The Old Grandfather Clock You Love Comes From the Old Oak Tree

If you are still enjoying your grandmother's grandfather clock
, you are looking at an old oak tree cut, carved and polished to
a splendid veneer that never diminished with the years.
At the hands of skilled artisans who had the passion for long clocks,
the hard oak yielded its hardwood to become a thing of beauty.

Why the Oak for a Grandfather Clock?

The oak tree has been immortalized in many a poem and
these lines from the poem "An Oak Tree" expresses it all

Your Mighty Stature Sought by All
For Matters, Thousands, Big or Small
O' You Magnificent Oak Tree."
Ever since the Middle Ages, the oak has been valued for its
hardness. This toughness repels bugs and fungal infestation
because the tree is loaded with tannin. The beauty of its
grain markings when it is sawn into quarters also makes it the
most sought after hardwood for wall paneling and stately
furniture. It is no wonder that a grandfather clock of great
prize was made from the hardy oak tree

One of the remaining old buildings with oak panels for ceilings
is the celebrated 1857 Old Main building of Knox College. The
Old Main building is a national landmark and a testament to
the tireless efforts of Janet Greig Prost, the first female
trustee of the board. Prost worked hard at her campaign to
raise funds for the restoration of the building. She was able to
raise the needed funds in 1932

Such dedication to the preservation of a national landmark is
equaled by everyone who owns an antique grandfather clock
fashioned from the sturdy oak. With proper care and
maintenance, this clock will go on,
ticking and chiming at the
appointed hour through the
years, from one generation to the next.