Historic Clock in Newfoundland Courtroom Keeps Time for Centuries

A historic clock has been keeping time in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador for over a century, meticulously maintained to ensure its longevity. Located on the second-floor balcony overlooking Courtroom One in downtown St. John’s, the clock was crafted by Joseph Roper, a notable jeweler and watchmaker from the late 19th century. With proper care, it can continue to serve its purpose for many more years.

Maintaining the clock requires regular attention. Chris Rose, a deputy sheriff with the sheriff’s office, recently adjusted the clock’s hands to ensure it displayed the correct time. He opened the clock’s case and gave the pendulum a gentle nudge, explaining, “You can hear that in the courtroom when a matter is happening. This should last roughly a week.” Indeed, the clock requires winding weekly to maintain accuracy, ensuring it continues to chime in the bustling courthouse.

The clock features Roper’s name and the year 1903 on its face. At that time, Roper was known for selling a variety of timepieces and scientific instruments, as well as providing repair services. A newspaper advertisement from 1893 highlighted his offerings of clocks suitable for homes, offices, and churches.

Expert Insights on the Clock’s Maintenance

Inside Hamelmann Jewelry, located on Queen Street in downtown St. John’s, the sounds of various clocks fill the air. Chris Hamelmann, the shop’s owner, recalls a time when he was called to assess the courthouse clock for maintenance. “It needed bushings, cleaning, a basic rebuild of the mechanism,” he stated. Reflecting on his experience, Hamelmann noted, “As far as the clocks are concerned, it was well made. It’s something that is going to last a long time.”

Hamelmann’s expertise reveals that the clock has experienced “extreme wear” over the years. He pointed out that the pivot holes in the brass, originally round, have become oval due to prolonged use. “What that does in the system is it causes a jamming effect and eventually the clock stops,” he explained. The clock operates on an eight-day cycle, which necessitates resetting every week.

Despite its age, the clock benefits from high-quality materials, including superior steels and brass. Hamelmann expressed optimism about its potential longevity, suggesting it could last another hundred years if maintained properly. He added, “Cross your fingers,” acknowledging the unpredictability of such an old mechanism.

Challenges to Longevity

While the clock has many factors in its favor, Hamelmann highlighted a significant concern: heat. Positioned in the courtroom, the clock is exposed to higher temperatures, which can lead to the oil in its mechanisms drying out prematurely. This environmental factor poses a threat to its functionality over time.

Though the clock prominently displays Roper’s name, Hamelmann noted that it does not necessarily mean that he constructed it personally. “It very easily could have been at the time that they actually put the name of the business on it, rather than something of the clockmaker involved,” he clarified.

The clock stands as a testament to craftsmanship and durability, its ticking echoing the history and proceedings of the Supreme Court. As it continues to mark the passage of time, it remains an integral part of the courthouse’s atmosphere in St. John’s, reflecting both a commitment to tradition and the importance of careful preservation.