Sesquicentennial Celebration Class of 1908 Sundial Rededication

Family Day Saturday, October 9, 1999

Eastern Michigan University celebrated its 1999 Homecoming weekend in fine style with family events, football, and rememberances of 150 years of school history.

The Class of 1908 presented Michigan State Normal School with a sundial and granite pedestal that would stand in front of Sherzer Hall for several decades. In the 1960's, the sundial was removed and put into storage for reasons unknown.

Mr. Ron Miller, Manager of University Relations, rediscovered the sundial and proposed that it should be restored and placed back on campus. With the help of Sesquicentennial Community Committee member, Dr. Jerry Lamb, funds were raised toward that goal. Dr. Lamb, whose grandfather was William H. Sherzer for which the original science building was named, solicited support of the Sherzer family to make the project a success.

The original pedestal stands once again with the weathered inscription "Presented by Class of 1908" on the north face and a newly engraved "1849-1999/150 years" symbol noting our sesquicentennial year on the south face. Directions to select regional cities adorn the top of the granite base.

University President William E. Shelton, joined by Mr. Ron Miller, Dr. Jerry Lamb, and Mr. Norbert Vance officially rededicated the sundial to those gathered for Family Day activities outside Sherzer Hall. A tour of the observatory, directed by members of the EMU Astronomy Club, followed the ceremony.

 

 

How the Sundial Works

A sundial works by use of a gnomon or shadow-casting projection that points up towards Polaris, the north star, at an angle that corresponds to your latitude (N-S position) on earth. As the sun progresses across the sky, the gnomon's shadow falls along geometrically precise lines etched on the sundial face that note local apparent time.

At first glance, one might think the sundial was installed incorrectly when comparing your watch time to that of the sundial. However, there are important differences between the two:

1. your watch is set to a different time standard - Daylight Time or Standard Time, depending on the time of year
2. Ypsilanti is 35 minutes west of 75 degrees W longitude from which the Eastern Standard/Daylight Time zone is calculated
3. the Equation of Time, a plus-minus 16 minute correction to offset Earth's non-uniform motion around the sun must be accounted for

The sundial reflects on a simpler time when minutes and seconds were less important and local peoples went their own way with few concerns outside the community. So, please do not be alarmed if your watch is off by, say, 1 1/2 hours. Just don't rely on the sundial to get to that final exam on time!

 

 

The students of Eastern Michigan University can now enjoy a unique link to their heritage and a functional educational timepiece. The staff of the Physics and Astronomy Department wish to thank Mr. Ron Miller, Dr. Jerry Lamb and the Sherzer family, and President Shelton for this rededication.

 

 

We are pleased to announce that our sundial is registered with the North American Sundial Society