S-Town Exquisite Clocks

More than just the person who inspired the acclaimed podcast S-Town from Serial and This American Life, John B. McLemore was a highlight accomplished clockmaker who in his lifetime restored fine clocks back to their full splendor. He was particular about the way that he worked and carefully replicated historical methodologies to ensure an authentic treatment of the diverse timepieces that he worked on. This book showcases McLemore's meticulous approach to horology and to other aspects of his life, including his hedge maze and gardens. Authors Philip Morris and William Tatum provide insight into the craftsmanship and vision of a man who was a most intriguing and talented resident of S-Town.

More than just the person who inspired the acclaimed podcast S-Town from Serial and This American Life, John B. McLemore was a highlight accomplished clockmaker who in his lifetime restored fine clocks back to their full splendor. He was particular about the way that he worked and carefully replicated historical methodologies to ensure an authentic treatment of the diverse timepieces that he worked on. This book showcases McLemore's meticulous approach to horology and to other aspects of his life, including his hedge maze and gardens. Authors Philip Morris and William Tatum provide insight into the craftsmanship and vision of a man who was a most intriguing and talented resident of S-Town. "S-Town Exquisite Clocks and the exhibit of McLemore's workmanship at the National Watch & Clock Museum provide an inspiring representation of one man's passion for preserving horological history for the next generation." –Rory McEvoy, Executive Director, National Assoication of Watch & Clock Collectors

Philip E. Morris, Jr. is a 1983 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a BS in chemistry and is a 1988 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. He has spent his professional career working in the pharmaceutical industry developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases. He has more than 40 publications and patents related to these studies. In 1980 Morris began collecting early American clocks and has an interest in those made with wooden movements and those produced by one of America's most iconic clockmakers, Joseph Ives. In late 2003 he began a systematic study of wooden tall clocks and their makers, which ultimately culminated in the publication of his book, American Wooden Movement Tall Clocks: 1712–1835. In June 2017 Morris led an exhibit of more than 75 clocks produced by Ives, the largest and most comprehensive collection of Ives clocks ever assembled. In the early 1990s, a mutual friend introduced Morris to John B. McLemore. Both shared interests in horology, chemistry, and gardening. From these common bonds, a friendship grew that lasted until John's untimely passing. Morris spent many hours with John in his shop and was fortunate to see firsthand many of the clocks in this exhibit, as well as other significant clocks that were restored under John's careful hands. Morris is a Fellow of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors and currently serves on the Board of Directors. In addition, he is the Chairman of the NAWCC Museum Collections Committee and Chairman of the Cog Counters (NAWCC Chapter 194), a group of collectors dedicated to the study and preservation of wooden clocks. Morris is married to Dr. Michele L. Morris and they have two daughters, Laura Lee (Adam) and Melissa. They are residents of Bessemer, AL.