The main program, about calendar clocks, was presented by Leroy Wilkerson with hands-on repair demonstrations by Levern Wilkerson. The Wilkerson brothers, from Memphis, have collected and studied these clocks since their college days in Missouri and know them inside out.
Leroy traced the convoluted patent history of American calendar clocks, running from the mid 1800s to around the time of World War I. His research covered the inventions, patents, combinations thereof (credited and uncredited) and manufacturing history, and involved individuals and companies from the little-known John Williams to the well-known Ithaca enterprises. Leroy made special mention of the invaluable help of the NAWCC Library staff in supplying the patent information he relied on.
There were the usual number of interesting watches being passed around for study (and to score bragging points). These included a 21-jewel, 16-size Elgin convertible, grade 72 and a pair of 18-size Gallet watches, private labeled for T. Eaton, a Canadian mail-order house. The nicest watch by far was an 18th century English fusee brought by first-time member Joel Fine.
An experience of one if our members offered a timely and pointed warning in regard to carrying pendulums with you through the air. His newly repaired Lenzkirch movement aroused suspicion at the airport, and the short but sharp-ended pendulum was declared to be a weapon, verboten on board. Repacked and sent as checked baggage, the movement and pendulum got through OK, but the porcelain dial did not. Flyer beware!