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Here's a detailed history of the Herschede Hall Clock Company:
Early Years and Founding
Frank Herschede, born in 1857, began his career at age 16 in 1873 as an apprentice watchmaker in Cincinnati, Ohio. He opened his own jewelry, watch, and diamond shop in 1877. He soon noticed the growing popularity of tall case clocks and began importing clocks with movements made by the Elliott Company in 1885.
After J. Harrington of England patented the tubular bell chime invention, Frank Herschede recognized its popularity and began purchasing and distributing clocks with this new chiming method. In 1902, his son Walter joined the firm and the company was officially incorporated as the Herschede Hall Clock Company. That same year, Frank began producing tubular bell chimes on his own and installing them in Herschede clocks.
Recognition and Growth
The company displayed their clocks at expositions and received gold and silver medals in St. Louis in 1904. Many Herschede clocks still contain a small plaque commemorating this achievement, though the plaque date indicates when the company won the award, not when individual clocks were made.
In 1910, at Walter's urging, Frank Herschede began producing his own tubular bell clock movements. They started calling their clocks "Crown Hall Clocks" and adopted the familiar crown trademark.
Expansion and Diversification
In 1926, the Revere Clock Company was set up to manufacture electrically driven clocks, including both mantle and floor models. The company also started making parking meters in 1936.
Move to Mississippi
In 1959-1960, the Herschede Hall Clock Company was recruited to Starkville, Mississippi, where it moved into a factory and began operations in May 1960 under the guidance of Richard Herschede Sr. (Dick Herschede).
Financial Challenges
The company faced significant financial difficulties. In the late 1950s, Herschede reached an agreement with the Cuban government for the purchase of $400,000 worth of parking meters, but when Fidel Castro seized control, the company was never paid. This contributed to ongoing financial problems.
In 1966, Robert Herschede, who had been Vice President of Sales, became the last family member to serve as president. The company was purchased by local Starkville businessmen in 1967, though Richard Herschede stayed on as vice-president and general manager.
Final Years
In 1972, the Herschede Hall Clock Company merged with Howard Furniture and Briarwood Lamps to form Arnold Industries, Inc. In 1983, Richard Jr. confirmed the delivery of the last three clocks made by the Herschede Hall Clock Company. The company folded completely in 1984.
Legacy
Herschede Hall Clock Company is known as the highest quality American clock ever made, producing tubular bell grandfather clocks from 1877 to 1983. After the company closed, a gentleman in Ohio purchased all the leftover parts and some of the jigs, fixtures and dies needed to make Herschede parts. That company folded around 2019 and has since been sold to an individual in Oregon.
The Herschede name remains highly respected among clock collectors and enthusiasts, representing some of the finest craftsmanship in American clockmaking history.
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