You would be hard pressed to find too find many Ketchum residents, let alone visitors, who are aware that the metal inlaid into the intersection of Leadville Avenue and Fourth Street was intended for more than decorative purposes.
Many may have noticed the figure-eight design and unique lampposts, but they have significance beyond mere decorations. The lampposts are topped with imitation crystals to symbolize Idaho's designation as the Gem State. Also, the analemma, the technical name for the metal inlay, which represents the pattern chartered by the sun on its seasonal path, is just one part of a large-scale sundial. This traditional timing device has never been functional, due to the fact that the gnomon—the "shadow maker" of a sundial—was never erected, though the concrete base sits on the southwestern corner of the intersection.
According to Ketchum resident Royce Milaskey, who had a hand in the project when it began in 1984, the completion of Harriman Square, as the intersection is called, would be an opportunity to showcase Ketchum's heritage and help give the city center a sense of place.
To do so would include the introduction of the gnomon and restoration of the steel analemma, on which no maintenance has been performed since it was laid. As well, there would be the construction of a historical information board along with a sculpture recognizing Union Pacific Chairman and Sun Valley founder Averill Harriman's role, not only in the valley, but for the nation in general. Milaskey said this would be a great method of honoring the town's heritage.
However, as with any project, the completion of Harriman Square would require plenty of funding, something the city has deemed impossible, especially with Phase 2 of the Fourth Street Heritage Corridor—a renovation of Fourth Street that includes Harriman Square—expected to come in right at budget.
That is not to say city officials aren't willing to help out where possible.
The Ketchum City Council decided at a meeting earlier this month that the Ketchum Community Development Corp. would search for grant money to purchase and install the gnomon. The decorative crystal lamps would be wired for electricity and the concrete planters in front of Ozzie's Shoes would be removed. The pavers within the sundial would also be replaced.
Despite Milaskey's request, that was the extent to which city officials were willing to commit.
Milaskey, who has been the lead advocate for completion of the Harriman Square project, said he has received plenty of support from local businesses to donate in-kind services, such as landscaping.
But funding is not the only issue causing concern.
Bidding on Phase 2 of the Heritage Corridor construction, which will widen sidewalks along Fourth Street from Leadville to Washington avenues, was delayed by nearly three weeks, putting the eventual contractor on a tight schedule to finish by July 4, in time for the Fourth on Fourth celebration.
"We're not going to take the risk of delaying the Heritage Corridor project because we are under a lot of pressure to be done by July," Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall said. "I would definitely be supportive (of the Harriman Square project) as long as it doesn't change the deadline."
For Milaskey, the hope is to get the green light to work on the analemma while the contractor is working on the sidewalk expansions and other planned improvements for the intersection.
With the council set to award the Fourth Street bid on April 23 and to hold a pre-construction meeting the following week, Milaskey and other supporters will have the chance to work on the logistics with city officials and, more importantly, the contractor. For Milaskey, this is the perfect opportunity to continue the community effort that began more than two decades ago, and finally see the Harriman Square project through to completion.
But supporters have their work cut out for them.
"I think it's going to be difficult to get the new sundial done within the narrow timeframe," City Administrator Jim Jaquet said.
Harriman Square at the intersection of Leadville Avenue and Fourth Street in Ketchum has for 30 years been home to a decorative sundial and symbolic lampposts. Their renovation and retention as part of the new Fourth Street Heritage Corridor, however, is in question.
Graphic courtesy Royce Milaskey
