Clock Structure
Each clock face has a diameter of 80 centimetres (31 in). Its base is 13 by 4 metres (43 ft × 13 ft) and stands 26 metres (85 ft) tall.
One unique clock feature uses "IIII" for the number 4 instead of the traditional Roman number "IV". Based on a local story, the four vertical lines represents the four workers who died while constructing the building.
The laying of the Jam Gadang cornerstone was done by the 6-year-old son of Rook Maker, the city secretary of Bukittinggi at the time.
Read more about this topic: Jam Gadang
Famous quotes containing the words clock and/or structure:
““Pop” Wyman ruled here with a firm but gentle hand; no drunken man was ever served at the bar; no married man was allowed to play at the tables; across the face of the large clock was written “Please Don’t Swear,” and over the orchestra appeared the gentle admonition, “Don’t Shoot the Pianist—He’s Doing His Damndest.””
—Administration in the State of Colo, U.S. public relief program. Colorado: A Guide to the Highest State (The WPA Guide to Colorado)
“Who says that fictions only and false hair
Become a verse? Is there in truth no beauty?
Is all good structure in a winding stair?
May no lines pass, except they do their duty
Not to a true, but painted chair?”
—George Herbert (1593–1633)