Derby Public Library rededicates century-old grandfather clock to mark 350th anniversary

Maryanne Smurchuk, director of the Derby Public Library, welcomed attendees May 13 at the Hardcourt Memorial Parkwood Memorial Library to mark the kickoff of Derby’s 350th anniversary and to rededicate the library’s longtime grandfather clock. "May this clock continue to stand as a testament to the beauty and artistry of craftsmanship," Smurchuk said, introducing donor families and city officials in the audience.

Christine Boule, the library's history coordinator and library assistant, described the restoration and the community effort that made it possible. "I am just so thrilled to see all of you here today," Boule said. She credited the Burman and Kanan families and the library board for approving the project and noted that a certified master clockmaker identified in remarks as Paul Jenkee repaired the mechanism and offered to train staff on its care.

Donor and longtime library volunteer Bonnie Burman recounted working at the library as a student more than six decades ago and said reviving the clock helped reconnect her to community memories. "I spent three years working with Helena Hearn and Mary Cop when they were librarians here," Burman said, describing the library as a place for "solace, for knowledge, and for inspiration." She thanked family members, classmates and local volunteers who supported the restoration and the library's archives.

Organizers said the clock had been silent for roughly 25 years before the recent repair. Burman explained she winds the clock weekly and that it runs about seven to eight days between windings. Attendees were invited to view the clock’s interior, visit the new reading room, and enjoy refreshments before the noon chimes.

The rededication served as a ceremonial start to Derby’s yearlong 350th anniversary programming; organizers encouraged residents who do not yet have library cards to register at the front desk. The ceremony was recorded and closed with musical accompaniment.

The library credited the Burman and Kanan families with funding the restoration and named the clockmaker who worked on the mechanism during remarks; the transcript contains inconsistent spellings of the clockmaker’s surname (appearing as "Jenkee," "Yankee," and "Yonkey"). The article uses the spelling "Paul Jenkee," the form used at the event's introduction. No formal vote, ordinance, or policy action was taken during the ceremony.