Origins: Fine Furniture Craftsmanship in Michigan (1880–1968)
The story of Sligh clocks begins with the Sligh Furniture Company, founded in 1880 in Grand Rapids, Michigan by Charles R. Sligh and his brother-in-law, Louis Hawkins. Originally known for producing high-quality bedroom furniture suites — crafted to match case pieces in wood and finish — Sligh became one of the region’s respected furniture makers. The company built its early success on innovation in manufacturing and design, with a reputation for fine craftsmanship and enduring quality in wood case goods.
Through the first half of the 20th century, Sligh continued to produce furniture and adapt to market trends, notably shifting its focus to dormitory and student room furniture in the 1960s as living-space needs changed.
Trend Clock Acquisition and Clockmaking Era (1968–2005)
In 1968, Sligh acquired the Trend Clock Company, marking a pivotal expansion from furniture into horology. By integrating Trend’s expertise with its own tradition of fine wood casework, Sligh began producing clocks that matched the quality of its furniture — especially grandfather clocks and other timepieces featuring traditional design aesthetics.
As demand for traditional furniture declined in the 1970s, Sligh’s clock business grew, becoming a central part of the company’s identity. Over the next three decades Sligh grandfather clocks and other models were crafted with meticulous attention to woodwork and classic styling, making them prized heirlooms in homes across the United States.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, clocks and home office furniture had become major product lines, and Sligh continued refining its designs and manufacturing processes, often incorporating high-quality mechanical movements sourced from reputable makers.
End of American Clock Production and Aftermath (2005–2011)
In 2005, Sligh announced plans to end its clock manufacturing operations in Holland, Michigan, due to changing market conditions and declining demand for traditional grandfather clocks. Production of clocks ceased later that year, concluding nearly four decades of clock-making under the Sligh name.
Following the closure of the clock division, the broader Sligh furniture business continued. In 2011, Lexington Home Brands acquired the remaining Sligh furniture operations and continues to market products under the Sligh trademark, preserving the legacy of design and craftsmanship associated with the name.
Legacy and Collectibility
Sligh clocks, especially grandfather clocks crafted between the late 1960s and 2005, are appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts for their combination of fine woodworking and traditional timekeeping design. Though the brand is no longer producing clocks, its timepieces remain sought after in the secondary market and admired for their aesthetic and mechanical qualities.
Preserving Sligh Clocks for Future Generations
Whether you inherited a Sligh clock or found one as a collector’s piece, proper care and restoration can help it continue running for years to come. If your Sligh clock isn’t keeping time correctly, needs cleaning, or requires professional repair, Clock Repair Studio can help with expert diagnosis and service tailored to these classic American timepieces.
Call (267) 544-0439 or use the button below to schedule an appointment to bring your clock into our studio.