Canadian-based clock manufacturing company, Snider Clock Company
In the post-war boom of the 1940s and 1950s, Canada experienced a significant surge in manufacturing, and the clock industry was no exception. One of the key players in this period was the Snider Clock Company, a Canadian manufacturer that operated from 1950 to 1976.
The company was founded by Harry Snider and initially focused on producing corded electric and electromechanical clocks, offering flexibility in placement for the modern home. The Starburst and molecular patterned wall clocks were among the popular models, reflecting the influence of the "Atomic age" and the Sputnik satellite.
During its peak, Snider Clock Company produced 50,000 clocks annually, employing 20 dedicated individuals. They primarily used Canadian components, contributing to the local economy. The company transitioned from producing mantel clocks with mechanical versions from Ingraham to electric motors imported from Lanshire.
However, the global clock market was highly competitive, with established brands like Ingersoll and Seth Thomas in the United States. To carve out their niche, Canadian manufacturers like Snider likely emphasised durability, affordability, and innovative design. The company positioned itself as a reliable, Canadian-made alternative to international brands, appealing to consumers looking for products with a domestic touch.
By the 1970s, changes in international trade policies and the rise of global competition began to affect small manufacturers like Snider. Increased competition from cheaper imports and the advent of quartz clocks, which required significant investment in new machinery and production processes, made it challenging for the company to maintain market share.
In 1976, the Snider Clock Company ceased operations, marking a sad end to a company ultimately pushed aside by an American competitor, Caravelle clocks, a subsidiary of Bulova.
Today, Snider clocks are sought after by collectors, serving as a nostalgic reminder of Canada's manufacturing history during the mid-20th century. They provide insight into the country's economic and social history during the post-war era.
For clock fans and museum lovers, the Canadian Clock Museum, located in Deep River, Ontario, is a must-see. This institution dedicated to the display of objects of lasting interest or historic value showcases Canadian clocks or clocks with a Canadian connection, including Snider's unusual and fanciful creations such as lamp clocks, telephone clocks, and clocks in various materials and colours. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of Canadian clock manufacturing.
- In the realm of vintage collectibles, antique wall clocks like those produced by the Snider Clock Company, a historical Canadian manufacturer, are highly prized for their mid-20th century charm and unique designs.
- For individuals seeking to enhance their home with a piece of Canadian craftsmanship and history, the selection of home-and-garden items might feature mantel clocks, given Snider Clock Company's legacy of producing such timepieces.
- As technology advances and the news landscape shifts focus, general-news outlets might delve into aspects of Canadian industrial history, shedding light on the rise and fall of once prominent companies such as the Snider Clock Company, illustrating the dynamic nature of the global market for vintage items like their wall clocks.
