For as long as anyone can remember, there has been a heavy, black, decorated clock gracing the fireplace mantel underneath the portrait of Stephen Meekins in what is now known as the John and Alta Black Room in the oldest part of the library. This clock is part of the original furnishings for the Library when it was built in 1896 and dedicated in 1897.
In recent memory, the clock has never kept time or struck the hour! Yet its age and history bestow on it a place of honor. It was only recently reunited with its original brass winding key—discovered when looking in all the nooks and crannies of the building for historical materials. The clock is 16 and 3/4 inches long, 6 and 1/2 inches wide, and 9 inches tall and has rose marble inlay details.
It was made by the firm of B.E. Cook & Son, in Northampton, Massachusetts. This father-son partnership firm was in existence from 1858 to 1900. It is one firm in a series of silversmiths, jewelers, and watchmakers in Northampton for many years. The father was Benjamin E. Cook Sr., (1803 to 1900) and the son Benjamin E. Cook Jr., (1841-1930), who also served as the first Mayor of Northampton. See this link to the Gare Collection at Historic Northampton, which gives more detail about the firm.
Come into the Meekins to see this historic clock on the mantle and browse the new books, magazines, and puzzles in the Black Reading Room. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist and photographer. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 2/8/2024
