Antique Clock Restored in Minnedosa After Seven Years of Silence

An antique clock atop the Town Hall in Minnedosa, Manitoba, has resumed its rightful place in the community after lying silent for seven years. The restoration, completed by clock expert Les Shuttleworth, was facilitated by local government support and a shared commitment to preserving the town’s historical legacy.

Shuttleworth, who specializes in antique clock restoration, travelled from Mexico to address the clock’s long-standing issue. He arrived in Winnipeg and then made a three-day journey to Minnedosa, where he not only repaired the clock but also educated local officials on its maintenance. This Victorian clock, installed during the construction of the Town Hall between 1913 and 1914, has served as a symbol of the town since the First World War.

Over the years, the clock had stopped due to misalignment within its mechanical gears, a problem that Shuttleworth discovered quickly. “Nothing was broken or worn, just misaligned,” he explained. The vibrations from the clock’s operation over a century had caused screws to loosen, preventing it from functioning.

Local councillor Grant Butler joined Shuttleworth during the restoration to learn how to care for the clock. He expressed his commitment to keeping the clock operational, stating, “It’s unique to the community and it’s part of the history of the town.” With the clock now ticking again, Butler aims to ensure its longevity, recognizing its value as a historical attraction.

Shuttleworth’s involvement came at the suggestion of his sister, who alerted him to the clock’s plight while visiting Minnedosa. With a background in clock restoration from the University of Sussex, he felt a personal connection to the area, as his family has lived there for over a century. “Minnedosa is a wonderful town, and my long family connection there made me want to help out,” he noted.

During his three days in the town, Shuttleworth meticulously cleaned and repaired the clock, preparing it for continued operation. He acknowledged the rarity of his skill set in Canada and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community’s heritage.

The responsibility of maintaining the clock now rests with the local government, with Butler taking the lead. He mentioned that the mechanics of the clock require physical effort, as a 270-pound weight must be manually lifted weekly to power the mechanism. This weight, suspended by a cord, gradually descends to drive the clock’s functions.

While the clock has been revived, some components, such as the bell system, still require attention. Currently, a pin is broken, preventing the bell from ringing on the hour. Butler plans to reach out to volunteers in Almonte, Ontario, who have experience with similar heritage clocks, to assist in the repairs.

Looking ahead, the town aims to modify the bell to ring only on special occasions, such as Christmas, while also contemplating adding an arm to one face of the clock tower, which is currently missing.

Shuttleworth remains optimistic about the clock’s future, asserting its solid condition and durability. “Because of the original quality, the clock is still in near perfect condition. It should easily run for another 100 years,” he stated. His dedication to historical preservation serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the unique character and stories of communities like Minnedosa.