Updated: Time Well Spent At Hill's Antique Clocks

Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?

Rick Hill does. He may not be from Chicago, but the owner of on Washington Street makes your time his business.

Not since John Losch was active in his Braggville workshop has a craftsman been so devoted to the repair and restoration of clocks. Hill acquired his knowledge of the craft while working for many years in his brother’s Wellesley shop, and opened in Holliston a little more than a year ago.

“I have worked on many types of clocks over the years,” Hill said. “American tall clocks made here in Massachusetts are among my favorites to work on. But I think I get the most satisfaction in restoring a family piece, something that has a fond memory attached to it for the customer. To see someone’s reaction after the clock has been restored, especially if it hasn’t run in years, is great.”

Hill also has available for sale a fine collection of antique clocks, certain to satisfy a wide array of tastes and preferences.

Located a stone’s throw from , Hills Antique Clocks is open from 10 a.m. t 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. House calls for large clocks are scheduled for Mondays. More information is available at www.HillsAntiqueClockRepair.com.

WHO ARE WE NO. 22

Yes, we look like brothers,

For that is what we are.

The dads of many daughters,

No sons (at least so far).

The elder is a guy,

You’ll see him at the gym.

The younger used to keep the clock,

While looking up to him.

Who are we?

WHO AM I NO. 21 REVEALED

Carol was a classmate.

I was a Brentwood kid.

My mom worked at the High School.

And that’s where I met Syd.

I’m still around the High School,

With diamonds in my eyes.

My daughter’s named Marissa,

And she’s my greatest prize.

Who Am I?  I’m Steve Doney.

ENJOY A SLICE, HELP THE LIBRARY

508-429-2220.

That’s the phone number for . It’s one of the few phone numbers my feeble mind is able to retain, and I share it with you, my faithful Patch friend, so that you might treat yourself while helping the .

On Thursday, May 12, Table Top will donate 10 percent of your lunch or dinner bill to the Friends of the Holliston Public Library, with the presentation of a free coupon. This coupon is available by clicking this link http://www.hollistonlibrary.org/holliston/documents/tabletop%20pizza%20coupon.doc or can be found on the library’s website.

This is a great time to rediscover Table Top, which has served Holliston since the late 60s. My daughters were always big fans of the chicken finger dinners, while I preferred the Italian subs in the oven and the pepperoni pizza. In fact, as long as the anchovies are kept out of sight, you will always have a great meal at Table Top.

FRAMED AGAIN BY GILFOY ART

I admit now that I did it willingly. I confess, that if I had to do it again, I would. But believe me when I tell you, I was framed.

Twice in fact. By of Holliston.

The first time was a year ago. I had received a handwritten note from William Least Heat-Moon, the author of "Blue Highways" and one of my favorite writers. I was delighted that my meager existence was recognized by someone for whom I held such high regard and determined that I would frame this acknowledgement.

I visited Bruce and Jane Gilfoy at their shop, where they took the time to find out what I wanted and then helped me make my perfect framing selection. Heat-Moon is an author whose Native American background is strongly reflected in what he sees, what he feels, and what he believes. It is also reflected in his stationary. With the Gilfoys, I selected a frame and double mat combination that perfectly complimented his letter, while reinforcing my memories of family travels through the southwest. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Since October 2005, the Gilfoy’s have made their Central Street shop a center for the presentation of beautiful artwork and the preservation of precious memories. But Bruce is quick to point out a basic tenet of the business.

“One of the main issues we like to make customers aware of is that custom framing does not have to be expensive," said Bruce. "Sure, we offer unique, one of a kind, high-end frames, but we also offer several very nice inexpensive frames with great designs.

"Customers may not realize that the 'art' part of our name refers to my portraiture business," added Bruce. "This business started years ago while I was creating portraits in pencil, watercolor, pastel and oil. I started offering custom frames to my portrait customers, then later on, we offered our framing services to the walk in trade.”

Last Christmas, when I learned that my daughter desired a framed copy of a massive Kinks poster in which my wife (then fiancée) and I appeared in the crowd, again to Gilfoy’s did I travel. The results were equally impressive. Once again, they really got me.

“One of the greatest pleasures in this business is the look on customer’s faces when they come in to pick up their newly-framed piece,” adds Bruce.

Located at 44 Central Street, the store is open from 9 a.m, to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.