Black History

Crafting Freedom and Time: The Life and Legacy of Clockmaker Peter Hill

Peter Hill, a skilled clockmaker, was born on July 19, 1767, in Burlington Township, New Jersey. Peter’s journey unfolded against the backdrop of both challenge and triumph.

Published

1 year ago

September 28, 2023

Oakland Post

One of clockmaker Peter Hill’s works is on display at the National Museum of History and Technology at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. File photo.

By Tamara Shiloh

Peter Hill, a skilled clockmaker, was born on July 19, 1767, in Burlington Township, New Jersey. Peter’s journey unfolded against the backdrop of both challenge and triumph.

Hill’s lineage is thought to trace back to enslaved parents, owned by Joseph Hollinshead Jr., a clockmaker. A twist of fate had Peter growing up within the Hollinshead household, where he absorbed the intricate art and craft of clockmaking. As he matured, the hands of destiny guided him towards assisting Hollinshead in his clock store, honing his skills with each passing tick.

In 1794, at the age of 27, Hollinshead emancipated Hill from the chains of enslavement, and the subsequent year witnessed the official affirmation of his freedom through a court document. A momentous turning point, this marked the beginning of Hill’s journey as a free man.

A love story of significance unfolded when Peter Hill and Tina Lewis exchanged vows on Sept. 9, 1795. Tina, celebrated for her adept writing and her efforts in offering education to African Americans within the community through the Society of Friends (Quakers), brought her own radiant light to their shared path.

After marrying, he embarked on a new endeavor in 1795, crafting clocks and watches within his Burlington, New Jersey home. As his craftsmanship flourished, so did his success, prompting him to expand his horizons. Alongside timepieces, Peter’s legacy extended to the ownership of cattle, horses, and expansive plots of land.

By 1814, Peter relocated his clockmaking business to Mount Holly. There, he thrived within the Quaker farming community where his creations would succeed. It was amidst the hum of paper mills and iron works that Peter’s clocks found their place.

The passage of time bore witness to the endurance of Peter’s craft. Not one, but two of his timepieces survived the era. The first, created for neighbor Rowland Jones in 1812, found a new home at Westtown School in Westtown, Pennsylvania.

The second, a stately tall case clock, graced the halls of the National Museum of History and Technology at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., a testimony to Hill’s enduring legacy.

On a notable date, Feb. 20, 1820, Peter Hill’s story took another turn as he acquired a brick dwelling house and land in Mount Holly. That same year, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy woven into every tick of time. Even after his passing, his influence, his craftsmanship, and the spirit of his journey continue to echo through the pages of history.

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Activism

LIVE! — TOWN HALL ON RACISM AND ITS IMPACT — THURS. 11.14.24 5PM PST

Join us for a LIVE Virtual Town Hall on the Impact of Racism hosted by Post News Group Journalist Carla Thomas and featuring Oakland, CA NAACP President Cynthia Adams & other Special Guests.
Thursday, November 14, 2024, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. PST

Published

5 days ago

November 12, 2024

Oakland Post

Discussion Topics:
• Since the pandemic, what battles have the NAACP fought nationally, and how have they impacted us locally?
• What trends are you seeing concerning Racism? Is it more covert or overt?
• What are the top 5 issues resulting from racism in our communities?
• How do racial and other types of discrimination impact local communities?
• What are the most effective ways our community can combat racism and hate?

Your questions and comments will be shared LIVE with the moderators and viewers during the broadcast.

STREAMED LIVE!
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Oakland Post: Week of November 6 – 12, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 6 – 12, 2024

Published

1 week ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention Highlights Black Voter Engagement, and More

A Friday panel featuring NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell and Regina Wilson, Executive Director of California Black Media, examined Project 2025, an initiative perceived as a potential threat to civil rights, healthcare access, and environmental protection. This session emphasized Project 2025’s projected impact on Black communities, noting that policies within the initiative could diminish gains in civil and environmental rights over decades. Russell and Wilson highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring and community mobilization to address these challenges.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Oakland Post

NAACP State Conference President Rick Callender (right) engages in a discussion on voter engagement and community advocacy with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson during the 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention in Los Angeles. Photo by Rich Woods.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

The 37th NAACP California-Hawaii State Convention concluded on Sunday, Oct 27, following four days of discussions and workshops at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Bringing together civil rights leaders, policymakers, and advocates from California and Hawaii, the convention operated under the theme “All In.” The participants discussed critical issues impacting Black communities, including criminal justice reform, health equity, economic empowerment, education, environmental justice, and voting rights.

On Saturday, the President’s Fireside Chat brought together NAACP President Derrick Johnson and CA/HI State Conference President Rick Callender, who discussed the urgency of voter engagement and community advocacy.

Guest speakers included Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), who spoke at the Women in NAACP (WIN) Labor Luncheon about the intersection of labor rights and civil rights. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond delivered remarks at the Leadership Dinner on education equity, focusing on policies to ensure all students have access to high-quality education.

Honors were given to longtime social justice advocate and former Assemblymember Mike Davis for his work in community activism. At the same time, actor and activist Danny Glover and the Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown received the 2024 Legacy Hall of Fame Awards, recognizing their lifelong commitments to advancing civil rights.

The convention also offered practical workshops, including “What’s On Your Ballot?,” where coalition leaders provided analyses of California propositions, explaining their potential impacts on community rights and resources. The Voter Turnout Workshop provided background and encouraged participants to promote voter turnout through community-centered outreach strategies.

Sunday’s events closed with a Prayer and Memorial Breakfast honoring the contributions of past and current civil rights leaders.