In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the Capitol building stands as a grand and imposing structure, filled with priceless artwork and intricate carvings. However, hidden within its ornate offices and chambers are hundreds of antique clocks that were part of the building’s original design. These 273 working clocks require regular maintenance and care, including oiling and occasional mechanical overhauls. Clock winders, such as Bethany Gill, roam the halls of the Capitol each week to ensure that these century-old timekeepers continue ticking accurately.
Gill, a former art student who works for Johnson & Griffiths Studio, recently received a five-year, $526,000 winding and maintenance contract renewal from the Capitol Preservation Committee. She is passionate about clocks and enjoys the semiannual transitions between daylight saving time and Eastern Standard Time. Gill’s love for clocks stems from her father, who was a clock collector, and their weekly tradition of winding the clocks together. These antique clocks are a key element of the Capitol’s design, adding to its uniqueness and intricacy.
Pennsylvania’s Capitol was designed by architect Joseph M. Huston in 1901, with a vision of creating a temple of democracy that rivaled European palaces in elegance and sophistication. Huston incorporated at least 180 custom clock cases into the building, including smaller keystone clocks that symbolize Pennsylvania’s role in the formation of the United States. The clocks are intricately designed, with custom mantels surrounding them. Periodically, the clocks are removed for cleaning, maintenance, and repair to ensure they continue functioning properly.
The Capitol building in Pennsylvania is not only a showpiece that attracts thousands of visitors each year but also serves as the meeting place for state lawmakers to debate and pass legislation. Huston’s architectural legacy lives on through the building and its antique clocks, despite his conviction for conspiracy to defraud the state during the Capitol construction project. Although Huston spent time in Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, his vision for a grand and majestic Capitol building has stood the test of time.
In a modern world dominated by wristwatches and cellphones, the antique clocks of Pennsylvania’s Capitol serve as a reminder of a bygone era. These timepieces require meticulous care and attention to ensure their continued operation, with clock winders like Bethany Gill preserving their historical significance. Their presence adds to the unique and intricate nature of the Capitol building, reflecting the vision of architect Joseph M. Huston to create a temple of democracy that showcases Pennsylvania’s heritage and role in American history.
