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24-hour time wasn't in great civilian use in the States when I went to Europe for the first time, where it was more common. I asked my host whether people said things like "Seventeen Forty Five" aloud to each other, and he replied, No, that's military. They'd say five forty five (as the time the next train leaves, etc.)."
I wanted to clarify that in the States it'd be common to be told "five forty five" when asked the time. However, it'd be at least as common to hear it the "traditional" way in reference to an event: "It was around quarter of six by the time most of us left." In that sense, quarter of, quarter after, and half past are common enough. "Twenty-five of six" would seem an ungainly mouthful vs. "five thirty five", but most people round off "five thirty ... a little after ...."
Do they still have "time" (speaking clock) as a telephone service? My folks would've been furious when the bill arrived if I'd ever called it! In books, I've heard of folks calling it and pretending to have a conversation such as "Why Myrtle, you have a temperature of 102! I'll be right over with some extra strength aspirin!" to get rid of an unwanted guest.
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