This find from a weekend garage sale is a rare artifact from Ilwaco's high school that burned down in 1936.

ILWACO – This past weekend’s garage sales brought out an unexpected historic treasure. Nestled among many other nice things was the vintage clock that was used in the gym of the very early high school in Ilwaco.

The school burned in a 1936 fire, but apparently the gym was saved. The building, which replaced the old high school on the same site, is now known as Hilltop.

According to the clock owner, she formally ran an antique store in Grays River and was a good friend of Erna Preston, now deceased, a former Ocean Park resident. For many years Mrs. Preston’s family owned and operated The Shake Shack in Ocean Park, a small “burgers and fries” place remembered by local old timers. Somehow Mrs. Preston ended up with this old clock, which she kept for many years before finally giving it to the lady at the antique store, as well as many vintage treasures from The Shake Shack. So the history of the clock has been documented verbally.

Ironically, during the garage sale two elderly people happened by who actually recognized the clock, further verifying its authenticity.

The new owner of this special item, Ocean Park resident David Tellvik, was able to purchase the clock for his wife, Sandra, who grew up on the Peninsula and has an interest in local history and artifacts. The clock face and instruments were made by the Hammond Clock Co., founded in 1928 with the invention of the electric clock. In 1932 they went out of business because of the Depression, so this information clearly dates the clock.

Some of the paint is missing from the face but it still runs and keeps good time. The wooden case appears to have been hand-made, indicating the original case could have been damaged. Ms. Tellvik would appreciate a call from anyone who has additional knowledge of the clock because she would like to know more about its history. She can be reached at 665-0150.