Daylight saving time is on Sunday, Nov. 5. Now, we’re still a little fuzzy, do we set our clocks backward or forward? (Backward). Will people in Arizona have to? (No). What does Senator Marco Rubio have to do with any of this? (The Sunshine Protection Act).
Let us dial into daylight saving time (DST) and highlight a handful of local clock toilers and tinkerers.
First, let’s turn back time
When did DST begin?
Benjamin Franklin believed that more daylight would help reduce the demand for light and electricity, thereby saving money. However, it wasn’t until WWI that Germany became the first to embrace DST in an effort to conserve fuel and cut industrial costs.
When did it take hold in America?
For years, states and cities throughout the US had their own start and stop times for DST. That’s cuckoo. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 finally standardized DST start and end dates across the nation.
So, all of the U.S. participates?
Well, no. Arizona, with the exception of the Navajo Nation, doesn’t. Nor does Hawaii. A slew of US territories don’t either.
That’s confusing, isn’t it?
It is. Florida Senator Marco Rubio wants to make DST a year-round affair. He’s been pushing for the Sunshine Protection Act, making it unnecessary to change time twice a year. No iteration of the bill has yet to pass the House.
So, now what?
Turn your clock back an hour on Sunday and, while you’re at it, take your watch or clock into one of Madison’s clock repair shops.
Brumley’s Old Clock Shop, 1343 Williamson St., Madison
Time moves, but Brumley’s doesn’t. It’s been in the same location for over 65 years.
Dykman’s Time Shop, 2701 University Ave., Ste. C, Madison
A full-service watch and clock store carrying such brands as Citizen, Seiko, Swiss Army, and Timex.
Kappel’s Clock Shop, 2250 N. Sherman Ave., Madison
Established in 1971, it is Wisconsin’s largest antique clock shop.
Wolff Kubly Time Center, 6305 University Ave., Middleton
Located within Niemann Ace Hardware, it’s been in service for over 30 years.
