HARRISBURG, Pa. — Capitol buildings often stand as grand symbols of governance, showcasing elegance and sophistication, typically crowned with striking domes. Visitors to Pennsylvania’s Capitol are attracted by its exquisite artwork, refined marble, and detailed carvings. However, behind the ornate doors of its many offices and chambers lies another hidden gem: a remarkable collection of antique clocks that were integral to its initial design.
The Capitol is home to 273 functioning clocks, many of which are cleverly integrated into the architecture, including fireplace mantels and other structural elements. Maintaining these timepieces is not a simple task; they require regular oiling and occasional mechanical repairs to keep them in working order. To achieve this, clock winders can be seen traversing the hallways each week, reminiscent of a bygone era when wristwatches and mobile phones were not commonplace.
On a recent day, Bethany Gill highlighted her clock winding routine, moving from room to room equipped with ladders and specialized tools. She delicately opens glass covers, carefully winds each clock to keep them running for about a week, and verifies their accuracy before proceeding to the next one. Gill, a former art student and clock enthusiast, is employed by Johnson & Griffiths Studio, a Harrisburg company that recently secured a five-year, $526,000 contract for winding and maintaining the Capitol’s clocks.
For Gill, this work holds personal significance. “My dad was a clock collector growing up,” she reminisced, recalling how every Sunday they would wind the clocks together in their home. This fond memory enhances her connection to the task.
Pennsylvania’s Capitol was designed by architect Joseph M. Huston, who triumphed in a design competition in 1901 with his vision of creating a temple of democracy — an artistic palace intended to rival the opulence found in Europe. Among numerous exquisite features, Huston was responsible for crafting at least 180 custom clock cases, including unique keystone clocks, which pay homage to Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the birth of the United States, earning it the nickname “Keystone State.”
“The clocks are just part of what makes the building unique and intricate,” remarked Capitol Preservation Committee historian Jason Wilson. “The mantels that house the clocks are all uniquely designed.”
Periodically, the clocks—many constructed from mahogany or stained mahogany—are removed for thorough cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. It appears that they function better when regularly wound, reinforcing the need for diligent upkeep.
Huston accomplished his vision; the Capitol has become a distinguished attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors each year to observe where 253 state lawmakers gather to debate and legislate. While his architectural feats provide a lasting legacy, Huston’s story is complex; he was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the state during the Capitol’s construction and spent several months incarcerated at another historic Pennsylvania site, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
