July 31, 2008

To:  Members and Prospective Members of the Madison Association of Watch
     and Clock Collectors

We had 23 attendees at the June 4 meeting.  This included several guests.  The program 
was a presentation by Jerry Kieffer on making coil springs.  The metal, such as piano 
wire, was softened first by heating it up to 500-600 degrees and cooling it very slowly.  
He used a small lathe with a speed control switch to make several springs, essentially by 
winding the spring around the mandrel.  It was an interesting discussion of how to make 
just the right size spring.  Thanks to Jerry for this demonstration.

Our August meeting was to be a picnic on August 6.  Regrettably, we were unable to 
locate a host this year.  Therefore the August meeting is CANCELLED.

At the June meeting we discussed upcoming events.  The Midwest Regional will be 
August 8-9.  Also, there will be a Joint Mart at Antioch IL on Sunday, October 12. 

The treasurer reported that we had $793 in the treasury.

Paul Penshorn asked that members consider serving as a chapter officer for next year.

The Midwest Regional was discussed.  Table sales are ahead of last year’s rate, and we 
hope to have a sellout.  David Grace and Jerry Kieffer will be involved in the exhibit and 
programs.  The exhibit will be bracket clocks.  The Regional has for sale three pocket 
watch display cases;  these are no longer used for the regional.  Starting price is $50 each.  
Contact Leroy Baker if interested. 

One item of new business was brought up.  A new $4 million Public Library recently 
opened at DeForest.  There is an active Historical Society in DeForest which has some 
exhibit space in the new library.  It was suggested that the Chapter members think about 
the possibility of putting together an exhibit of 6-10 clocks and a similar number of 
watches.  The purpose of the display would be to introduce people to the history of the 
modern clock and watch.  The pieces would not need to be great rarities; just some 
reasonable examples to show the sequence of development.  The exhibit might stay in 
place for up to 6 months,  The Library has secure glass display cases for such exhibits.  
We should think about this for discussion at the October meeting.

We had a number of items on display.  The first was an 1870’s Ingraham Oriental in a 
tiger maple cases.  This is a rare clock, especially in the tiger maple.    Next was an 
Ingraham Angora, a small but elaborate cased mantel clock from about 1880.   We also 
had a 1939 issue of ‘Hobbies’ magazine, which discussed the pillar and scroll clock. 


Sincerely,

Dale Beske
Chapter 171 Secretary
http://www.geocities.com/nawcc171/m