Post Clocks

History of U.S. Post Clock Manufacturers

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Origins and Purpose

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American post clocks — sometimes called street or sidewalk clocks — became defining symbols of civic pride and craftsmanship beginning in the mid-1800s. Usually mounted on decorative cast-iron columns, these clocks provided a public time reference while doubling as elegant advertisements for jewelers, banks, and downtown merchants.

By the late 19th century, firms like Seth Thomas, E. Howard & Co., Brown Street Clock Company, and O.B. McClintock were producing distinctive clock designs seen on main streets across America. Many featured two- or four-sided dials, ornate bases, and finials, combining utility with artistry. Though originally weight-driven mechanical clocks, most were later electrified or motor-driven as technology advanced.

 Key Makers & Companies

Seth Thomas Clock Company

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Founded in Connecticut in the early 1800s, Seth Thomas became one of America’s most respected clockmakers. By the late 1800s, they were producing large post and tower clocks known for precision and reliability. Many Seth Thomas street clocks were weight-driven and later adapted with electric self-wind mechanisms. The company’s craftsmanship helped set the standard for quality in public timekeeping.

E. Howard & Co. (Boston, Massachusetts)

Edward Howard, a pioneering American horologist, established E. Howard & Co. in 1842. His firm produced some of the finest post and tower clocks of the era, known for their superior mechanical movements and elegant cast-iron cases. Between 1887 and 1905, Howard manufactured hundreds of post clocks — many of which remain restored in city squares and college campuses across the country today.

Brown Street Clock Company (Monessen, Pennsylvania)

The Brown Street Clock Company, active in the early 20th century, marketed high-quality yet affordable post clocks. Their advertising famously claimed “seven out of ten street clocks in America are Browns.” The company made two- and four-dial clocks, often branded with a jeweler’s name on the dial glass, and became a popular choice for small-town merchants who wanted the prestige of a street clock without the higher cost of a Howard or Seth Thomas.

O.B. McClintock Company (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

The O.B. McClintock Company, founded by Otto B. McClintock in the early 1900s, became one of the most recognizable names in American electric post clocks.

• Innovation: McClintock was a pioneer in electric timekeeping and illuminated clock design. Their patented “luminous dial” and internally lit faces made their clocks both functional and visually striking — especially at night.

• Design: McClintock clocks were notable for their Art Deco and early 20th-century styling, featuring smooth cast-iron or bronze columns, fluted shafts, and elegantly framed glass dials often displaying the name of a sponsoring jeweler or bank.

• Technology: Unlike earlier weight-driven or spring-wound clocks, O.B. McClintock introduced synchronized electric movements that kept remarkably accurate time and required far less maintenance.

• Legacy: Many of their clocks were installed between 1910 and 1940, and examples still stand today in towns across the Midwest and beyond. Restored McClintock post clocks remain among the most collectible and admired pieces of American street furniture.

O.B. McClintock’s influence bridged the gap between the handcrafted mechanical era and the modern electric age — blending engineering innovation with timeless design.

Other Notable Makers

Other regional manufacturers, such as Joseph Mayer & Brothers (Seattle) and Brown Brothers (Kansas City), produced post and tower clocks with distinctive local styles. Some later companies specialized in refurbishing or electrifying earlier mechanical designs, keeping these historic clocks running well into the 20th century.

 Evolution & Design

Early post clocks were weight-driven with pendulums hidden inside the column. As electric power became widespread, companies like McClintock and Seth Thomas transitioned to synchronous motor movements and eventually quartz regulation.

Most post clocks featured cast-iron or bronze bodies, domed or finial tops, and hand-painted dials. Many were customized with business names, decorative flourishes, and gold leaf — turning a functional timepiece into a landmark of civic elegance.

Preservation & Legacy

Thousands of post clocks once stood across America; today, only a fraction remain. Many have been restored by towns, collectors, or clock companies committed to preserving their legacy. These clocks are more than timekeepers — they are reminders of an era when craftsmanship, community, and time itself were proudly displayed on the street corner.

Restoration typically involves stripping and recasting iron components, restoring dial glass, refinishing ornamentation, and retrofitting the movements with modern electric drives — all while honoring the original aesthetic.