Portage County's Hidden Gem: The Seth Thomas #18 Clock

Our gem is a marvel of 19th-century engineering: a Seth Thomas #18 clock, which kept time for Ravenna from the top of the Portage County Courthouse from 1883 until 1960. It shares many similarities with the London's Big Ben.

It also represents a significant milestone in the history of timekeeping, which you can read about here.

To show you the clock, we have a less-than 2-minute video that shows our ticking clock and its relation to Big Ben as it would look in a large lobby.

Clock in empty lobby with measurements — The clock needs ample space. Measurements do not include weights and clock face attached.

Restoration Journey

We have been working to restore the clock for five years. In 2020, when the clock was still housed in the Portage County Historical Society clock tower, we documented the condition of the clock, highlighting the rust and grime that had engulfed it since it was installed there in 1973.

Rusting distributor — Click the image to watch the 5-minute restoration movie (2020).

In 2022, the clock was removed from the Historical Society and taken to the American Clock Shop, inside Flex Storage on Cleveland Road.

The restoration was led by Richard Whitmore, with help from master machinist Reggie Riddle.

Richard Whitmore and Reggie Riddle working on the clock — Richard Whitmore and Reggie Riddle lowering a large gear and setting the bell wheel (Nov 15, 2023).

Setting in the bell wheel — Richard Whitmore and Reggie Riddle lowering a large gear and setting the bell wheel (Nov 15, 2023).

Once restored, the clock was tested at Flex Storage. It worked perfectly.

Andy with clock and pendulum — Andy winding the clock during testing.

Visit the Clock: Anyone interested in viewing the clock and discussing its future is welcome to visit by appointment only.

Location: American Clock Shop, 822 Cleveland Road.
Contact: Richard Whitmore at (330) 221-1649.

Comparative History

There are other clocks in the country that share features with this one:

Independence Hall, Philadelphia: A 1876 Seth Thomas clock managed by the National Park Service. Only observable from outside.
Henry Ford Museum, Michigan: A 1929 Seth Thomas clock, partially electrified.
Santa Barbara, California: A restored 1929 Seth Thomas clock with an electric winder.

Santa Barbara Clock Tower — Santa Barbara's restored clock tower.

Even the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. lacks a piece with the specific historical significance of Ravenna's clock.

Smithsonian E Howard Clock — The Smithsonian's E. Howard & Company Tower Clock.

Learn More

The Escapement: Understand the "beating heart" of Big Ben and our clock.
How Big Ben Works (Animation).
1911 Seth Thomas Catalog (PDF): See Portage County's clock listed on pages 15, 39, and 52.
And, in case you missed it above, we have the story of how this clock fits into the history of timekeeping.