Sailing Sundial – Clear Lake, IA
N 43° 08.258 W 093° 22.748
15T E 469166 N 4776168
This pretty sundial is located on the front lawn of the First Church of Christ Scientist, and is in keeping with the nautical theme of this lake-side community.
Waymark Code: WMJFC0
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 11/11/2013
Views: 5
This pretty sundial is located on the front lawn of the First Church of Christ Scientist, and is in keeping with the nautical theme of this lake-side community. It is mounted on a granite boulder with a ship model and marker. The marker reads:
“The Sundial.” Before the development of the clock in the 14th Century, the sundial was used to mark the divisions of the day. The sundials gnomon, represented by the sloping edge of the sailboat’s forestay and gaff boom, is parallel to the axis of the earth and, therefore, points to Polaris – the pole of the heavens. Aligned north and south the gnomon’s purpose is to cast a shadow on the numerical base in order to indicate the time of day.
The sailboat “Speed,” shown here in model form, first began plying the waters of Clear Lake in 1879. She was brought to the lake by Capt. Van Sant of Le Clair and sold to the Green Brothers (Black Diamond Fleet) where she is reputed to have been the fastest boat on the lake. “Sum sine sol (e nihil)”
This sundial was placed here in memory of Margaret and Arleigh Eddy by the Friendly Garden Club in 1994. It makes a stunning addition to this pretty church lawn.
Sundial Type: Polar - dial plate parallel with earth axis
Related Web Site: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Only one log per location per person. You should log your own waymarked sundials as well.
GPS in photo optional.