Chapter 8 held its early summer meeting at the Host Hotel in Sturbridge Ma. About 250 members and guests attended to participate in three programs and enjoy a mart of 70 tables.

John Lelievre, a Chapter 8 Director, presented a workshop, based on his personal experiences, on Buying A Small Precision Lathe. John, a graduate of the Waltham School of Watchmaking, has had over 50 years of experience with horology and a great interest in tools. He pointed out that lathe experience was a small part of his training and most of what followed was his observations of learning by trial and error.

Both watchmakers and clockmakers lathes were covered. In the 1940's a watchmaker could find a lathe for $5.00. John eventually progressed to a Unimat 3 and then a Shoreline for small machinist type work.

John spoke about gravers, and the advantages of carbides. Collets, in particular the 8mm. and the WW (Webster-Whitcomb), which are used about 80 % of the time, were discussed and starting sizes recommended. Accessories of all types were shown from a table laden with parts.

For the do-it-yourselfer, John talked about used lathes, what to look for, and some indications that he found them easy to recondition. But-if on sale under $80.00 double check condition before you buy!

A three-page handout was given to everyone, which contains all types of information on lathes with respect to books, material sources and reputable dealers. There were many questions from the audience concerning various aspects of this presentation.

Joe Brown, FNAWCC, CC, another Chapter 8 director, then gave a fine lecture for the watch collectors who do repairs. Joe is also a trustee of the Willard House and Clock Museum, member of several chapters, and a specialist in restoration of clocks and watches. Removal and Replacement of American Pocket Watch Balance Staffs was his topic. Aided by the use of an overhead projector and a handout for the audience that matched the projections, Joe presented a step-by-step procedure to take apart this tiny assembly and replace or repair any defective parts.

As usual, Joe lectures in a completely organized, logical, and interesting manner. The printed handout had superb drawings and plenty of tips to help the repairer.

A Professor of Botany at Amherst College, Avery was the 4th NAWCC President from 1953-1955. He was born in 1902 and died in 1998 and active almost to the end of his 96 years. Avery was probably what you would call a real "Yankee character". He had numerous interest and abilities, among which was his penchant for early pre-1850 shelf clocks. Chris told about his personal experiences in meeting this man when Chris was just starting out. Avery bought and sold to those he approved of, and Chris finally was able to buy Avery's best pillar and scroll.

The slides that Chris showed, all taken in Avery's home in Amherst, were just amazing. The clocks pictured looked like you were going through the pages of the Brooks Palmer books- rare unique, and beautiful clocks. Avery had examples of American clocks from Ct., Ma, Pa, NY, in particular. You saw a Burnap, Willards, and other famous names. There were ripple fronts, pillar and scrolls, wagon springs, tall case, and other clocks. Many were manufactured in numerous towns throughout the Connecticut Valley.

Chris gave all of us the chance to share in this unusual personal portrait of Amos Avery.