Luther Stroup

Clock-making and woodwork

I started this in 1972, working with my grandfather. He started it back in 1949 after he retired; that’s why it’s called the Hobby Shop. After my grandfather died, my father, brother and I worked together.

I have developed some of my own patterns, but I still use my grandfather’s patterns. I also continued his numbering. Each clock is dated, signed and numbered. I don’t think my grandfather numbered the first 50 or so. The earliest number I’ve seen on a clock is number 56 made back in 1955. In 1973 I started keeping books for him. I’m rock solid from number 807.

I’ve done in my working life what a lot of people are retiring to do. I’ve personally delivered and set up clocks in 48 states, Canada and Mexico. I’ve had my hands on 2500 clocks that are from end of the country to the other. I’m leaving a legacy behind.

Luther Stroup is the owner of Stroup Hobby Shop and Gallery in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Luther began working with his grandfather, the Reverend H.M. Stroup, upon graduation from Carson-Newman College in the early 1970s, and he has been at the shop ever since. Stroup Hobby Shop features grandfather clocks, every one of which, except those shipped overseas, has been hand-delivered since 1949.

Luther’s decorative desk clocks are made from solid wood. They are hand cut and feature quartz movements. His wash tables feature solid wood construction and handmade dovetail drawers. Luther’s ornament boxes are also made from solid wood, with dovetail corners, and come with hand-blown glass ornaments.