John Bertram, known as Jack, was a talented hobbyist clock repairer and often repaired clocks for other people. A panel beater and sheet metal worker by trade, his hobby enabled him to tackle the task of making a skeleton clock styled from old English versions, which sometimes resembled church buildings.
Jack’s inspiration was Chalmers Church on the corner of St John and Frederick Streets, Launceston. His fusee skeleton clock was a scaled-down version of Chalmers Church, set on a marble base, complete with fence, and under a glass and brass case.
So, truly a Tasmanian-made clock and an important piece of Tasmania’s history that we feel must be recorded.
© Graham Mulligan 2022
BERTRAM, John (Jack)
Born 16 July 1919, East Malvern, Melbourne, Victoria
Parents: Lewis and Eliza Maud Bertram (formerly Hilet)
Skills: Panel beater, sheet metal worker, hobbyist clock repairer and manufacturer.
Marriage: 13 December 1941, Gospel Hall, Launceston, to Eunice Catherine James
1941: Enlisted for service in World War II.
Father of John, Gregory, and Elizabeth.
Died 18 September 2007, Launceston
References:
Web: Births Death Marriages Victoria, Registration No. 20853/1919; National Archives of Australia; World War II record, Series A9301, Service no. 31503; Launceston City Council, Carr Villa Cemetery record 2007.
The Mercury (Hobart) 24 December 1941.
Photo: Graham Mulligan collection.