Southampton  

 Sundial: 1094
State/Province:  Ontario Country:  Canada
Dial Type:  Horizontal Dial Condition:  Good
  Latitude and Longitude: 44° 29.716' N  81° 22.309' W
Location:
  • In front of the the town library, 215 High St., Southampton, Ontario.
 
Description:
  • A simple horizontal dial marked with solar hours, unusual in having a reflective chrome coating of the entire dial (in some spots the chrome has flaked off where the underlying material has started to rust). The gnomon is a triangular vane with a pattern of round holes pierced though it. The dial face is approximately 20" (50cm) square and wraps down at the edges to make a 3" (7.5cm) high block. It stands on a square concrete column about 3' (1m) high, which also contains a hidden Time Capsule.

    The dial was installed in 1983 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the town. A newspaper article from the time describes the unveiling of a bronze dial, so either the reporter was mistaken or the dial now present is a replacement. The reflective coating produces an interesting and pleasing visual effect. It is sometimes said that use of shiny materials make sundials hard to read; However, at least on a bright day, a distinct shadow is easily discerned on this dial provided one is standing in a position approximately opposite the sun.

    NASS thanks Krista Keller of Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre for assistance, especially for the PDF document of the sundial's unveiling in 1983 during the 125th anniversary of the town's incorporation.
 
General Information:
  • Owner: Town of Southampton
  • Designer: Unknown
  • Builder: Joint endeavour of several local small businesses
  • Construction Date: 1983
 

Attachments Available:

Last Revised: 2023-07-02 18:52