Archives Scrapbooks

The image shows a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 403. The text on the page discusses the work of a clockmaker named Simon Willard, who was known for his meticulous craftsmanship and the high quality of his clocks.

Key points from the text include:

1. Clockmaking Techniques: Willard made his clocks using primitive methods, often relying on hand tools and improvised techniques. He used a small lathe and fashioned his own tools, including a file for cutting and rounding up the lever of the pendulum and his own hands for polishing brass.

2. Materials: Due to the scarcity of fine steel or brass in the country, Willard imported his materials from England.

3. Craftsmanship: Willard's clocks were known for their precision and durability. He made all parts by hand, including the wheels, cuttings, and teeth of the clockworks. His work was so precise that the clocks he made a hundred years ago still worked as well as new ones.

4. Notable Clocks: The text mentions two specific clocks made by Willard:

   • A clock in the Old State House, supposedly made when Willard was 78 years old, with the help of Paul Revere for casting the frame.
   • A large turret clock-wheel cast from tin, which he filed out by hand.

5. Anecdotes: The text includes a story about how Willard fixed the great orrery of Mr. John Winthrop, which had been abandoned as a failure by many mechanics.

6. Clocks at Harvard: Willard gave two clocks to Harvard. One is a small regulator clock in the Fayweather Room of University Hall, inscribed with a Latin phrase. The other is a large regulator clock in the President's Library in University Hall, also with a Latin inscription.

7. Legacy: The text suggests that there should be a Willard clock in the Fogg Museum, not just as an art object but also as a testament to his skill and honesty.

The page is signed by "T.D. Robinson" at the bottom.

HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN

403

was removed, and then given six or eight coats of varnish, each coat being rubbed down. The original wooden rods are seldom found in Willard's long-case clocks today. Mr. Hall's clock, like so many others, has been re-fitted with a metal pendulum rod.

The works in the clock on exhibition do not now turn, but they show even better in a stilled state the skill of the maker. Willard made all his clocks by hand—primitive in the extreme, perhaps, so far as methods went, but the result justified the means. As no fine steel or brass was then to be had in this country, all his material had to be imported from England. For shaping and finishing his pinions he had only a small force in which to heat the steel, a hammer and anvil to reduce it to the right size, a file for cutting and rounding up the lever of the pinion, and his own hands for polishing. He had to hammer down his own brass to the requisite thickness, giving it also the necessary toughness, and then finishing with the file and polishing by hand. He made his own wheels, cutting out the teeth as he went along, without the use of a blank guide. He depended wholly on his eye for spacing, but the result was as accurate as that obtained with the wheel-cutting machine which later came into use. All of the 'scape wheels and pallets were done by hand and eye; so perfect were they that even today they work as well as they did a hundred years ago. The large turret clock-wheels were cast for him, but even in these he filed out the teeth from the blanks. The turret clock in the Old State House, Boston, was made by Willard when he was 78 years old; it is supposed that Paul Revere cast the blank wheels for that clock.

Simon Willard had sole charge of the clocks in the College for more than fifty years. One of Mr. Willard's best stories told how he fixed the great orrery of Mr. Joseph Pope. Pope had devoted many months to the detection of an error in the mechanism of his orrery, but at last was compelled to abandon it as a failure. The contraption would work properly up to a certain point, when suddenly the entire solar system would jump around, much to the disgust of its inventor. Many skilled mechanics had a try at the thing but to no avail. Simon Willard was finally appealed to. He looked it over carefully, then took out a drill, made a small hole in a certain place, put in a rivet (he called them "ribbets") and the orrery worked perfectly. Naturally Pope was pleased and asked how much it would cost. "Oh," said Willard, "about ninepence will do, I guess."

Willard gave two clocks to Harvard College, one a long-case clock, which now stands in the Faculty Room in University Hall. Mr. Willard, who was always proud of his Latin, inscribed it:

S. Willard
in Usum Coll. Harv.
Praesidis Successorumque fect.

The other clock given by Willard now hangs in the President's Library in University Hall. It is a large regulator clock, with the Latin inscription:

Academiae Harvardianae
Ad Bibliothecam Praesidis Oranam
Simon Willard
donavit
A.D. XIII KalSept. MDCCCXXIX

It might be well to say that the astronomical clock owned by the Harvard Observatory was made by Simon Willard, junior, rather than senior.

It seems fitting that there should be in the Fogg Museum a Willard clock, not only as a beautiful object of art, but also as a memorial to the man who, as can be seen by the copy of a paper found some years ago in the base of the above-mentioned regulator clock, was thought so much of for his skill and honesty:

1829, August 20, Simon Willard of Roxbury, Clockmaker, who for more than fifty years had been employed by the Corporation of the University in the general care and superintendence of the clocks belonging to the institution, this day gave up the library of the President for his last and final settlement, and received a very elegant clock or regulator, of which he had the acceptance of the Corporation for the use of

F.B. ROBINSON

The image is a page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," specifically page 403, detailing an article about Simon Willard, a renowned clockmaker.

