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Photo from Charlottetown Camera Club Collection Courtesy P.E.l.P.A. 32320 ’69

The Holland Clock

This Long Case clock, in two tone ma- hogany, stands seven feet in height. The polished brass face shows hours and days in sectors; minute and second hands on separate circles. It was built by George Graham (1673-1751), a mas- ter clock maker of London, England. It was given to Captain Samuel Holland by his friend Edward, Duke of Kent. This instrument was used by Holland in his extensive surveys (1764-1800), to determine latitude and longitude.

The Search for the Holland Clock (By Olga Leard)

The HOLLAND CLOCK, a precision astronomical clock made in England, was used by Major Samuel Holland from 1764-1800 in his survey of the northern section of Eastern British America, which included Prince Edward Island. In 1805 the clock was brought back to the Island from Quebec by his widow, where it remained for many years being passed from generation to generation of his family. Eventually it was inherited by a descendant living in California, USA.

As an historian, it was George Leard’s dream that this clock be brought back to Prince Edward Island where its roots were. In 1962 he began a diligent search which led to the exciting discovery in March, 1964, that it was in the posses- sion of Virginia Holland Wilcox (Mrs. Toby Franklin Wilcox) of Pasadena, California, a great, great, great grand- daughter of the surveyor. Numerous let- ters were exchanged and telephone calls made. Mrs. Wilcox appreciated the histori— cal significance of the clock and agreed to sell it if a donor could be found to present it to a P.E.I. or a National Museum.

Many contacts were made, including one with the Centennial Commission, Ottawa, which was researching sugges- tions for Canada’s 1967 Celebration. The Commission chose as a Centennial project, the acquisition of the HOLLAND CLOCK. On March 23, 1966 George received the good news that a donor had been found. This ensured that his dream was to be realized.

On June 23, 1966 at a luncheon held at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto, the HOLLAND CLOCK was presented as a gift to the people of Canada by Ameri- can Airlines on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of service between New York and Toronto.

The gift was accepted by the Hon. Judy La Marsh, Secretary of State, to be placed permanently in the National Museum at Ottawa.