‘Johann Froese’ Clock

Kroeger Clock no. 5145, ca. 1910 (MC0227)

This Kroeger clock was originally owned by the late Johann Froese (great-grandson of Mennonite delegate Johann Bartsch, 1757-1821) and his wife Anna. It was given to them by Johann's father in 1909 and brought to Canada in 1926. It was passed down through the Johanns or Johns of the family until there were none left, so Johann and Anna's remaining daughters decided to donate this to the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada, in 1996.

 

  • Description Thirty-hour wall clock with pendulum and weight-driven movement, made by Kroeger Clockmakers in Rosenthal, Russian Empire (now Ukraine), ca. 1908, serial number 5145. Arched dial with a raised chapter ring is light-coloured with a single dark border around the perimeter. Arch has decal of a gold scroll surrounded by a rose and a bluebird. Spandrels are gold scroll decals. Chapter ring is white with black Roman numerals and has white outer rings marking the minutes and quarter hours. Two hands; bell function; chain drive; four weights.

  • Mennonite Clock Number MC0227

  • Object Name Kroeger Clock

  • Serial Number 5145

  • Mennonite Heritage Village Accession Number 1996.13.1

  • Date Created ca. 1910

  • Maker Kroeger Clockmakers

  • Location Made Rosenthal, Chortitza Colony, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)

  • Other Markings No. 5145 (stamped on mechanism and pendulum); 15 (stamped on mechanism); 5 (stamped on some gears); J Froese 1908–9 (scratched on rear of gearbox)

  • Movement Type Brass frame

  • Functions Bell

  • Owner Mennonite Heritage Village

 

Several parts of this clock were marked with the number “15’.