NAWCC Chapter 178 -

The Howard Banta Alarm Clock Chapter

Welcome

We hope you can find what you are looking for with the navigation menu above, or by referring to our Chaper News link. May we suggest you view a featured alarm clock, an article, or a newsletter?

Wake up dear soul, an active life awaits.

Purpose

This alarm clock club is dedicated to the memory of Howard Banta. Officially, we are Chapter 178 of NAWCC (National Association Watch and Clock Collectors). Noisy, quiet, large, small, swinging , stable, or whatever, alarm clocks are our major interest. We hope you enjoy browsing these pages and will somehow find time to help us or others to broaden the coverage of this fascinating area.

Howard Banta Biography

Our Founder

Howard Banta was the founder of NAWCC Chapter 178 and was National Director from 1977-81. He was also past president of the San Fernando Chapter 75.

His extensive collection consists of alarms originating from the 1870's to 1936. It even includes one of the famous Drum Alarms made by Seth Thomas - thought to be one of only four in existence.

We are pleased to provide a photo album of his collection (photos by Mike Wilson). Howard was always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm.Mike also did a seven page interview and images of Howard Banta and his collection for the 2003 volume 1 newsletter.

Howard kept active right to the very end; his last chapter event was to attend a luncheon for Australian visitors and to give a guided tour of his collection to them in late June, 2003. Howard was a friend and mentor to us all and he is sorely missed. He passed away August 19, 2003.