Wow, the second of those two booklets is really pinging my déjà vu; I think my husband came across something like that in some of his (completely unrelated) research--I will have to ask him this evening! Are any of the stories any good?

What beautiful memories, too, of your grandfather's shop and your father's feelings about it! Even just reading your description is making me think what it would be like to be there when all the clocks chimed. Also, even though the thought of being gassed and living with the after effects is awful, it gives me a kind of hope or cheer knowing that your grandfather was able, in fact, to retrain and to have this whole other business. And your grandmother reminds me of my grandmother--the crafting angle.

Thank you so much for sharing!