Historical society owns unique clock

At one time, Terre Hill had a carpenter of note, who was known not only for his woodworking abilities, but also for his capacity to create beautiful pieces of furniture without being able to see. Royer Bixler, who died in 1998, was blind, but he was also a woodworker who was known for his skill and the finely crafted items he created, including a grandmother clock he built in 1983. That clock was donated to the Terre Hill Borough by former Mayor A. LaVerne Zell. For many years, the clock was located in the Terre Hill Borough Hall.

In March of 2021, the Terre Hill Borough council approved a request by the Terre Hill Area Historical Society (THAHS) to move the clock to the front area of the Terre Hill Community Center, 131 W. Main St., where THAHS has been quartered since 2017. The clock was not running properly when ownership was transferred to THAHS, but Hurst's Watch and Clock Repair restored it to working condition. THAHS member Nancy Weaver explained that the clock must be wound weekly to keep it running.

Royer had been a truck driver for a number of years before he lost the sight in one eye during an accident. Nearly 20 years later, he lost the vision in his other eye in a fishing accident. Following the second accident, Royer did not even want to leave his home on Broad Street. Members of the THAHS remember the Bixler family owning a restaurant and delivering sandwiches to various local manufacturing facilities after Royer lost his sight. At some point, Royer's wife, Dorothy, suggested he make her a set of lawn chairs and benches. Although he had never had any interest in woodworking, Royer took the challenge, and he never looked back, spending many happy hours working in the garage off the back of his home. Beginning with rough wood, Royer eventually learned to make finished hutches, doll cradles, benches, and tall clocks like the one the historical society now has on display. Royer used a special power saw, lathes, and other tools to create his works of art. In addition to becoming an accomplished woodworker, Royer was also a bowler, and he took part in the National Blind Bowlers Tournament in Toronto, Canada, in 1973. Royer is buried with Dorothy in the Terre Hill cemetery.

THAHS members have invited Royer's son, Clifford, to speak at a future meeting and share more information about his father. Meetings are held at the community center on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. More information about the organization may be found by searching for "Terre Hill Area Historical Society" on Facebook.