Background
Gibbs, James Wenrich was born on December 12, 1915 in Canton, Ohio, United States. Son of Alvin J. and Eva A. (Wenrich) Gibbs.
(A history of timepieces made in Pennsylvania from William...)
A history of timepieces made in Pennsylvania from William Penn's time to the present, this book is more than a compendium of clock and watchmakers and their work. With abundant illustrations and lore from historians in every part of the state, it recreates a time when clock and watchmaking was not a mere occupation: it was truly a craft. The author attributes this characteristic to the Keystone State's unusually varied population, and explores the various ''old world'' influences affecting the design and style of timepieces.The story of clock and watchmaking from colonial Philadelphia to Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle is a major chapter in the history of industry, trade, tastemaking, and craftsmanship. Clocks of finely carved wood decorated the homes of prosperous early settlers, and golden watchcases adorned their persons; meanwhile, clocks on Independence Hall and other public buildings measured the hours for the general citizenry. As time passed, more utilitarian clocks graced schools and factories, while Hamilton watches kept the trains running on time. Resisting the temptation to lower standards for the sake of mass production, Pennsylvania clock and watchmakers gained fame for their high-quality craftsmanship. The making of clocks and watches is detailed by Dr. Gibbs from its beginning in the southeastern counties of William Penn Country, through the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and the center of the Commonwealth, and on to the state's northern and western frontiers.The craftsmen are presented in historical context, with emphasis on their social and educational backgrounds and the effect of these on their timepieces. Separate sections focus on illustrious clockmakers such as the Ellicott and Solliday families, Jacob Detweiler Custer, and the master of horology and astronomy, Dr. David Rittenhouse. Pennsylvania Clocks and Watches is an indispensable handbook for the experienced collector and a stimulating guide for the beginner. It is also a valuable reference for students of industrial and social history, design, and folkways.
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Gibbs, James Wenrich was born on December 12, 1915 in Canton, Ohio, United States. Son of Alvin J. and Eva A. (Wenrich) Gibbs.
Bachelor, Yale University, 1938; postgraduate, University of Michigan Law School, 1938-1939; postgraduate, Wharton Graduate School University of Pennsylvania, 1939-1940; D of Horological History, Clayton (Missouri) U., 1980.
Assistant to president, Safetee Glass Company, Inc., Philadelphia, 1940-1941; vice president, Safetee Glass Company, Inc., Philadelphia, 1942-1967; president, Safetee Glass Company, Inc., Philadelphia, 1967-1971; vice Chairman of the Board, Safetee Glass Company, Inc., Philadelphia, 1971; also board directors, Safetee Glass Company, Inc., Philadelphia.
(A history of timepieces made in Pennsylvania from William...)
(Used Book)
Member advisory committee Medical College Pennsylvania. Trustee American Clock and Watch Museum, Bristol, Connecticut. Elder First Presbyterian Church, Germantown, Pennsylvania.
Fellow Royal Society Arts, National Association Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. (past president, Silver Star fellow). Member Colonial Society Pennsylvania, Colonial Society Massachusetts, Society of Mayflower Descendants, St. Nicholas Society, Pennsylvania Society Colonial Wars, Cleveland Grays, Colonial Order of Acorn, Dutch Colonial Society Delaware, Kentucky Colonels, Order of Lafayette, Sovereign Military Order Temple Jerusalem, Sons of the Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Veterinary Corps Artillery, Royal Society St. George, National Society Sons Colonial New England, Newcomen Society, National Society Old Plymouth Colony Descendants, American Defense Preparedness Association, Huguenot Society Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania History Society, Pilgrim John Howland Society, Sons St. George, Sons Union Veterans New Jersey, Valley Forge History Society, Penn Club, Sons Daughters of Pilgrim Society, Order Americans of Armorial Ancestry, Hereditary Order Descendants of Colonial Governors, Order of Descendants Colonial Physicians Chirugiens, Hereditary Order of the First Families of Massachusetts.
Married Mary Jewel Hellwig, April 12, 1941. Children: Sandra Ann Gibbs Chambers, Stephen V., David Son of (deceased).