Plenary Presentation
The First School for Watchmakers in North America
Gary Fox - OVWCCC Member, NAWCC Fellow
I will be speaking on James Root Parsons who opened the first school for watchmakers in North America.
The story of the school is intertwined with many different organizations, people and events. It ties in with the defunct Peoria Watch Company; Bradley University; a huge riot; and a lady born in 1816, educated in a farmhouse kitchen, who amassed a fortune by 1885 worth over $22,000,000 in 2025 dollars! There is even a little surprise at the end of the talk. There is so much good and fascinating information!
Gary Fox has been a member of the NAWCC and the Ottawa Valley Watch and Clock Collectors Club for over 45 years. He was a founding member of the club when it became Chapter 111 of the NAWCC. He has held the position of Treasurer and Secretary for numerous terms and was the club’s newsletter editor for thirteen years.
While he collected clocks for many years his focus changed to pocket watches, and he has amassed a significant collection of those with ties to Ottawa.
He has written and published two books on noted schools for watchmakers in North America and is working on his third – the Parson Horological Institute, the first school for watchmakers to open in North America.
In addition to giving presentations to chapters in Canada and the United States, Gary was invited to speak at the Scientific Instrument Symposium, an international meeting of curators from museums around the world, held at the Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa in August 2024.
Buy, Sell & Swap Mart
There will be the usual mart where members are invited to offer items for sale. Please bring your unwanted items to sell or barter. Tables are free to members
Meeting Location
The Top Generation Club in Ramsayville. Click here for the location and directions.
OVWCCC is a non-profit social club
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