Amelia Peabody Sundial - Dover Town Library photo: Maureen Sullivan (Wicked Local Dover)

Although Amelia Peabody died in 1984, her legacy and interest in sundials continues. In 1920 she moved to Dover, Delaware, and began raising thoroughbred horses. Ultimately she purchased more than 800 acres in Dover, becoming its largest land owner. She built three houses on her Powisset Farm, three other houses on other properties, and another called the Sun House at 145 Powisset St. in Dover.

As Eleanor Tedesco reports in the Wicked Local Dover on-line news, “The Sun House reflected her interest in heat generated by the power of the sun and was the first of its kind in New England. But the house failed to reach its goal of heating the building with the sun’s heat.” But true to its name, a graceful sundial in the shape of a Nautilus shell decorated her yard.

Eleanor Tedesco continues, “The present owners of 145 Powisset St. sought help from the Dover Historical Commission about restoring the house, but found that the house had to be demolished. They replaced the Sun House with an entirely new building. In the process the present owners offered Amelia’s sundial to the town of Dover. The Dover Historical Commission accepted their offer.”

“The restoration and relocation of the sundial was carried out by Boy Scout Paul Krusell, as his project to become an Eagle Scout. He was aided by Scouts Ben Barry, Daniel Berry, Charlie Friesen, Seth Novitch, Nick Novitch, Curt Pfannenstiehl and Harry Thomas; and non-Scouts Jake Heinlein and Harry Thomas....The sponsors of the project were the Dover Historical Commission and the Dover Parks and Recreation Department with Paul Tedesco, Dover town historian, serving as mentor.”

“Team Leader Paul Krusell and his team members organized the removal of the sundial from the town garage where the Dover Historical Commission [had it stored] to its new site on the grounds of the Dover Public Library … They also restored the sundial to its original form by following photographs and seeking outside professional help as needed. The boys landscaped the site and, by negotiating with the Natick Memorial Monument Company, installed a small granite marker honoring Amelia Peabody.”

Read more about Amelia Peabody's Sundial at http://dover.wickedlocal.com/article/20140913/NEWS/140906871