My new hunka hunka: A vintage, lighted display clock that surely was used in a store that sold Geneva cabinets. I jumped on this Buy-It-Now the moment I saw it on ebay. I already have a Geneva kitchen merchandising banner in my kitchen full of 1963 Geneva kitchen cabinets, and this was a perfect addition.
As promised, the case lit right up and the clock started turning the moment I turned it on.
The only thing is: Its operation is controlled by the plug. I need to get an adapter with an on/off switch so that I don’t have to plug it in all the time. The clock will always be wrong. But that’s okay. It’s the whole lighted aspect, along with the clock turning, that makes this a super duper piece of sales memorabilia.
Right now I have the clock set standing on the counter, in the corner where my Treasure Craft cookie jar set has sat for 10+ years. The clock is designed to stand, or, there are openings in the back to hang on the wall. It’s just 24″ wide, so I have several great spaces in the kitchen where it could fit if I hang it. I need to think about where to place it for the long term, including how the plug fits in.
The clock was made by Price Brothers Inc. of Chicago and New York.
Hey. Chicago. Traveling to Kentucky for my father’s 80th birthday, I picked up the book “Devil in the White City.” What a fantastic book — riveting and such amazing research — it won a bunch of awards. But warning: Serial killer also involved. The book the TRUE STORY of all the famous architects and landscape designers behind the creation of the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Their “White City” World’s Fair that was an architectural and entertainment marvel. But ACK, at the same time as the fair, the “devil” nearby was Dextering young women, and author Erik Larson weaves that depravity in, too. Like I said, true story — stranger than fiction. I’m 90% done. Highly recommended!
Ranger Smith says
Hi Pam – Very nice clock. I too read Devil in the White City and highly recommend it. Can’t believe it hasn’t been made into a move or mini-series.
Thanks for all of the wonderful info you provide to us your readers.
Have a great weekend.
pam kueber says
I agree — would make for a great mini-series!!!
ElectraChime says
Oh, I see it was made by Price. Should have read original posit more carefully! I guess I was just as excited as you are about your new clock!
ElectraChime says
BTW, one of the largest manufacturers of advertising clocks was a company Calle PAM Your Geneva Clock may be one of theirs.
They are still in business
http://www.pamcompany.com/About_Pam_Clocks.aspx
LaurieLouise says
Oooooh….and they’re making them again. How about a RetroRenovation clock, Pam? Raise a little $, give a few away…I’ll bet I’m not the only one who would love one for her kitchen!
pam kueber says
Hilarious. Alas, after the tee shirts, I am not going there again any time soon.
LaurieLouise says
Drat! 🙂
ElectraChime says
Solid buy Pam.
Adding a cord switch is a straightforward job. http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=29259266
I’ve renovated t dozens of electric clocks in my time. If you want to send it to me I’ll do the job as a service to retro-renovation. No charge, just postage.
pam kueber says
Thanks, Robert! I’ll have the local place — they’re great, and the clock is fragile etc — take a look at the wiring! Renovate Safe, everyone!
ElectraChime says
Super. Yes, local is always best!
MZ says
Actually, I used to live in “the Devil’s” house–which was an enormous duplex in Wilmette, Illinois, just north of Evanston and Chicago. This was in the mid-’90s, when the rooms were being rented individually by the owner, who was a relative of H.H. Holmes in some way. It wasn’t really a creepy place; it was basically built as a place for Holmes to stick his wife and daughter (on one side) and his in-laws (on the other) while he gallivanted around Chicago.
Very cool late-1800s place. Clawfoot tubs. Curved front windows. If the owner had had the money, it would have made for an awesome restoration job. Sadly, the guy sold the house and it got torn down to make room for condos.
pam kueber says
ACK
Yes, his “second” wife was stashed nearby, and as you say, the in-laws too. I am just getting to the point where he is caught.
MZ says
Naw! No “ACK.” Actually quite cool, gray-and-white colors, and a very nice neighborhood: http://images.ourontario.ca/Partners/wilmette/WilPL002317731f.jpg
Unfortunately I wasn’t at the front of the house with those cool windows and turrets. The back rooms had some renovations to install cheap kitchens.
pam kueber says
That photo seems to be from Ontario, Canada — ?
MZ says
The image is from an Ontario website, but you go to the Wilmette site and it’s there: http://history.wilmettelibrary.info/218/Exhibit
Robin, WA says
Oh Pam, you must have been so excited when you saw this!
I was wondering if you could some posts about laundry rooms. Any tips on retro decor or decorating ideas? Thanks!
Karen says
Cool clock! How about having it rewired by a pro and have them install an on/off switch?
pam kueber says
Yes, I think I will go this route! We have a great clock place near where I live.
Kelly Wittenauer says
Great idea! Maybe they could do it so the clock runs continuously, but the light operates on a switch?
pam kueber says
Yes – that’s a GREAT idea!
Rick S says
Pam,
Would it be ironic to put it on a timer to go on and off for selected times of the day when you are there to enjoy the “glow”?
rick
pam kueber says
Great idea!
Karin says
Lucky you, what a great score. The colors and graphics are so charming-50s/60s American Streamline Moderne. I once heard that even a clock that is wrong will tell the time correctly twice a day (lol), but seriously who cares, when it’s this pretty. Time is relative. I love it when vintage signage complements decor. I will have to keep my eye out for similar signs. Great post, thank you.
pam kueber says
Yes – a stopped clock is right twice a day!
Erika T. says
How cool! As far as the cord problem, you could always adapt it to run with a battery operated mechanism. I’ve done that with several starburst clocks without issue.
pam kueber says
I hear ya, although I’m wary of messing with it. I bet I can find an adapter to plug into the wall that has an on-off switch.
Kelly Wittenauer says
Will post a pic over on FB. I use this on my glass grinder, so I can shut it off while leaving the variable speed on/off knob where I want the speed.