S-Town Exquisite Clocks Celebrating the Artistry of John B. McLemore, Horologist

by Morris, Jr

• ISBN13: 9798985996722
• ISBN10: 898599672X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2023-05-30
• Publisher: BookBaby

Summary

More than just the person who inspired the acclaimed podcast S-Town from Serial and This American Life, John B. McLemore was a highlight accomplished clockmaker who in his lifetime restored fine clocks back to their full splendor. He was particular about the way that he worked and carefully replicated historical methodologies to ensure an authentic treatment of the diverse timepieces that he worked on.<br>This book showcases McLemore's meticulous approach to horology and to other aspects of his life, including his hedge maze and gardens. Authors Philip Morris and William Tatum provide insight into the craftsmanship and vision of a man who was a most intriguing and talented resident of S-Town.<br><br>"S-Town Exquisite Clocks and the exhibit of McLemore's workmanship at the National Watch & Clock Museum provide an inspiring representation of one man's passion for preserving horological history for the next generation." – Rory McEvoy, Executive Director, National Assoication of Watch & Clock Collectors

Author Biography

Philip E. Morris, Jr. is a 1983 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a BS in chemistry and is a 1988 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. He has spent his professional career working in the pharmaceutical industry developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases. He has more than 40 publications and patents related to these studies.<br>In 1980 Morris began collecting early American clocks and has an interest in those made with wooden movements and those produced by one of America's most iconic clockmakers, Joseph Ives. In late 2003 he began a systematic study of wooden tall clocks and their makers, which ultimately culminated in the publication of his book, American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks: 1712– 1835. In June 2017 Morris led an exhibit of more than 75 clocks produced by Ives, the largest and most comprehensive collection of Ives clocks ever assembled.<br>In the early 1990s, a mutual friend introduced Morris to John B. McLemore. Both shared interests in horology, chemistry, and gardening. From these common bonds, a friendship grew that lasted until John's untimely passing. Morris spent many hours with John in his shop and was fortunate to see firsthand many of the clocks in this exhibit, as well as other significant clocks that were restored under John's careful hands.<br>Morris is a Fellow of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors and currently serves on the Board of Directors. In addition, he is the Chairman of the NAWCC Museum Collections Committee and Chairman of the Cog Counters (NAWCC Chapter 194), a group of collectors dedicated to the study and preservation of wooden clocks.<br>Morris is married to Dr. Michele L. Morris and they have two daughters, Laura Lee (Adam) and Melissa. They are residents of Bessemer, AL.<br> William R. Tatum was born and raised in Huntsville, AL. He has a BA in history with a minor in political science from Samford University and a BS in computer and informational sciences from the University of Alabama Birmingham. He retired from the information technology field in January 2017.<br>Tatum began collecting clocks in 1989 when he acquired his grandparents' clock— a New Haven gingerbread/kitchen clock that his grandparents bought themselves as a housewarming gift when they got married in 1907. For as long as he can remember, he has been mesmerized by watching the pendulum swing and by hearing the clock strike the hours and half-hours. His curiosity about clocks inspired him to learn more about them. Tatum's profound interests in history and collecting antique clocks influence his view that he is merely preserving history and serving as a custodian/caretaker of the clocks that he owns. His collection focuses primarily on 18th- and 19th-century English and French clocks, particularly French mystery, industry, and novelty clocks. He also has an interest in some German and Austrian clocks as well as all types of automata.