The article discusses how Simon Willard improved the design and functionality of clocks during his time. Initially, clocks had wooden rods and were quite primitive. Willard experimented with various methods to perfect his clocks, ultimately deciding to use fine imported steel rods from England instead of brass.

The text highlights Willard’s meticulous craftsmanship:

• He shaped and finished his clock's pinions with a small forge, hammer, anvil, file, and his own hands.
• He crafted his own wheels, ensuring precision without a blank guide.
• His attention to detail was so precise that even decades later, the components of his clocks remained accurate.

The article also mentions notable clocks created by Willard:

• The turret clock in the Old State House in Boston, which was operational for 78 years.
• A large clock given to Harvard College, now located in the Faculty Room of University Hall, inscribed in Latin.

Additionally, the article notes that Simon Willard's work was highly regarded, with some of his clocks being compared to famous historical artifacts. It also provides a brief mention of an astronomical clock owned by Harvard Observatory, made by Willard’s junior partner.

The piece concludes by suggesting that a Willard clock in the Fogg Museum would be a fitting tribute and a memorial to Simon Willard, whose foundational work in clockmaking is preserved in various locations.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 403. The text discusses Simon Willard, a clockmaker, and his work on clocks, particularly those associated with Harvard College.

Key points include:

1. Clock Repair and Modifications:

   • Simon Willard made clocks with wooden rods, which were later replaced with metal pendulum rods.
   • He improved the clockwork by making them smoother and more precise, using his own hand tools and methods.

2. Clock Construction Techniques:

   • Willard used primitive tools and materials like hand-forged steel and brass.
   • He made his own wheels, cut teeth, and filed them to create accurate clock mechanisms.

3. Notable Clock Stories:

   • A story is told about Willard fixing a clock that had an error for many months, using his skill and ingenuity to correct it.
   • He was known for his ability to make clocks that ran accurately and reliably.

4. Harvard College Clocks:

   • Willard gave two clocks to Harvard College. One stands in the Faculty Room in University Hall, inscribed in Latin.
   • Another clock, a large regulator clock, is in the President's Library in University Hall.

5. Historical Context:

   • The page mentions a turret clock in the Old State House, Boston, which was made by Willard and is still in use after over 200 years.
   • It also notes that a clock in the Fogg Museum is a memorial to Willard, with a paper found in its base that dates to the early 19th century.

6. Personal Inscription:

   • The page includes a Latin inscription for one of the clocks: "Academiae Harvardianae Ad Bibliothecam Praesidis Orandum Simon Willard qui fecit Grato animo donavit," which translates to "To the Harvard Academy Library of the President, Simon Willard, who made it, gave it gratefully."

7. Date and Contextual Note:

   • The page includes a note about Simon Willard of Roxbury, who was employed by the Corporation of the University in the general care and superintendence of the clocks belonging to the institution.

The text highlights Willard's skill and dedication, emphasizing his significant contributions to Harvard College's clock collection.

The image is a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 403. It discusses the craftsmanship of Simon Willard, a clockmaker, and his contributions to Harvard College.

The text describes how Willard repaired and improved upon old clocks, including one with a metal pendulum rod that was initially removed and replaced. He used primitive methods, such as hand-forging and hammering, to create and refine clock parts like brass wheels, pins, and escapement wheels. His clocks were known for their durability and accuracy, even after many years.

Willard was responsible for maintaining the clocks in Harvard College for more than fifty years. He famously fixed the orrery of Joseph Pope, a complex mechanism that Pope had given up on repairing. The text includes an anecdote about Willard's meticulous approach to repairing a clock, including making a small rivet to hold parts together.

The page also mentions two clocks given by Willard to Harvard College. One, a long-case clock, stands in the Faculty Room in University Hall and is inscribed with his Latin motto. The other clock, a large regulator clock, hangs in the President's Library in University Hall and also has a Latin inscription.

The text concludes with a note about the astronomical clock owned by the Harvard Observatory, made by Simon Willard Jr., and mentions the presence of a Willard clock in the Fogg Museum. Additionally, it provides a brief biography of Simon Willard, highlighting his long service to the University of Harvard, including his role as the custodian of the clocks belonging to the institution. The note at the end is signed by T.B. Robinson.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 403. The article discusses the work of Simon Willard, a clockmaker, and his contributions to clockmaking at Harvard College.

Key points from the text include:

1. Clockmaking Techniques: Willard was renowned for his ability to create clocks with primitive tools, showcasing exceptional skill. He had to rely on imported steel and brass for finer parts, as they were not readily available in the country.

2. Innovations and Challenges: Willard fixed an orrery (an instrument that shows the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets) by hand, which was a significant achievement given the complexity and precision required. His work was so meticulous that it was compared favorably to the advanced methods of today.

3. Historical Clocks: The text highlights two clocks Willard made for Harvard College:

   • A long-case clock in the Faculty Room in University Hall, inscribed with a Latin inscription by S. Willard.
   • A large regulator clock in the President's Library in University Hall, also with a Latin inscription, dedicated by Academiae Harvarianae.

4. Notable Story: The article shares an anecdote about Joseph Pope, who tried to fix the orrery Willard had created, only to be unsuccessful. This story emphasizes Willard's expertise and the difficulties he faced in an era without modern tools.

