15 Facts About Peter Stretch

Peter Stretch was among the most prominent early American clockmakers and among the first makers of scientific instruments in America.

Peter Stretch soon became an important figure in the social, political and economic life of Philadelphia.

Peter Stretch was one of the earliest clockmakers to settle in the Province of Pennsylvania.

Records show that Peter Stretch made a number of real estate purchases, some speculative or for investment.

Peter Stretch was commissioned by Philadelphia's Common Council in 1717 to work on the town clock.

Peter Stretch served as a member of the Common Council from 1708 until his death in 1746, and was a dominating influence in the community.

Peter Stretch's son Thomas was a man of note, being a clockmaker and the founding Governor of the Schuylkill Fishing Company angling club.

Thomas Peter Stretch was one of the founders of Pennsylvania Hospital and a member of the Union Fire Company, known as Benjamin Franklin's Bucket Brigade.

Peter Stretch was a director of the Philadelphia Contributionship from 1758 to 1761.

Joseph, Peter Stretch's youngest son, was a hatter by trade and, following his father's example, devoted time to public service.

Joseph Peter Stretch was a founding member of the Library Company of Philadelphia, which was established through the influence of Benjamin Franklin in 1741.

Peter Stretch produced a wide range of clocks, including thirty-hour and eight-day ones with engraved brass movements, plain dials, and single hands and more elaborate ones with a sweep second hand, revolving moon dials, and musical works.

The most sophisticated Peter Stretch clock found was owned by The State in Schuylkill.

Watches made by Thomas Peter Stretch were greatly treasured by their owners.

That she had not been so successful in locating many of the clocks made by Thomas Peter Stretch is attributed to the fact that they have reached the hands of dealers and been scattered across the country.