The Gastown Steam Clock

The world's first steam powered clock was created for the enjoyment of everyone. Live steam winds the weights and blows the whistles. Every 4.5 minutes one steel weight travels by steam power to the top of the clock. The gravity driven "falling ball" drive Douglas L. Smith. Each quarter hour the clock sounds 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.

British Columbia · Canada