Showing posts with label clocks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label clocks. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

A Little Something About ... The Anniversary Clock

I'm guessing the majority of the population has not sat and pondered the origins of the anniversary clock atop their shelf or mantle, but a little knowledge never hurt anyone ...

Clock enthusiasts may already know, non-clock enthusiasts may have never cared to know, but the history of the anniversary clock is actually very interesting.

Gravity-swing pendulum clocks require more regular winding (as do some torsion-spring pendulums,) but the anniversary clock can go 400 days without winding.

The term, "anniversary clock" was copyrighted in 1901 by the Bowler & Burdock Co. of Cleveland, Ohio who manufactured the 400-day clock. The clocks quickly became popular wedding gifts, with the intention that the receiving couple could wind their clock every year on their anniversary at the 365-day mark.

Around 1965 after the number of companies manunufacturing the clocks and their parts dwindled, the battery-operated versions came on the scene. Today, of course, there a number of other variations. (i.e. crystal balls, a number of different sounds, chimes, etc.)

While some appreicate the tradition and history of these nuptial staples, others just admire their elegance and beauty. Today with so many sizes and styles to choose from, there's one for every taste. Consider picking one up for yourself or for a sure-to-be appreciated traditional bridal shower or wedding gift.


And of course I'll mention that Merritts' Clock Shop has a slew of anniversary clocks that you can check out at our website or in our shop in Douglassville!


Thanks to The Clock Peddler website for the historical info!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Avoid The Fruitcake ... Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

Suddenly it's that time again. Just when you felt your wallet getting fatter, up went those holiday wreaths on every light pole in town, on went those fights over Tickle Me Elmo and Playstation 3, there sat those Salvation Army volunteers in Santa hats, ringing their bells, and in came those invitations to holiday parties.

Tired of being the party guest with the proverbial beef stick and cheese set hostess gift? Racking your brain trying to think of something thoughtful, unique, and different? We've got some ideas ...

Check out this rustic wood wine bottle holder. Fill it with bottles of a favorite white, red, or blush wine, adorn it with a bow, and garnish it with some faux pointsettias or pine cones. It's sure to be a hit and rest assure, this item is no fruitcake! No other guest will have this in hand.
Above and beyond a cheese and cracker assortment ... You can't help but love this trio of frosty figures. Sure to be well received, your hostess can use these as a decorative accent even beyond the holidays. They're appropriate for any winter month and will compliment any country, rustic, or primitive décor.


No hostess with the mostess? Need something more masculine for a host? (Or something humorous, perhaps?) This tin sign will certainly cause a chuckle and will be a comical accent to a bar area, basement, or "man room." Once again, better than a stick of beef ...

Check out these and a huge assortment of other gifts at www.merritts.com!
No fruitcakes here.