However, the exciting thing about this clock is that the works are made of wood.
In case you aren’t tracking, Mother’s Day is on May 14th this year—and a clock would make a nice Mother’s Day gift! As most of you know, Bob is a “clock guy,” so would be happy to discuss all the clocks we have available, though we have other items that would make a nice gift, such as furniture (especially a Wow chair!), paintings, china, etc.
For special hours this month, we’ll be closed on Memorial Day, May 29th. There are a lot of local events that weekend that may be of interest. For example, on Saturday, May 27th, Lovettsville will host their Mayfest from 8 AM until 6 PM; see https://lovettsvillemayfest.com/ for details—and plan to watch the Irish dancers from Celtic Rhythm School of Dance between 12:45 and 1:30. Round Hill’s Hometown Festival is the same day with a 5K run beginning at 8 and a parade at 9:30. See https://hometownfestival.org/ for that event. Finally, Hamilton Day is on Memorial Day itself, with a 1.5 mile race at 8 from Hamilton Elementary, then a parade through town. Lots of options in Western Loudoun for activities that weekend!
Bob & Lynne McCann