A Timepiece of American Innovation: A Review of "History of the American Clock Business for the past Sixty Years and the Life of Chauncey Jerome" by Chauncey Jerome

 

Editor's Note: This book is available, free of charge, at

https://archive.org/details/historyofamerica00jero/page/n5/mode/2up

 

There are a number of other free clock and watch books available on archive.org that may be of interest to our members (scroll down to the bottom of the page to view them under the title "Similar Items").

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Chauncy Jerome (1793-1868) invented the OG Clock which he sold for $1. His company, the Jerome Manufacturing Co (1850) became the New Haven Clock Company (1853) making over 440,000 clocks a year. His businesses eventually failed and he died penniless.

 

This "book report" was written by ChatGPT4. I asked it to focus on specific aspects of Jerome's life I found interesting. In particular I was interested if ChatGPT would detect Jerome's feelings towards Seth Thomas and P.T. Barnum. I leave it to you to decide if ChatGPT reached the same conclusions that you would. The book is only 154 pages and is an easy one or two night read. 

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"History of the American Clock Business for the Past Sixty Years, and Life of Chauncey Jerome" by Chauncey Jerome is a remarkable book that offers a unique blend of personal memoir and industrial history. Written by the once-leading clockmaker in America, Chauncey Jerome, this book provides an insightful glimpse into the American clock industry from its infancy through its growth into a major business.

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Jerome's narrative is both personal and historical, providing a detailed account of his own rise from a poor, uneducated background to becoming a pioneer in the mass production of affordable clocks. His ingenuity in using brass movements for clocks, which significantly reduced production costs, revolutionized the industry and made clocks accessible to a much wider audience.

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The book is not just a business history; it's also a story of perseverance and innovation in the face of numerous challenges. Jerome's candid style and the inclusion of personal anecdotes make the story relatable and engaging. His descriptions of the various technical advancements in clock making, as well as the business strategies employed, are insightful and demonstrate his deep understanding of both the craft and the market.

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Regarding Jerome's feelings towards other figures of the time, like Seth Thomas and P.T. Barnum, there's a mixture of professional respect and candid criticism. Seth Thomas, another prominent clockmaker, is both a competitor and a colleague in Jerome's narrative. Jerome acknowledges Thomas's skills and contributions to the industry, but he doesn't shy away from highlighting the competitive tension between their businesses.

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As for P.T. Barnum, the famous showman, Jerome's perspective is quite interesting. Barnum, known for his flair for the dramatic and promotional genius, is a contrast to Jerome's more straightforward business approach. Jerome seems to regard Barnum with a sense of bemusement and perhaps a hint of skepticism towards his flamboyant methods.

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In conclusion, "History of the American Clock Business for the Past Sixty Years, and Life of Chauncey Jerome" is not just a book about clocks or business; it's a story about American ingenuity, the rise of industry, and the personal journey of a man who played a pivotal role in it all. It's a recommended read for those interested in American history, industrial history, or the art of clockmaking.

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