Help Restore Bill O’Neal’s Beloved Grandfather Clock – Join Our Adopt an Artifact Campaign

One of the heartfelt wishes of Bill O’Neal, alongside his generous donation that helped establish the Deerfield Historical Society Museum, was that his cherished grandfather clock remain a permanent fixture in the museum. We are proud to begin fulfilling that wish.

On February 14, 2025, local clock restorer Jim Porter met with Board Director Priscilla Watts, Curator and Vice President Lucinda, and dedicated volunteer Peter Borrone at the Town Hall to assess the condition of the clock and provide an estimate for its restoration. Jim was immediately impressed by the cabinet’s condition, noting it needed no structural repairs—only a deep cleaning and mold removal, which will be carried out by our curator under Jim’s guidance.

What truly astonished Jim was the exceptional quality of the clock’s German-made internal works. “The works are magnificently made German works,” he said. “This was someone’s baby.” He recommended a full service restoration to bring it back to its former glory.

The restoration plan includes:
    •    Re-lining the shattered red fabric in the two hood doors with historically accurate material
    •    Polishing the brass weights and pendulum, both in excellent condition
    •    Cleaning and polishing the clock’s intricate gear system
    •    Replacing a single striker within the works

This meticulous and time-consuming process is expected to take approximately six months, at an estimated cost of $2,000. To help reduce costs, Jim will move and reassemble the clock in the museum on the same day.

The clock case is now empty and ready for safe transport, but navigating the spiral staircase in the Town Hall and moving it to the museum’s second floor will require careful coordination—a true team effort.

We invite you to be part of this restoration through our “Adopt an Artifact” campaign.
You can:
    •    Sponsor the entire restoration and have your name proudly displayed on a plaque next to the clock in the museum
    •    Donate any amount toward the project—every dollar helps us preserve this special piece of local history

This is more than just repairing a timepiece—it’s about honoring the legacy of Bill O’Neal and keeping the heartbeat of our shared history alive for generations to come.

Thank you for helping us keep time in Deerfield!

Bill O'Neal's Beloved Grandfather Clock

Team Members