Video: Hidden Treasures — Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – During Mississippi State University football games, thousands of visitors flood the Junction and walk right by the Cullis Wade Depot. But take a minute to stop inside the Welcome Center and the tick-tock sound will surprise you. The Cullis and Gladys Wade Clock Museum is truly a timeless hidden treasure.

Your eyes and ears open wide to the chiming of hundreds of clocks as you enter the door. The walls are covered top to bottom with Cullis and Gladys Wade’s personal clock collection.

“Rather than having children, they had clocks. They collected their first one in 1967, and we have over 400 clocks dating back to the early 1700s,” said Christi Stevens, the Welcome Center coordinator.

The Wade’s bought their first clock at an antique store in Winona, and from there the collection grew, including clocks from abroad and many from the U.S. They donated it all to MSU in 2006. It’s the only clock museum in the state.

From small pocket watches to tall grandfather clocks, it takes quite a bit of work to keep each clock ticking.

“All of them are supposed to be on the same time. We have a gentleman that comes once a week and he winds all the clocks and sets them all. So most of them are set to almost the same time, and many are still functional,” Stevens said.

It’s a unique showcase of an item we all rely on. You can appreciate the fine details and artwork in each timekeeper.

“It’s a little hidden treasure at Mississippi State. A lot of people don’t know about it and we’re trying to reach out and let people know about it. To be here on the half hour when they all chime is amazing,” Stevens said.

The museum is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and three hours before every home football game. For more information call 662-325-5198, or visit  http://www.visit.msstate.edu/clock/.