Over a year ago — as Max’s Art Supplies was ready to close, and everything inside was for sale — I posted a story.
Miggs Burroughs wanted the iconic Karron’s Jewelry clock. Rescued once from another Westport store, it had served for years as a symbol of the famed art store.
He was a minute late. Sherri Wolfgang — a close friend — had already bought it. She told Miggs she’d wanted it since she was 8 years old, and bought her first sketch pad at Max’s.
At least Miggs got this memorable photo:
Max’s famous Karron’s clock with (from left) Nina Royce, Rita Ross Englebardt, Sherri Wolfgang, Shirley Mellor and Jay Cimbak.
After staying in one spot for decades, the clock has now taken on a life of its own.
The other day, Ron Hofaker emailed me. He is not an alert “06880” reader. The only reason he knows about this blog is because — well, let him tell it:
Recently a friend called me at home in Hannacroix, New York. He said he was at a sale in Pleasant Valley, New York. I have been in the market for vintage midget race car parts. He believed he had found some.
He hadn’t. Not wanting to leave empty-handed after my hour-plus drive, I spotted a clock in the kitchen. After a bit of negotiation I purchased it.
Curious about its origin, I googled the name and found your site. Wish I had more to tell you about it.
Ron sent a photo. It sure looks like the same clock:
It has no sentimental value for Ron . He’s offering it to any Westporter (or former resident) who wants it.
If you’re interested, email me: dwoog@optonline.net.
But Miggs gets first dibs.
wow… that’s crazy!!!
Sent from my phone
Miggs has claimed the clock! Congrats…
Does Sherri Wolfgang still have her clock?
Looking closely, I can say this is NOT Sherri’s clock. Follow the first leg of the ‘R’ upward in KARRON’S closely and it meets at a different spot on the maker’s mark than hers. So–good find altogether!!!!
I noticed that the clock that was found has water stains on the bottom as well and the silver rim is much too shiny! I looked at that clock for 29 years!
Please put the Westport Historical Society down as second!
Glad Miggs has the clock.
Jim Cooper is right. Note also that on Sheeri’s clock the spindle (to which the hands are attached) is centered under the second R in KARRONS while on the newly found clock the spindle is between the two Rs. There’s also more deterioration visible on this clock. But apparently Jack Karron had two clocks. Surprise, anyone?
I don’t think it is the exact same clock. The one Shirley is holding has a stain around the center pin holding the hands. The other one has a stain at the bottom that is not on the one Shirley is holding. I certainly could be wrong and the photos could be deceiving but just thought I should point these things out 🙂
Trust Dan to always get to the bottom of a mystery 🙂 Glad they both got their clocks 🙂
Why not email sherriwolfgang.com for an answer?
the back of one of the clocks most likely says “made in japan”
Japan? Insulting.
No it’s not Nancy. Items of certain time period were “Made in Occupied Japan”.
They were stamped on the bottom.
Nancy thinks Japanese workers do not deserve jobs. She lives in Bugtussle Canada where Japanese imports are forbidden.
For the Record “Made in Occupied Japan” are considered collectibles. And they made very nice items. Look it up it’s part of history, you will be very surprised of the craftsmanship.
Today’s Japanese fine artisans would be insulted. As would China’s, Korea’s, Malaysia’s… The comment seemed demeaning.
Seriously, Made in Occupied Japan is a time period in history! During the 1940’s!! You’re taking the whole thing in the wrong direction. You need to look up the history of Occupied Japan and Occupied Germany.
Wendy, I have no quarrel with your comments at all!
It is the generic “made in…”, which was once ridiculed by North Americans that I am addressing, that Mr. Calise seemed to be implying.
I’m sorry Nancy. I apologize.
No need! My fault for not being clear!
And, yes, I too am a student of all things Historical.
Cheers to the sharing of information!
“Made in Japan” was a generally used pre-World War II pejorative for shoddily made goods. I recall that any product (toys for me at the time) that broke or wouldn’t perform was deemed “made in Japan” even if it was manufactured elsewhere. The term certainly has not been relevant in that sense for the past several decades.
Thanks Edward. I didn’t think my point was so difficult to understand.
And, thankfully, the “expression” is largely gone.
I am so happy Miggs is getting the second clock!
I had the interior wiring cleaned up by Brad at Old Timers Clock. He did a great job and said the clock was over a 100 years old.
It is sitting nicely in my kitchen and keeping time beautifully. Always grateful to Shirley Mellor who had a few offers but said to me “it’s nice to keep it in the family”. And yes it could have gone to Miggs for the same reason,
But I ran faster than him. 🙂
I still mourn Max’s Art Supplies being gone…. But I enjoy Max and Shirley’s clock every day.
How about a photo of both clocks together?
Only if you take the pic with me Nina!?
…. And Shirley, Jay, Rita and Miggs.
…..and Dan too!
After we entered WWII we banned imported items from Japan.
The Japanese then named a town “usa” and stamped ‘Made in usa ‘ on their goods which traveled to a few other places before ultimately landing in the USA.
These pieces are also collectors items…..the USA is in lower case letters.
(I learned this in “History of Warfare” @ USAFSH during basic training.)
Thanks for the history information. That’s really interesting.
i think i recall that Mr. Karron had one clock in the window, and another on the wall in the back, behind the glass counter.
I went to school with Larry Karron..Staples ’69…I know he lives in Maine and might be interested in one of the clocks. He worked at the store for several years with his dad.
I remember that clock as well as I remember Karron’s Jewelry. I was in Mr. Karron’s store many times with my classmate Susan Karron. We were both graduates of Bedford El, Bedford JH, and Staples HS, class of ’64. Sadly, we lost Susan some years ago…she was much too young. Andrea S. Adamko, Austin, Texas