Rock Island  

 Sundial: 632
State/Province:  Illinois Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Horizontal Dial Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 41° 31.390' N  90° 32.744' W
Location:
  • Rock Island Arsenal
    Rock Island, Illinois
    Intersection of Gillespie and Blunt roads on north shore of Arsenal Island. Access requires admission to arsenal.
 
Description:
  • A horizontal dial approximately 30 inches diameter reportedly cast from an old brass (bronze, likely) cannon and weighing 175 pounds. Dial was weathered and damaged by vandals but restored in 1970 using black light to reveal the original engraved markings, which were re-engraved. Hours marked in Roman numerals with 2 minute marks. Noon gap mark aligns with North mark on base. The dial sits on a limestone base carved with crossed cannons and belt, date 1877.
 
General Information:Inscription:
  • Owner: Rock Island Arsenal
  • FUGACES LABUNTUR HORAE (Fleeting Hours are Gliding Hours)
    "Rock Island Sun Dial, Dedicated September 1877"
  • Designer: Frankfort Arsenal, PA
  • Builder: Frankfort Arsenal, PA
  • Construction Date: Sept, 1877; restored Sept, 1970
 
References: Web Links:
  • Steve Woodbury, "Sightings" column of NASS Compendium, March 2008

    "On behalf of the officers, men and civilian workers, I accept this sundial for the U.S. Army Weapons Command. As a symbol of time, the stuff that life is made of, this sundial will be a constant reminder that given the time, the many wonderful people of the U.S. Army Weapons Command and its Rock Island Arsenal will solve today's and tomorrow's problems while providing rich contributions to th

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Last Revised: 2019-07-19 22:02