Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

The Gastown Steam Clock

Designed and Built by

— Raymond L. Saunders, Horologist —

The Gastown Steam Clock Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

1. The Gastown Steam Clock Marker

Inscription. The world's first steam powered clock has been created for the enjoyment of everyone. The live steam winds the weights and blows the whistles. Every 4.5 minutes one steel weight will travel by steam power to the top of the clock. The gravity driven "falling ball" drive Douglas L. Smith. Each quarter hour the clock will sound the Westminster chimes. The large whistle was 'engineered' by will sound once on the hour. The steam is supplied by the underground system of central heat distributors limited. The component parts cost $42,000 and the clock weighs over two tons.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 49° 17.066′ N, 123° 6.531′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on Water Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 Water Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1B8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gastown (here, next to this marker); Edward Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Greenshields Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Dominion Building (about 180 meters away, measured in a direct line); Here Stood Hamilton (about 210 meters away); Flack Block (about 210 meters away); 3rd Malkin Warehouse (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

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Steam clock (Wikipedia).

Overview: A steam clock is a clock which is fully or partially powered by a steam engine. Only a few functioning steam clocks exist, most designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders for display in urban public spaces. Steam clocks built by Saunders are located in Otaru, Japan; Indianapolis, United States; and the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Whistler and Port Coquitlam, all in British Columbia. Steam clocks by other makers are installed in St Helier, Jersey and at the Chelsea Farmers' Market in London, England.

Although they are often styled to appear as 19th-century antiques, steam clocks are a more recent phenomenon inspired by the Gastown steam clock built by Saunders in 1977. One exception is the steam clock built in the 19th century by Birmingham engineer John Inshaw to demonstrate the versatility of steam power.

(Submitted on December 14, 2023.)

Additional keywords. horology

The Gastown Steam Clock image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

2. The Gastown Steam Clock

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

3. The Gastown Steam Clock

The marker is on the other side of the clock (facing the bulding).

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

4. The Gastown Steam Clock

The clock's interworkings.

The Gastown Steam Clock sponsor plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

5. The Gastown Steam Clock sponsor plaque

The Gastown Steam Clock dedication plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023

6. The Gastown Steam Clock dedication plaque

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 18, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.