Her recent application for the marker ― these are the Ohio-shaped plaques that usually depicts a milestone anniversary or historically significant event ― was denied by Community Engagement Department of Ohio History Connection. Now her focus is on refurbishing the sundial, which would cost $10,000. The idea is to sell brick pavers at $100 a piece that would lead to the sundial to the left of the log cabin at the park.
“I was hunting for a place for the marker and that’s why it’s settled in Monument Park where the sundial was,” she said. “When I saw the sundial, I said, ‘Oh, that needs help,’” she said. “And that’s what parlayed me into the brick walkway and raising funds.”
Her initial plan was to have a dedication ceremony where she could unveil a refurbished sundial and the marker.
“But of course, the marker was not accepted, which I accepted that. Now I want to concentrate on the sundial,” she said, adding they have about 60% of the funds.
Earlier this spring, Tano Bistro held a fundraiser to help support the restoration efforts
The weathered bronze sundial is dated May 30, 1941, and is “To honor our fathers of the Grand Army of the Republic resented by Tent 117.”
In a 1941 article in the then-Hamilton Journal and Daily News, the sundial was dedicated on the grounds near what is now the Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument. The idea of the sundial came from the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War to acknowledge Josephine Straub Weiler, mother of Stella Weiler Taylor, by naming Tent Number 117 the Weiler Tent in Josephine’s honor.
Members of the Weiler Tent donated the bronze sundial memorial in memory of the G.A.R.
“It’s 83 years old and has history to it,” said Fox.
In order to restore the sundial, it would need to be dismantled and taken to J.K. Hawkins’ studio in Deer Park, where a new ornate gnomon would be attached as part of the restoration. When reinstalled, the sundial would be placed on a higher square cement block and rotated 90 toward the north to provide observers with the correct time.
The fundraiser is set to be complete by Dec. 31 with a planned spring rededication. to purchase a brick visit, www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/butler. For information, message Fox at foxks@miamioh.edu.
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