This sundial was placed on the south side of the Green County Courthouse sometime in the 1910s. It was designed and donated to the County by K.A. (Charles) Iffert, in appreciation for the wonderful care he received as a resident of the Green County Home. 

His proposal of the sundial to the 1904 board of supervisors read as: “If you will appropriate sufficient means for a marble slab, say 4 X 4 or 5 X 5 feet, 3 inches thick, I agree to furnish you the plan for a complicated sundial, my own invention, entirely new, with either single dials or concentric circles, for from 13 to 17 cities of different locations and time in the world, to either be worked out by a marble cutter or by myself, provided I have my own way and have my choice of tools to work with, plans to remain my own after work is completed.” The proposal was approved and the dial stood on the south side of the court house for some 30 years. 

In the background is the “Green County Honor Roll,” listing Green County men who served during World War I. Frank Luchsinger, veteran of the Spanish-American War, sponsored the inscribed boards.

By the spring of 1938, ravages of weather had worn down the inscribed figures and the shadow casting stripe of aluminum had been broken, it was agreed that the dial and board be dismantled. It is not known what happened to any of the parts. 

If you have any recollection of the dismantling of these items, please contact Linda Lostetter, 608-325-9730, to add that bit of history to this story. This photo and many other historic photos are included in the Monroe Area Pictorial History for sale from the Historical Society.

Upcoming events for the Historical society are: June 17, rummage sale and apron exhibit. On June 22, at 6:30 p.m., will be the GCHS Annual society meeting at the museum. Everyone is invited to attend and hear about activities. On Aug. 11 a quilt display will be held. Sept. 9 is the GCHS annual Heritage Fest with many old-time activities. The museum will be closing Sept. 30 with a Local Author’s Day, and Nov. 17-18 will be the annual Christmas Décor fundraising sale. Donations of good saleable Christmas decorations will be greatly appreciated, and can be dropped off any Monday morning between 9 a.m. and noon or call 608-325-9730 for pickup.