09/04/2026
Welcome back to Fun Fact Friday! Now that we’re in the midst of back-to-school time, I thought it would be fitting to feature an item that often blends into the background, but is one that we all rely on, especially as our schedules change: a clock. In this case, the grandfather clock that resides next to the fireplace upstairs. According to the handwritten tag on the inside, this item used to belong to Reverend Stephen Baxter (1761-1846), who was the second minister ordained at the Congregational Church of Warren (then Western) in March 1791.
While there isn’t much else recorded about Rev. Baxter, the clock itself was donated to the museum by Joseph E. Lombard (1850-1920), son of Joseph B. Lombard (1817-1890), whose life overlapped with Rev. Baxter’s. We aren’t sure exactly how the Senior Mr. Lombard acquired the clock, but he did pass it on to his son, who later bequeathed it to the library. Joseph Edward Lombard was one of those Warren citizens who was involved in as many things as possible in his community. He served as Selectman, Assessor, and on the Cemetery Commission, and was a member of the Warren Thief Detecting Society, Warren Savings Bank Corporation, and First Universalist Church. On the side, he was a popular organist who played at all the churches in town. He was related to the Moore family by his aunt’s marriage to John Moore, and their descendant I. Walter Moore was the Treasurer of the Warren Public Library for 40 years, which might have influenced the decision to donate the grandfather clock. While it may longer function as it once did, this beautiful piece of craftsmanship can be viewed at the library anytime.
