Surrounded by mannequins dressed in period clothing and quilts dating back to the 1800s, local collector Stan Disher opened up about one of his greatest passions: clocks.

Disher, 77, spoke at the Edwardsburg History Museum the evening of July 6 as part of the museum’s 2017 speaker series.

“I’m excited to share my clocks with everyone,” Disher said.

Disher, who works in metal fabrication, spoke not only about his own collection of clocks, many of which are on display in the museum, but about the history of American clocks in general.

The bulk of Disher’s 25-minute presentation was spent telling the story of Chauncey Jerome, one of America’s first clock manufacturers, who was a pioneer in taking clocks from an unaffordable luxury to something that could belong in every American home. While Disher stressed that Jerome was an innovator in the clock industry, he died penniless due to a poor business deal.

Disher also shared the history of other important players in the early American clock industry, and shared details of his personal collection.

Disher has been collecting and researching clocks for more than 35 years. He originally became interested in clocks because a friend talked to him about it, and clocks became something they did together.

Since he began, Disher has collected more than 60 clocks from all over the United States, all of which he cherishes and puts time, care and money into.

“One of my favorite clocks is the very first clock I bought,” Disher said. “I didn’t pay a lot of money for it, but it still sits in my house. I look at the wood working on it, and I think about the tools [clock manufacturers] had at the time to work on it, and the carvings on it are just incredible.”

Aware that his hobby is slightly unconventional, Disher said that he is drawn to the history and craftsmanship of clocks.

“Every one of these clocks tells a story,” Disher said. “It’s great to learn about each one.”

Several of Disher’s clocks are on permanent display at the museum, which he joked frees up space in his home to buy more clocks.

The next installment in the Edwardsburg History Museum’s speaker series will feature sisters Susan Dobrich and Patty McCain, sharing their stories of growing up on Christina Lake. This talk will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 10 at the museum.