Artifact Archive

Men's pocket watches have always been a symbol, whether of punctuality or sartorial splendor. First invented in Germany in 1510, watches were hand made until the 1850's when American companies started automating production. Two early American watch companies are represented here: Elgin National and Waltham, which operated under many names over time. Though Ole Larsen supposedly used the gold Elgin watch for years, initials on the front appear to be "H.H." The Waltham was found by Jack Olsen near the end of the old sawmill dock. He thought the owner may have lost it after jumping or falling off the dock in 1908. Information and photos for this column are provided by the Clausen Memorial Museum.