Anna, Helen, Fred, & Doris

• Simon WILLARD: 1605 - 1676; came from England.
  • Benjamin: 1665 - 1732
    • Joseph: 1693 -1774 - an early settler of Grafton; the common ancestor.
      • Benjamin : 1716 - ?; his four sons listed below built the clocks.
        • Benjamin
        • Simon
        • Ephrim
        • Aaron
      • Josiah: 1732 - 1815
        • Josiah: 1756 - ?
          • John Ray: 1803 - 1874
            • Cordelia Sophia: 1828 - 1920
              • Fred Delmar ANDREW: 1856 - 1944
                • Doris: 1899 - …

Willard House and Clock Museum

Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron, quickly learned the trade and began a three-generation clock making legacy in the Grafton workshop. Today, over 70 Willard clocks are exhibited in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other Willard family heirlooms. Various Willard style clocks include: Turret, Gallery, Skeleton, Tall Case, Regulator, Eddystone Lighthouse, Act of Parliament, Lyre, Massachusetts Shelf, Improved Timepiece and 30-Hour Primitives.

Willard House and Clock Museum
11 Willard Street
Grafton, MA 01536
(508)839-3500

Curator: Mr. John R. Stephens Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10AM to 4 PM : Sunday 1PM to 4PM : CLOSED MONDAY
 

The Cold Chamber

On display in the Cold Chamber are two Benjamin Willard tall case clocks, a Simon Willard Eddystone Lighthouse Clock, a Simon Willard, Jr. Improved Timepiece and an 18th century pencil post bed fitted with crewel-stitched period hangings and a "linsey-woolsey" quilt.

The Clock Manufactory

Benjamin Willard opened his "Clock Manufactory" in 1766 after a two year association with Benjamin Cheney in East Hartford, Connecticut. Displayed in the workshop are a variety of Willard movements and finished clocks, as well as 18th century American and English clock making tools.

The Parlor

Benjamin Willard, Sr., father of the clockmakers, added the parlor in 1755. The room, with original wide plank floor boards, displays a circa 1790 portrait of Simon Willard, a variety of Willard clocks and 18th century country furniture.

The Keeping Room

constructed in 1718 by Joseph Willard, grandfather of the Willard clockmakers, is furnished with two Simon Willard/Grafton primitive 30-hour clocks, a Simon Willard clock jack, 18th century country furniture, period kitchen appliances and a large collection of 18th century English and American pewter.