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A gorgeous grandfather clock, dated to the 1780s, has been installed in the Library’s 5th floor Heritage Room. This was made possible by a bequest from the late Brian E. McHugh ’59, who also included an incredible $500,000 endowment fund in support of the Library.
“Tall case” clock making flourished in Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early to mid-19th centuries, first imitating English craftsmanship before developing its own unique characteristics. This example, in the style of famed London furniture-maker Thomas Chippendale but likely Pennsylvania Dutch built, must be hand wound and includes a rotating dial depicting phases of the moon throughout the month. The hourly chimes have been disabled so all can study in peace, and two finials and an eagle, usually sitting on top, are currently being repaired.
This will serve to complement the beautiful grandmother clock, formerly belonging to Brian’s mother, on display in the 4th floor Reading Room of The Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections named in her memory.
It is with immense sadness that we announce the loss of Brian E. McHugh ’59, dear friend to the Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton, and the wider community.
Born in Kingston and a graduate of Kingston High School, Brian would serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged, Brian studied at the University of Havana, Cuba and earned a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Scranton in 1959.
With an entrepreneurial career spanning instruction, banking, and construction, Brian was most recently a field consultant for business development. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library and active in both the Luzerne County and Kingston Historical Societies. His generous estate gift to the library, in memory of his mother, resulted in the naming of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections.
He will be greatly missed.
