Theodore Crom NAWCC Papers

Collection

Identifier: MG-353

Staff Only

This collection primarily includes the correspondence of Theodore Crom in relation to the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors and NAWCC members, horologists, and jewelers. Additionally, included in the collection is information on the Florida "SunTime" Chapter of the NAWCC, as well as annual and regional NAWCC conventions.

Dates

1955 - 1986

Creator

Crom, Theodore R., 1920-2008 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Use

These records are open to researchers for personal or scholarly research. Most of the records in the collection are available for photocopy, depending on the preservation needs of the material as well as other variables not specified here. Researchers, however, are responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use materials and documents. These records are part of the permanent collection in the archives of the Library & Research Center of the National Watch and Clock Museum and researchers are required to comply with the Archive Rules when using the collection.

Extent

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

Theodore R. Crom was born on the 4th of July in 1920 in Evanston, Il. He was educated at three separate institutions including the University of Maryland, Columbia University, and the University of Florida. After having served in World War II, stationed in the Aleutian Ilands in Alaska, he returned to Gainesville, Florida to win the love of his future wife, Wynona (Nonie). After having married Wynona, he founded the Crom Corporation, which was an engineering corporation that was founded on his education in civil structural engineering and his honorary doctorate he received after having made important contributions to the field. This corporation was run by himself, his father, and his brother, with Ted acting as president.

It was most likely his engineering background that laid the foundation for his fascination with horology and the intricate workings of watches and clocks. However, Ted's focus shifted as his collections grew to include more and more clock and watch making tools. He delved into the history of the first and foremost innovators in the subject and the role of clock and watchmakers during the Industrial Revolution as well as during other important moments in history.

Ted was a prolific writer. When he was not writing correspondences with his multitude of friends, he was writing and researching for his six books and plentiful articles in an attempt to teach and share.

Ted and Wynona attended many NAWCC conventions, traveling incredible distances in order to be an integral part of the 68th Chapter of the NAWCC, the Jean Ribault Chapter as it was named after the first Protestant to set foot on the shores of the New World in 1562 near what is now Jacksonville, Florida. As Ted was one of the charter members of Chapter 68, he was an important part of choosing the name. Every August, Ted and Wynona would invite the Chapter to meetings in order to share his collection of horological tools and present workshops and speak in order to bring a set of people with a common interest together.