5. Legacy and Recognition: Simon Willard's legacy is recognized, particularly his dedication to clockmaking and his ability to maintain and improve clocks, even in the absence of advanced technology.

6. Historical Context: The text mentions Simon Willard's long tenure with the university, spanning over fifty years, and his contributions to the maintenance and improvement of clocks, including one that was a gift from Paul Revere.

The article is attributed to T. B. Richardson and provides a glimpse into the historical context and skill of clockmakers in the early 19th century.

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, likely dating from the early 20th century. The page is titled "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN," and the text discusses Simon Willard, a clockmaker, and his work on various clocks, including those exhibited at Harvard. The article details the process and techniques Willard used in clockmaking, including his methods for shaping and finishing clock parts by hand.

It mentions specific clocks made by Willard, such as the one in the Faculty Room in University Hall with a Latin inscription, and another large regulator clock hanging in the President's Library in University Hall. The text suggests that Simon Willard’s craftsmanship was so distinguished that his clocks are still valued and preserved.

Towards the bottom of the page, there is additional discussion about Willard's contributions to clockmaking and his impact on horology. On the lower margin, the name "F.B. Robinson" is handwritten in pencil, suggesting either a notation or identification of the author or owner of this particular page.

The page has two holes punched on the left side, presumably for storage in a binder or folder, and the upper right corner is marked "Dec. 1" in pencil. The page’s edges are neatly trimmed, and the text is printed in a serif font typical of periodicals from the early 20th century. The paper itself appears to be slightly yellowed, indicating its age.

This image displays a page from what appears to be a publication titled "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN." The page number at the top right corner is 403, and the page features a continuation of a text article. The text is written in English and is divided into three columns.

The page contains paragraphs related to clock-making, mentioning someone with the last name Willard, who likely refers to a renowned clockmaker, given the context—specifically, the text refers to "Mr. Willard's long-case clocks" and "The turret made by Willard that he was to reserve out in the Old State House, Boston, was clock the tenth from the blanks." There are also references to Harvard College, an astronomical clock made by the Harvard Observatory, and someone who appears to be a donor or benefactor.

The bottom of the page has a handwritten signature in cursive that reads "T.D. Robinson." The date "Dec. 1." is written in the top right corner as well.

Due to the limited context provided in the snapshot of the page, we don't have further details regarding the full content of the article or the context of the discussions therein.

The image shows a single page from the "Harvard Alumni Bulletin," labeled as page 403. The text on the page discusses Simon Willard, a clockmaker, and his work on long-case clocks and orreries. It details the craftsmanship and challenges Willard faced, including how he made all the clocks by hand, shaped pinions, and polished parts without modern machines. The article mentions that Willard gave two clocks to Harvard College, one of which stands in the Faculty Room in University Hall and another in the President's Library. It also refers to an incident involving a malfunctioning orrery invented by Joseph Pope and how Willard fixed it. The text is in English, printed in a serif font, and formatted in two columns. The page is mounted on a larger piece of paper with three holes punched on the left side, suggesting it was part of a binder or collection. The top right corner of the mount has a handwritten note that says "Dec. 1." and the bottom of the page is signed "F. B. Robinson."

The image shows a page from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, specifically page 403. The page features a printed article discussing the work and contributions of Simon Willard, a notable clockmaker associated with Harvard University. The text is formatted in a traditional serif font and is structured into paragraphs, providing detailed historical and technical information about Willard's clockmaking skills and achievements.

Key Elements in the Image:

1. Header:

   • The top of the page displays the title "HARVARD ALUMNI BULLETIN" in bold, capitalized letters, indicating the publication's name.
   • The page number "403" is located in the top right corner.

2. Content:

   • The article focuses on Simon Willard's craftsmanship, particularly his work on clocks. It describes his meticulous techniques, including the use of hand tools and materials, and highlights the precision of his creations.
   • The text mentions Willard's long-case clocks, which were re-fitted with metal pendulums, and his ability to achieve accuracy without modern machinery.
   • Specific examples are provided, such as Willard's work on the large turret clock-wheels at the Old State House in Boston and his role in fixing the clock for Joseph Pope, which had an error in its mechanism.
   • The article also references Willard's clocks at Harvard, including a long-case clock in University Hall and a regulator clock in the President's Library, noting the Latin inscription on the latter.

3. Visual Layout:

   • The text is neatly aligned in justified columns, typical of formal publications.
   • There are no illustrations or photographs on this page; the content is purely textual.
   • The page appears to be part of a bound volume, as indicated by the perforated edges and the visible spine binding on the left side.

4. Footer:

   • At the bottom of the page, there is a signature or notation: "F. B. ROBINSON," likely indicating the author or editor of the article.
   • The text continues seamlessly from the previous page, suggesting this is part of a larger article or feature.

Overall Impression:

The image depicts a historical and technical article from the Harvard Alumni Bulletin, emphasizing Simon Willard's legacy as a skilled clockmaker and his contributions to Harvard University. The page is clean, well-formatted, and reflects the formal tone typical of academic or alumni publications from the era.