PORT ANGELES — On a sunny day, Peninsula College students have a rather large “artful” clock to measure the time.
The sundial — which is 8 feet tall, 4 feet wide and 8 feet deep — was donated by the late Honey Davis of Port Angeles in honor of her son, Ben Davis, who died in 2008.
The sundial, which casts a shadow and shows the time of day when in direct sunlight, is a polar analemmatic type invented by David Harbour in 1997 and later redesigned by Ben Davis, Peninsula College said in a statement.
Because of Ben Davis’ interest in sundials, his mother decided to donate one to the college in his honor, the college said.
“Honey Davis’ very generous gift to Peninsula College is deeply appreciated,” said Peninsula College President Tom Keegan.
“It’s fitting that it be placed by our Science and Technology Building so that Ben’s amazing engineering skills serve as an inspiration to our students and encourage them to stop and look and study his sundial.”
The sundial, which was placed on a concrete pad specifically made for it in July, was dedicated last month, with Honey Davis and other family and friends present.
The sundial was placed in a well-traveled, sunny area, said Mary Hunchberger, executive director of the Peninsula College Foundation, which accepted the art piece.
“Students often take time to stop and investigate the substantial sundial.”
Ben Davis’ cousin, Ben Schrenzel, said he liked the idea that Davis’ legacy is living on in a way that is both interesting and educational.
“Ben had a gifted engineering mind and could do anything with his hands,” Schrenzel said.
Although Davis had no formal engineering training, he served as a draftsman for General Motors in Detroit, designing and building tools.
For information on the college or foundation, visit www.pencol.edu.
