In June of 2012, Clyde Day was named a Fellow in the National Assoc of Watch and Clock Collectors. Clyde has taught Clock Repair for Club Ed for nearly three decades. Here is a column originally published Oct 10, 2007.
More often than not, completing a Club Ed class is not the end but the beginning of an infatuation with a brand new subject. Such was the case with Dennis Loftis, one of many who have been charmed by the subject of clocks.
Loftis’s “clock affliction” began innocently enough as he browsed through the Club Ed catalog and read the description of Antique Clocks, taught since 1985 by Clyde Day.
“I always had an interest in clocks,” Loftis recalled. “I owned 30, about half of which did not work. They were mostly of sentimental value.”
He decided to sign up for the class so he could learn more and repair his collection.
He soon discovered the three sessions, while jam packed with information, were not enough for all he wanted to accomplish. Day taught them clock history, operation, repair and restoration. The students learned the ins and outs of collecting, identification, and evaluation of clocks. They compared designs, and learned the basics of maintaining and repairing clocks.
But all that was not enough for Loftis.
“I called Clyde after the class and asked if I could learn more,” Loftis said. “Clyde said, ‘What are you doing next Wednesday?’”
So began a yearlong relationship. Every Wednesday, Loftis visited Day’s small shop on the banks of the Guadalupe River and learned at the seat of the master.
“I’m enjoying it,” Loftis said, looking up for his workbench covered with springs, small tools, and magnifying glasses. “It entertains me, and keeps me busy.”
“And keeps him off the streets...,” Day said, laughing.
“But not out of the pool halls,” Loftis added.
Loftis hasn’t decided whether his passion for clocks is a vocation or avocation. He has learned a lot in a year, but this is not assembly line work.
“I figure that fixing about one clock per Wednesday is enough for me,” he laughed. “Besides, I’m so busy repairing clocks for Mr. Day’s customers I still haven’t had time to work on my own!”
