Saturday, October 13, 2012

Out of the Jurisdiction: Santa Barbara



I was in Santa Barbara, California, last week.  The beautiful County Courthouse was built in 1926 - 1929 and is one of Santa Barbara's most visited sites.  Just below the observation deck of the Clock Tower is a small clock museum and mural visible behind glass walls. 

The tower holds a massive 1929 Seth Thomas clock built in Connecticut.  And, the new "History of Time" mural portrays key events and people in the history of clock-making.  Portrayed prominently -- on the right wall, on either side of the clock face with Roman numerals -- are noted Connecticut clockmakers Eli Terry and Seth Thomas.  The tale of the Santa Barbara museum and mural is told here.

Connecticut played a leading role in the history of clocks and watches in America.  This winter I will post some photos taken at the clock museum in Bristol, Connecticut.

18 comments:

  1. I don't even own a watch, but clocks fascinate me and are very important for the history of navigation.

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  2. I am very struck by how interesting and visual they can make history these days. This looks most attractive. I can't imagine life without clocks. I'm a terrible clock-watcher!

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  3. To think I have been to Santa Barbara many times and missed this amazing spot.

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  4. Beautiful mural. I've only gone to the mission here and totally missed this amazing place.

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  5. Julie and I toured the Santa Barbara Courthouse years ago. It is indeed a gem. We missed the clock museum and mural, however.

    I hope you will be posting more photos of Santa Barbara. It is a wonderful place. My niece is currently getting her Ph.D. at UCSB in marine biology.

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  6. I guess you could say a partial history of Connecticut can be heard in the ticking and tocking.

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  7. getting some shots of those big old tower clocks would be cool!

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  8. What an interesting place and a great post/photo for the day, Jack! Yep, I can hear the ticking and tocking from here!! I do look forward to your posts regarding the clock museum! Enjoy your weekend!!

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  9. I had no idea the Connecticut was so big in the clock world! Thanks for the link for the extra info.

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  10. I never would've guessed that's a courthouse. You sure are making the rounds, Jack!

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  11. Hey. out of the jurisdiction is allowed. Never been to Santa Barbara but you make it look worth the visit. History of time? That's ambitious. Did they get a consultation from Stephen Hawking?

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  12. It allowed for an unusual POV here.
    V

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  13. A Connecticut connection! Love the way you've got us looking down from above. Divine!

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  14. Isn't it a grand place?!!
    Love your unusual perspective.

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